While the focus of the nation has remained on either the presidential race or foreign affairs, Missouri’s state legislature closed out their 2016 session on Friday. Rather than quietly heading home with a few bits of housekeeping filed away, they passed a raft of new gun rights legislation and sent it off to the Governor for approval. The sweeping changes make Second Amendment rights an essential core of daily life for citizens of the state. (ABC News)
Missouri lawmakers passed a sweeping expansion of gun rights Friday, allowing people to carry concealed guns without needing permits while also expanding their right to stand and fight against perceived threats…
Under the measure, most people could carry concealed guns, even if they haven’t gone through the training now required to get a permit. The legislation would also expand the state’s “castle doctrine” by allowing invited guests such as babysitters to use deadly force against intruders. And it would create a “stand-your-ground” right, meaning people would have no duty to retreat from danger in any place they are legally entitled to be present.
Republican supporters described it as a reasonable approach to personal safety, while many Democrats decried it.
“There won’t be blood in the streets,” said Rep. Joe Don McGaugh, of rural Carrollton. “But what there will be is more people protected by the right to bear an arm legally.”
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So far, Democratic Governor Jay Nixon is remaining mum about whether he plans to sign the bill into law or not, promising a comprehensive review of the legislation. We might take a bit of a hint from the last time this particular debate was up for discussion, however. Back in September of 2014 there was an earlier package of gun rights legislation approved in the legislature and sent to his desk. At that time, Nixon vetoed it, but he was almost immediately overridden by a 117-39 margin.
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On Friday, Missouri legislators voted to vastly expand gun rights https://t.co/QA2J9gMKS5
— HotAir.com (@hotairblog) May 15, 2016
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