House approves concealed gun legislation

Friday, March 18, 2011

The Missouri House backed legislation Thursday that would allow state officials and their staff members to carry a concealed gun in the state Capitol if they have a permit.

It was part of broader gun legislation that also would lower the minimum age for people to get a conceal-carry permit, authorize the state attorney general to develop a website listing the municipalities and counties that do not allow the open carrying of guns and prohibit the sales tax rate on guns or ammunition from exceeding that for other sporting goods. The measure also creates a new crime for people who have a gun and possess enough drugs to be charged with a felony.

Rep. Jeannie Riddle, who sponsored the legislation, said the proposal would help people to protect themselves while punishing those whose who break the law.

“This bill deals with law-abiding citizens to protect their God-given, constitution-guaranteed rights,” said Riddle, R-Mokane.

Missouri began issuing conceal-carry permits in 2004. Currently, applicants for a permit must be at least 23 years old, live in the state, have no felony convictions and pass a firearms training course and background check. The permit also must be renewed. Under current law, state lawmakers and local government officials who have a conceal-carry permit can bring a concealed weapon to their meetings.

The House legislation would expand that to allow legislative employees and statewide elected officials and their staff members who have a conceal-carry permit to bring a concealed gun into the Capitol and to legislative committee hearings in the building. The minimum age to seek the permit also would be lowered by two years to 21 years old.

Nearly every state has a process that allows for the carrying of concealed weapons. Many offer concealed weapon permits to people who are at least 21 years old, but others allow them to be issued at age 18.

Rep. Jill Schupp said the Missouri legislation was appalling. She said the idea of more people being allowed to bring a gun into the Capitol did not make her feel safer.

“Guns kill — that is their purpose,” said Schupp, D-Creve Coeur. “I don’t want them on the House floor with me. I don’t want them in the hands of 21 year olds.”

The gun legislation was approved 124-33 and now moves to the state Senate.

The House passed two other bills dealing with guns on Thursday that now also will be considered by senators.

One would prohibit business owners from restricting guns in vehicles. And the other bill seeks to exempt any firearms and ammunition produced and kept in the state from federal regulations. Several states have considered similar proposals.

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wow 2 years, 2 months ago

A 21 yr old is old enough to legally CCW. I mean after all an 18yr old can go to war.....but arguing to allow politicians the right to CCW while at work in the State Capital building is the kinda hogwash expected of a politician from Mokane, Missouri. I'm not knocking all the people of Mokane, but perhaps the good Rep might want to deal with getting his village some economic/community advancements instead on trying to promote his Dirty Harry perspective for protection. Besides someone needs to remind Riddle (ala Sahra Palin) that punishing the guilty...is not the responsibility of the Rep from Mokane,,,,,,,that job belongs to the legal system.

Look I do support the right to bear arms...I just don't support it being done by over privileged politicians who already don't follow the same simple rules of law that every other citizen is forced to follow and are punished for not following. I'm not willing to trust Riddle and friends now, let alone when they are armed and walking through the Capital building? Mark my word it's not a question of if, it's a question of when, but allow this mess and it's going to come back and bite someone right in the "BUTT".

CCW can save a life; however those cases are very few and very infrequent. ...and arming politicians isn't doing anything but putting a weapon in the hand of some joker who is gonna hurt or kill the wrong person and then hide behind "political immunity".

Why not put armed Police in the Capital?......."agggh duuuuh:" they're already there. So why arm the politicians? Is the next step to arm State Worker's?..I bethca there are more people PO'ed at the folks who handle Unemployment Claims, Insurance Claims, Child Welfare Cases and Food Stamps/Welfare benefits than there are people angry at some over paid Politicians who already fail to follow the "no smoking in government buildings" rule.

IMHO..allowing this will put a lot of the wrong people at risk......the right to bear arms is cool, but this is going waaaaaaaaay to far. If we're to the point where these elected officials are the barrier standing between us the bad guy's/gals....people we are in deep "dukie". I don't believe this state climate has come to that.

There have been more shooting's and violence on the streets than has taken place in the Missouri State Capital building.....so if the good Rep from Mokane and friends want to patrol the streets of this great state...let them get Post Certified and hired by one of the various Missouri Law Enforcements Agencies. Then they'll get ample opportunity to do all the protecting they want. Until then...they should do the will of the voters........concentrate on job creation! Rep Riddle and friends, if you all wanna carry a firearm on your own time...... fine....the Castle Doctrine says you can protect your home. But ya just cannot apply that rule while you're at work. Let the Cops handle those security issues...it's best for everyone concerned.

muleman 2 years, 2 months ago

If politicians can carry in the capatol why cant I? I would bet good money that I have to undergo more training and testing to get my CCW permit. Is the state going to pay for the politicians permits and guns, saying that they are required for the job?

wow 2 years, 2 months ago

Muleman...if you pay for it...CCW's on the public streets is fine, but not in the State Capital Building. You are probably right...you're weapons training is more extensive than our esteemed Rep Riddle and crew. But the main point is this...if there is a security issue at our state office buildings...especially the State Capital...then that is an issue for Missouri Law Enforcement professionals to resolve. Oh sure the Governor has the option to activate the national Guard/Reserves....but have things really gotten that bad? I surely think not.

Legislation that makes it harder for the Missouri's victims to prove and be compensated for discrimination cases. Legislation to lower the Missouri minimum wage, higher medical cost, but no pay raise, state workers that are paid the lowest wages in the nation, no social security or medicad benefits for those that have paid into the system for years, substandard educational system, where is it going to end?

It seems as if this country/state is regressing instead on progressing......

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