Post by azhiraz on Sept 11, 2003 21:32:21 GMT -5
The following comments are excerpts from the newsflash:
Overriding two vetoes by Gov. Bob Holden, state lawmakers granted most Missourians the right to carry concealed guns on Thursday -
The Senate's 23-10 vote to override the concealed guns veto met the bare minimum required for a two-thirds majority and reversed the outcome of a statewide election on the issue four years ago.
Missouri becomes the 45th state to allow concealed guns in some fashion, although nine sharply restrict permits, according to the National Rifle Association.
The fight to legalize concealed weapons has been long and bitter in Missouri. Lawmakers had been rebuffed for years by former Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan when they finally agreed to put the issue to a statewide vote in April 1999. The ballot measure -- the first ever in the nation on the issue -- was rejected by 52 percent of the vote, with strong urban opposition overcoming rural support.
But gun-rights advocates said this year's bill was far more restrictive than the 1999 measure -- setting the highest minimum age in the nation and requiring much more extensive firearms marksmanship and safety training, among other things.
Reciprocity is included - The bill recognizes and allows CCW permit holders of other states to carry concealed in Missouri.
www.kctv5.com/Global/story.asp?S=1439013
Overriding two vetoes by Gov. Bob Holden, state lawmakers granted most Missourians the right to carry concealed guns on Thursday -
The Senate's 23-10 vote to override the concealed guns veto met the bare minimum required for a two-thirds majority and reversed the outcome of a statewide election on the issue four years ago.
Missouri becomes the 45th state to allow concealed guns in some fashion, although nine sharply restrict permits, according to the National Rifle Association.
The fight to legalize concealed weapons has been long and bitter in Missouri. Lawmakers had been rebuffed for years by former Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan when they finally agreed to put the issue to a statewide vote in April 1999. The ballot measure -- the first ever in the nation on the issue -- was rejected by 52 percent of the vote, with strong urban opposition overcoming rural support.
But gun-rights advocates said this year's bill was far more restrictive than the 1999 measure -- setting the highest minimum age in the nation and requiring much more extensive firearms marksmanship and safety training, among other things.
Reciprocity is included - The bill recognizes and allows CCW permit holders of other states to carry concealed in Missouri.
www.kctv5.com/Global/story.asp?S=1439013
