“It basically strengthens the (constitution’s) language to guarantee individuals’ right (to keep and bear arms) at the highest level, which is unalienable,” Schaefer said. “It is the obligation of the state to uphold that right” if the amendment passes.

During this past session, the Senate passed the measure 23-8 and the House passed it 122-31.

Groups have formed to support as well as oppose the measure, but not much money has been raised, according to campaign finance records. The group Say No on Amendment 5 has reported receiving $5,839 in donations, while Missourians Protecting the 2nd Amendment reported no donations in the most recent campaign finance reports.

Schaefer said the state’s constitution needed to be updated in light of two U.S. Supreme Court cases involving the Constitution’s Second Amendment: District of Columbia v. Heller in 2008, which stated that the Second Amendment protected an individual’s right to own guns; and McDonald v. Chicago in 2010, which stated an individual’s right to keep and bear arms applies to state and local gun laws.

Additionally, Schaefer feels the Second Amendment should be treated with the same protections as others such as the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure.