More than two dozen Missouri lawmakers are backing legislation that would allow teachers and administrators with concealed gun permits to carry weapons in schools.
The legislation comes after 20 students and six adults were killed by a shooter at a Connecticut elementary school last week.
The Missouri bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Kelley, of Lamar, and is supported by top lawmakers. Kelley's 24 co-sponsors include House Speaker Tim Jones, of Eureka, and Majority Leader John Diehl, of Town and Country.
Missouri law currently prohibits concealed guns at schools unless approved by the local school board or a school official.
Earlier this week, Republican Rep. Stanley Cox, of Sedalia, suggested people might think twice about attacking schools if they knew teachers or administrators could be carrying guns.