ST. LOUIS–(KMOX)– Lt. Governor Peter Kinder says the Missouri Department of Revenue is illegally sharing information on concealed gun permit applicants with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“We’re trying to get answers from the Governor and he’s stonewalling us,” Kinder said, “Missourians have a right to know where this policy came from.”

KMOX is awaiting calls back from both Governor Jay Nixon’s office.  The Department of Revenue issued a statement saying its operations are “consistent with the protocols of state law.”

The allegation first surfaced Monday in a lawsuit filed by Eric Griffin of Stoddard County, Missouri. Griffin’s suit claims he was seeking a concealed carry gun licence at a local fee office, when he was told his personal information would be forwarded to other government agencies. A judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the alleged data sharing, and a hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers say such data sharing would be a violation of Missouri law.

“It’s illegal already,” said Representative Casey Guernsey (R-Bethany), “If you look at what we passed in 2009, the Department of Revenue shouldn’t be doing this. They should be protecting the people of Missouri rather than taking that information, especially as it relates to people’s conceal and carry permits.”

Lawmakers are working to tighten up the existing law to specifically prohibit the sharing of data on gun ownership. Guernsey says gun owners are worried that the compiling of a list of conceal carry owners could eventually be used to confiscate guns.

“It’s exactly what they would need to target whoever they want to go after with guns,” Guernsey said, “There’s no other reason why you would need a list.”

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