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Missouri House gave first round approval to a bill in favor of concealed weapons

April 22, 2002
By: Justin Herndon
State Capital Bureau
Links: HS HB 1729

The Missouri House gave first-round approval to carrying concealed weapons.

Justin Herndon has more from Jefferson City.

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Even with the threat of a governor's veto, the House overwhelmingly approved a concealed weapons bill late Monday.

Actuality:
RunTime: 19
OutCue:
Contents: I hope the bill will get to the governor and he will look at it with merit and not just keep saying he's against it without ever loooking at it.

A spokeswoman in the governor's office said Holden would veto anything that expands the current law.

Still, some memebers of the House feel they have enough votes to refute any such measure by the governor.

In Jefferson City, Justin Herndon.

Representatives gave preliminary approval to a bill allowing concealed weapons.

Justin Herndon has more.

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A majority of House members refuted a 1999 popular vote in passing the bill sponsored by Rural Democrat Frank Barnitz.

10 counties and the city of St. Louis voted against concealed carry laws and House Republican Leader Catherine Hanaway said that raises some concerns for her.

Actuality: guns3.wav
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Contents: It is arrogant for us to pass a bill when the majority of the state and especailly in those 10 counties and St. Louis have said we don't want this.

Hanaway proposed an amendment to the bill calling for another popular vote in those areas that denied it in 1999, but it failed.

She voted no to the underlying bill.

In Jefferson City, Justin Herndon.

Some urban members of the House are upset with the preliminary approval of a bill allowing concealed weapons.

Justin Herndon has more.

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Some members were outspoken in their disapproval of the bill that would expand current law.

Represenative Melba Curls said she doesn't think carrying a weapon will reduce the violence.

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Contents: Its a farce, the cities don't want it and yet we think if you're rural you rule, well the cities count too.

Voters rejected a similar bill in 1999, but this one won't require their approval.

Two amendments calling for a popular vote failed.

However, the governor has said he would veto any such legislation that might expand the current law.

At the state capitol, Justin Herndon.

The Missouri House bypassed another vote of the people and gave first-round approval to a concealed weapons law.

Justin Herndon has more.

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Instead of relying on a popular vote, like they did in 1999 with proposition B, the House pre-approved a bill that would only require the governor's signature.

House Republican Leader Catherine Hanaway proposed an amendment calling for a vote by Missourians but it was denied.

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Contents: This is not a perfect solution but it is an honest attempt to perserve the desires of the people and this bill.

Representative Barbara Fraser proposed a similar amendment but it failed as well.

However, the Governor has promised to veto this bill should it arrive on his desk.

In Jefferson City, Justin Herndon.