New Missouri Law Lets Abused Women Arm Themselves Before It’s Too Late

On July 31, 2025, a new law called House Bill 1891 officially went into effect for Americans in Missouri. It lets people who have a restraining order (usually because of abuse) carry a concealed firearm for up to 90 days without needing a permit.

To many, this law is just common sense. If someone is in danger, they shouldn’t have to wait weeks or months to defend themselves. They should be able to protect their life right away.

Taking the Second Amendment Seriously

Supporters say the new law is about more than just guns. It’s about freedom. About giving victims a fighting chance.

The Constitution gives every law-abiding citizen the right to bear arms. Conservatives believe that right includes the ability to protect yourself, especially when you’re facing threats at home.

Getting a gun permit can take time, money, and paperwork – but for someone escaping abuse, time is often the one thing they don’t have.

Empowering the Vulnerable

Let’s be honest – restraining orders don’t always stop violent people. In some cases, they do nothing at all.

Supporters of HB 1891 argue that a firearm can be the only thing standing between a victim and an abuser. Many of those victims are women.

If a 6-foot-2, 200-pound man kicks in your door at 2 a.m., a piece of paper isn’t going to stop him – but a loaded handgun might.

The new law gives victims 90 days to carry concealed while they work through the normal permitting process. That means they can be armed during the most dangerous time – right after leaving their abuser.

Less Red Tape, More Protection

HB 1891 also fits into a bigger conservative idea: trusting people, not the government, to take care of themselves.

Too often, government rules get in the way. Gun safety classes, background checks, and permit fees might sound helpful on paper, but in real life, they can delay help when it’s needed most.

Critics say the law is risky. Some domestic violence shelters worry that people without proper training might misuse firearms.

But gun rights groups say that argument doesn’t hold up. Conservatives argue that mandatory training laws often hit low-income victims the hardest.

If someone can’t afford a class or take time off work, they shouldn’t be left defenseless.

Instead, we could focus on supporting the vulnerable by teaching them how to use their weapons safely in free classes; I’m sure there are plenty of licensed gun rights activists who’d be more than happy to volunteer their time to make that happen.

What the Law Says: Requirements to Qualify

To use the exemption under HB 1891, the person must:

• Have a valid restraining order issued after a court hearing where the abuser had a chance to respond (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.101.11).
• Not be banned from having guns under state or federal law. That means:
  • No felonies or recent violent misdemeanors
  • No mental health rulings or involuntary commitments
  • No dishonorable military discharges or active indictments
• The exemption lasts for 90 days after the restraining order is issued.
• The person must follow Missouri’s general firearm laws, including where concealed guns are banned (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.107).

What It Means in Practice

This law lets victims carry a concealed handgun without the usual concealed carry permit (CCW) for 90 days. Normally, getting a CCW requires background checks, fees, and an 8-hour safety course.

After the 90 days, victims have three options:

1. Apply for a CCW permit if they want to keep carrying in cities that require it (like St. Louis or Kansas City).
2. Use Missouri’s permitless carry law if they’re 19 or older and otherwise eligible.
3. Stop carrying concealed if they choose not to pursue the above.

How the Process Works

1. Get a restraining order through your local court. This involves filing paperwork and going to a hearing.
2. Make sure you’re eligible to carry under state and federal law.
3. Buy or use a legal firearm. Licensed dealers will still run a background check.
4. Start carrying. You don’t need to fill out any extra forms. Just carry a copy of your restraining order in case law enforcement asks.

After 90 days, you need to switch to a permit or follow Missouri’s general carry rules.

National Media Ignoring the Story

While Missouri media outlets like the St. Louis Post-Dispatch covered the new law, most national networks haven’t picked it up yet. Instead, they focus on stories that call for more gun control.

That’s frustrating for conservatives who see stories like this as proof that gun ownership can save lives – not end them.

A Model for Other States?

With violent crime still high in many parts of the country, supporters say Missouri’s new law should be copied in other states.

The right to self-defense doesn’t disappear when someone is at their most vulnerable. In fact, that’s exactly when it matters most.

To those backing HB 1891, this isn’t just a gun rights win. It’s a human rights win. It’s about giving victims the tools they need to stay alive.

When the system fails, people should be allowed to protect themselves – and not be punished with red tape for trying.