Does the right “to keep and bear arms” come at a cost?

It was included in the U.S. Constitution. Later this summer, Missouri voters will decide whether to enhance the right to bear arms in the state constitution — a proposal that the official summary cautions could come at a “significant” financial cost.

Although no specific, direct monetary figures are cited in the ballot wording approved by Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich, it says the passage of the measure “will likely lead to increased litigation and criminal justice-related costs.” That’s based on an assumption that the amendment would give people new grounds to challenge Missouri’s criminal laws and local ordinances restricting guns.

Louisiana adopted a similar measure two years ago, and since then, numerous legal challenges have been filed against gun laws.

State Sen. Kurt Schaefer, the sponsor of the Missouri ballot measure, said he doubts it will lead to large costs. But he acknowledged that the amendment — if approved Aug. 5 — could have repercussions for the state treasury.

“There may be some times when the right is infringed by the federal government or by someone else, where it is incumbent on the state to step forward,” said Schaefer, a Columbia Republican who is running for attorney general in 2016. “Will there be a cost with that? Absolutely. Is that cost worth it to uphold that right that Missourians have? Absolutely.”

The Missouri Constitution already states: “That the right of every citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property … shall not be questioned.”

The ballot proposal would expand that to cover ammunition and firearms accessories, state that gun rights are “unalienable” and require strict legal scrutiny for any gun-rights restrictions.

Among other things, the proposed amendment says: “The state of Missouri shall be obligated to uphold these rights and shall under no circumstances decline to protect against their infringement.” That language is cited as one reason for the significant cost projections.

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