GUNNING FOR VOTES ON PROPOSITION B (PROB B: HIT OR MISS?) (FIRST IN A SERIES)

Missouri voters will decide April 6 if Proposition B, the concealed weapons measure, is right on target.

The measure would allow residents to obtain permits to carry concealed guns.

John Lott Jr., a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, has studied concealed weapons laws nationwide. He estimates about 22,000 people would hold permits in Missouri after three years, assuming the measure passes.

Both sides in the debate over concealed weapons are gunning for votes.

Proponents -- led by the National Rifle Association-backed Missourians Against Crime -- say an armed public can help fight crime.

But opponents -- led by the Safe Schools and Workplaces Committee -- contend citizens would become armed and dangerous. They argue that a concealed weapons law wouldn't deter violent crime.

Is Proposition B a hit or miss measure? Voters will decide in the first referendum on concealed weapons in the nation.

Forty-three other states have right-to-carry laws in some form. But those laws have been enacted by legislatures.

Robin Carnahan, Gov. Mel Carnahan's daughter, is leading the fight against the ballot measure. But she has maintained a low profile, preferring to let other campaign staffers speak out against Proposition B.

In recent years, the NRA sought to legalize concealed weapons through the Legislature. But the efforts fell short.

The biggest roadblock has been the opposition of Gov. Carnahan, who believes that legalizing concealed weapons would lead to more violence.

Last year, lawmakers bypassed the governor by approving a bill that authorized the April referendum.

A simple majority is needed for passage of Proposition B.

Missouri's ballot measure would allow residents who meet eligibility requirements to obtain permits from their local sheriff's department to carry concealed weapons.

The measure also would apply to ex-law enforcement officers, who under current law can't carry concealed weapons.

Concealed weapons would be banned from churches, schools, polling places, federal and state office buildings and any business that posts signs to that effect.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, undergo a background check and pass a handgun safety course that includes at least 12 hours of training before they will be issued a permit.

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan said, "It is not an automatic thing. it is more than just an application to acquire a gun."

Under the measure, a sheriff's department has 45 days to issue or deny a permit.

Jordan said sheriff's offices would check federal and state crime records as part of a background check.

Applicants also would have to sign a release allowing the sheriff's office to check mental health records, which are normally closed to outside inspection.

Applicants' juvenile records also could be reviewed as part of the background checks.

Jordan said such investigations take time and manpower. "It will physically take an investigator to do a background check," he said.

Proposition B takes effect immediately if passed, the sheriff said.

But he said the Missouri Department of Public Safety will have to set some rules and procedures in place before sheriff's departments can start processing applications.

Jordan won't say publicly whether he supports or opposes the ballot measure.

Members of the state sheriff's association helped draft the concealed weapons measure. But he said the association has remained neutral on the issue.

A number of sheriffs, however, have voiced support for the measure.

Jordan said he expects a small percentage of Cape Girardeau County residents to apply for permits.

"Realistically, we're looking at probably 500 to 1,000 permits within the first couple of years," he said.

The concealed weapons issue has divided Missouri's law enforcement community.

Opponents have suggested passage of the measure would turn Missouri into the "wild, wild West."

Proponents dismiss such fears as unfounded.

Cape Girardeau Police Chief Rick Hetzel opposes Proposition B.

"As chief of police, I feel I would be irresponsible to advocate a measure that would put more weapons on the street," he said.

Even with firearms training, it isn't easy shooting another person even in self defense, Hetzel said. "It is not like on TV."

Hetzel calls the ballot measure "feel-good legislation."

But he said the reality is far different. Gun-toting citizens aren't the answer.

"The bad guy simply shots you now or he arms himself more," said Hetzel.

But Chaffee Police Chief Keith Carr sees nothing wrong with letting citizens carry concealed weapons.

Criminals, he said, already pack guns. "The guns are already out on the streets."

Said Carr, "What Proposition B will allow is law-abiding citizens to be in possession of guns."

The Chaffee police chief said many rank-and-file law enforcement officers favor the concealed-weapons measure.

Carr, Lott and other concealed-weapons supporters say the high permit fee and the training requirement will keep some people from applying for the permit.

Any gun safety program would have to be approved by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The training would be an added cost to applicants, Carr said.

"You could be looking at a couple hundred dollars for training," Carr said. "How many people are going to invest that much money?"

PROP B

The measure on the April 6 ballot would:

Allow law-abiding Missourians to obtain permits to carry concealed weapons.

Permit holders:

Must be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen and a resident of Missouri for at least six months.

Must apply to the local sheriff's office and undergo fingerprinting and criminal background check.

Must pass approved handgun safety course that includes at least 12 hours of instruction. and .

Permits won't be issued to:

Convicted felons or fugitives from justice.

Those convicted of a misdemeanor involving a firearm or explosive.

Persons who have been dishonorably discharged from the military.

Alcohol or illegal drug abusers.

Anyone deemed mentally incompetent or mentally ill.

Anyone with a history of violent behavior toward others, except in self-defense, in the last five years.

Cost:

$80 for a three-year permit. Renewals cost $35.

Prohibitions:

Concealed weapons are banned from:

churches

schools

polling places

federal or state office buildings

any business that posts a sign stating that firearms aren't allowed