But Representative Barbara Fraser, a St. Louis Democrat, says that emphasis should be placed on gun safety rather than the greater availability of guns.
Democratic representative Barbara Fraser says she's concerned how the presence of recording devices will impact the child who often must talk about the abuse during these meetings.
"We want to take out the exemption for licensing for religious reformatories or other schools," said the sponsor of the House bill -- Rep. Barbara Fraser, D-St. Louis County. "We want all of them to be licensed."
But Rep. Barbara Fraser, D-St. Louis County, noted that four years ago Missouri voters rejected a similar concealed carry proposal. As such, she said the bill "is against the decision of the people of Missouri."
Current law does not restrict child-service contracts to licensed service providers. Rep. Barbara Fraser, D-St. Louis County, said she is worried because unlicensed service providers don't have to go through background checks or safety and health reviews.
Representative Barbara Fraser says some school districts in her legislative district already include sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination policy.
From across the aisle, several House Democrats have spoken warmly of Bearden, despite the fact that they will soon be doing battle with him on policy issues. Rep. Denny Merideth, D-Caruthersville, and Rep. Barbara Fraser, D-St. Louis County, have both praised him for being open to ideas from Democrats as well as Republicans.