JEFFERSON CITY — Today, the state of Missouri took a grave step backward when the Republican-controlled General Assembly forced passage of dangerous gun legislation and an unnecessary voter photo ID bill, overriding the well-reasoned objections of the Governor.
SB 656 would allow permitless conceal and carry. An immediate effect of the override is Missouri citizens can now carry a concealed weapon without any training whatsoever. Senator Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) stated, “As a sportsman and a gun owner, I support the Second Amendment. But allowing people that have already been denied a conceal carry permit to carry a concealed weapon challenges common sense and threatens all our safety.”
“SB 656 encourages a ‘shoot first ask questions later’ mentality. It is reckless, ill-conceived, and will result in tragic consequences” said Senator Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur).
Senator Scott Sifton (D-Affton) added, “We should not eliminate gun safety training requirements for concealed weapon permits.”
Another high profile bill that was vetoed and then overridden was legislation which would require a photo ID in order to vote. Senator Shalonn ‘Kiki’ Curls (D-Kansas City) stated, “The fundamental right to vote should be protected without any unnecessary encumbrances. Period. Today the General Assembly passed onerous legislation requiring law-abiding voters to prove that they are not acting fraudulently despite the fact that in-person voter fraud simply does not exist. Yet, just a few hours later the General Assembly approved legislation to allow gun owners, even those previously convicted of committing violent crimes, to carry deadly weapons without any restrictions or impediments whatsoever. It’s unconscionable.”
Minority Leader Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) summed up the session thusly, “The Governor provides an important check and balance when bad bills are passed by the legislature. Today, unfortunately was about politics and not policy.”
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Charles Hatcher
Budget and Communications
Minority Caucus
Missouri State Senate
573-489-8878 (cell)
