Gun ban weighed for domestic batterers

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Advocates for domestic violence victims and the National Rifle Association are working with lawmakers to keep firearms out of the hands of batterers.

The Columbia Missourian reported the issue is with a new law that allows Missourians to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.

The concern is law-enforcement officers no longer will be able to use the permitting process to ensure guns don't fall into the wrong hands when the law takes effect Jan. 1.

Efforts to address the concern are expected during the upcoming session.

They'll focus on making state law mirror a federal law that bars gun ownership for people convicted of domestic violence and those subject to a restraining order.