Now, as Nixon noted, “an individual who applies for a permit and is denied based on the sheriff’s determination. would nevertheless be allowed.to carry a concealed weapon in Missouri the moment he leaves the sheriff’s office”. An analysis by legislative research staff said the cost was unknown but could exceed $100,000 for both state and local governments.
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The House voted 112-41 to override Nixon’s veto and the Senate voted 24-6.
The bill also removes the training requirement, but supporters said a free Internet course is available.
In Missouri, voters without a photo ID can still vote if they sign an affidavit swearing that they lack any type of identification.
Both the gun and voting measures originally passed with enough support to override Nixon if lawmakers stick to their original votes.
The measure, described by supporters as “constitutional carry”, would allow people to carry hidden guns anywhere they can now carry weapons openly, effective January 1.
The guns law allows most adults to carry concealed weapons without needing permits or training.
The Missouri chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement condemning Missouri lawmakers for kowtowing to the gun lobby and ignoring Missouri voters by voting to override Governor Nixon’s veto of SB 656, a unsafe gun bill that dismantles Missouri’s concealed carry permit requirement and lets people-including some violent criminals, certain repeat drug offenders, and people with no firearms safety training- carry hidden, loaded handguns in public.
Gov. Jay Nixon is making more budget cuts after Missouri lawmakers overrode his vetoes on several bills creating new tax breaks. The bill also requires the state to pay for photo IDs for those lacking them, as well as for any underlying documents such as birth certificates and marriage licenses needed to get a state identification card.
The legislature’s override also makes Missouri the 30th state to adopt some version of the stand-your-ground statute that absolves citizens of the duty to retreat from unsafe situations. But Missouri’s measure would make it the first new “stand-your-ground” state since 2011.
Some legislators anxious that looser gun laws would put racial minorities at greater risk. “(Senate Bill 656) strengthens Missouri’s Stand Your Ground laws, expands Castle Doctrine protections, and provides members of the military with extra time to renew their carry permits”, Johnson said in a written statement.
During debate Wednesday, sponsoring Republican Rep. Justin Alferman argued that the photo ID requirement would “protect our elections against fraud”.
“As if opposing lifesaving policies like criminal background checks on all gun sales wasn’t bad enough, the gun lobby continues to push to put more guns in more places, with no questions asked – laws that make the jobs of those who serve and protect us more hard and more risky”.
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Supporters of the bill said it will help prevent voter fraud. Kiki Curls said, referring to the self-defense provisions.
