Thursday, September 15, 2016

Missouri lawmakers loosen gun laws, override veto of 'constitutional carry' law

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri lawmakers have overridden a veto of a wide-ranging guns bill that will let more people carry concealed weapons and give them greater legal rights to defend themselves.

The Republican-led Legislature enacted the law Wednesday by a 24-6 Senate vote and a 112-41 vote in the House. Both exceeded the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto of Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.

The legislation will allow most people to carry concealed guns without needing a permit. That means they won't have to go through the training currently required for permit holders. Missouri will join 10 other states with what supporters describe as a "constitutional carry" right.

The measure also expands legal protections for those who use deadly force to defend themselves in both public and private places.

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