"I think they've made some major changes," said Rep. Larry Crawford (R-Centertown). Ultimately, I think we're going to change the reputation around, and it's already started."
State officials say they wonder if plaintiffs filed suit in St. Louis City because of weak arguments and judge shopping. Suits are usually filed in Cole County where the state Capitol is located. Rep. Larry Crawford says that suits against the state should be tried in the capital city.
Some state officials say they wonder if the plaintiffs filed suit in St. Louis City so that they could get a sympathetic judge. Normally, suits filed against the state are tried in Cole County, where the state Capitol is located. Rep. Larry Crawford says that judge shopping could cause bad long-term effects.
The sponsor of the concealed weapons bill, Larry Crawford, R-Centertown, said city governments will initially fear the worst and institute restrictions on where concealed weapons may be carried. But Crawford predicted that after 12 to 18 months concealed weapons will be a non-issue and restrictions will be relaxed. Crawford said he does not, however, see transit restrictions as particularly harmful to the rights of Missourians.
Republican Representative Larry Crawford who sponsors the bill disagrees. He says that it is important to let citizens be able to protect themselves outside the home. From the state Capitol, I'm Stephanie Hockridge.
The bill's sponsor Republican Representative Larry Crawford says he is not suprised that cities are trying to ban guns in local government buildings. He says the bill intended to give cities the ability to pass such ordinances.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Larry Crawford, R-Centertown, disputed this claim, noting that citizens already tote weapons in plain view. He added that he purchased a weapon at age 21 and "I have not committed a crime, nor have any of my friends who have done the same."
A Senate Committee heard discussions on the House's version of the conceal and carry bill. Bill sponsor, Larry Crawford, says the passage of this bill is important because without it homes are left unarmed and defenseless.
But, Rep. Larry Crawford, R-Centertown and chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said he is "lukewarm about toll roads," and he is concerned about the impact of toll roads on tourism.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Larry Crawford, R-Centertown, would give a 21 year-old who goes through 12 hours of training and gets fingerprinted the right to carry a concealed gun.
A bill sponsored by Rep. Larry Crawford, R-Centertown, would make the sale of a child in Missouri illegal for any reason. Currently, the law prohibits the sale of a child only if it is for adoption or services.
Rep. Larry Crawford, R-Centertown, sponsored one of the bills. He said that in the 13 years this issue has been discussed in Missouri, 17 states have passed similar proposals. "States such as Texas and Florida introduced the bill and have reduced crime against citizens," Crawford said. Currently, Missouri is one of just six states that do not permit carrying concealed firearms.
The proposed ban drew criticism from Republican Rep. Larry Crawford. He questioned the governor's decision to prohibit concealed weapons in state buildings saying that state employees and visitors will not be safer as a result of the ban.
JEFFERSON CITY - Two Missouri legislators who support the new concealed weapons law will not try to keep local governments from instituting ordinances that prohibit guns on busses and other forms of public transportation. Rep. Larry Crawford, R-Centertown, the bill's sponsor, and Speaker Pro Tem Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, said that it is the right of local governments to pass such ordinances. They did, however, say that municipal restrictions on weapons will gradually be relaxed.
JEFFERSON CITY - Republican lawmakers consider legalizing concealed weapons a top priority. Rep. Larry Crawford is still confident that the has the support to override the Governor's veto.
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