Nixon vetoes concealed-carry bill; area lawmakers say Republicans may have votes to override

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed Republican-backed legislation Monday that would have allowed people to carry concealed weapons without training, a background check or a permit.

State Reps. Kathy Swan and Donna Lichtenegger, who backed the bill, said they believe there is a likelihood lawmakers will have the votes to override the governor’s action when they convene for a veto session in September.

In his veto message, Nixon wrote the bill would have allowed people to carry a concealed firearm legally even if they have been denied a permit because their background check revealed criminal offenses or caused the sheriff to believe they posed a danger.

Nixon wrote, “I cannot support a system that would ignore a determination by the chief law-enforcement officer of a county that an individual is a danger to the community and should not be authorized to carry a concealed firearm.”

Nixon voiced support for the Second Amendment right to gun ownership but said he could not support “the extreme step of throwing out” existing regulations and “taking away the ability of sheriffs to protect their communities.”

Rep. Donna Lichtenegger

But Lichtenegger, R-Jackson, said the legislation would make it easier for people to carry concealed weapons and protect themselves.

“The bad guys all have guns, and they certainly don’t have permits,” she said. “I want the people to be protected.”

The current permit system require applicants to complete at least an eight-hour firearms safety course and pay a $100 fee to obtain a permit from their local sheriff’s department.

Lichtenegger said the cost can be a burden for low-income residents.

Critics of the bill have voiced concern the measure would result in people packing guns without proper training.

But Lichtenegger suggested people who want to carry a gun also will learn how to use it.

Lichtenegger said many of her constituents support the measure.

“With all the turmoil going on, a lot of people would love to have guns,” she said. “People just don’t feel safe.”

Rep. Kathy Swan

Swan, R-Cape Girardeau, said she has heard from constituents on both sides of the issue. Swan said she understands the concerns of law enforcement but agrees with Lichtenegger most people will learn how to use a weapon if they plan to carry it.

Swan said gun buyers already have to pass a federal background check.

The Cape Girardeau lawmaker pointed out the bill did not eliminate existing requirements as to where people can carry concealed weapons.

If lawmakers override the veto, the public still would be barred from carrying concealed weapons in police stations, jails, near polling places, meetings of government bodies, bars without consent, airports, schools, amusement parks, churches, sports arenas with seating for more than 5,000 people, hospitals and private and public places where posted.

Swan said law-enforcement officials around the state did not lobby her and other lawmakers to oppose the bill.

Wes Blair

“This is not seen as something that would put our communities in danger,” she said.

But Cape Girardeau Police Chief Wes Blair said the bill “jeopardizes public safety.”

He said it is important for people to have proper training and pass a background check to carry a gun. Blair said police are not opposed to concealed carry, “but we need to be smart about it.”

Blair serves as vice president of the 600-member Missouri Police Chiefs Association.

Nixon said the police chiefs association and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, representing 6,400 law-enforcement officers across the state, indicated the legislation potentially could decrease the safety of the general public and police officers.

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan said regardless of whether the bill becomes law, gun owners still will be able to obtain a concealed-carry permit.

He said gun owners should obtain permits if they plan to travel to other states with concealed weapons.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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