Tensions continue to rise as gun debates take over the House floor
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Tensions continue to rise as gun debates take over the House floor

Date: April 18, 2013
By: Luke Lyddon
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 436

Intro: 
As gun control dominates America's conversation, certain lawmakers in Missouri's Capitol are pushing to protect the Second Amendment.
RunTime:  0:38
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Republican Representative Doug Funderburk of St. Peters is pushing a bill that would forbid federal officials from enforcing federal gun laws in Missouri.

But not all lawmakers agree, as Representative Rory Ellinger of Saint Louis County debated with Funderburk saying that guns can only cause more problems throughout the state.

Actuality:  ELL1.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: Ellinger: "I think guns kill, and I think the more guns kill more people." Funderburk: "Well, gentleman I respectfully disagree. Guns don't kill people, deranged people kill people.

While both parties debated their view of gun laws in Missouri, the bill was approved and sent onto the Senate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Luke Lyddon. 

Intro: 
Gun debate is heating up at the Missouri Capitol as lawmakers try to protect Missourians gun rights.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Republican Representative Doug Funderburk of St. Peters says his proposed bill would not allow federal gun laws to be enacted throughout the state of Missouri.

But Democrat Representative Jon Carpenter of Kansas City says there is not a need for new gun laws, but instead to follow federal law.

Actuality:  CARP1.WAV
Run Time:  00:11
Description: "But I support what people in my district, and I'm sure people around the state say all the time, which is don't pass new laws, enforce the ones we've got on the books. They don't say legalize machine guns, grenade launchers and anything else you want."
 
Carpenter says that this specific bill allows people that are treasonous to the United States get their hands on guns because federal law would have no effect in Missouri.
 
Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Luke Lyddon.

Intro: 
Some Missouri lawmakers are pushing a bill that would further protect Missourians gun rights and forbid federal gun laws throughout the state.
RunTime:  0:49
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Republican Representative Doug Funderburk of St. Peters is proposing a bill that would not only protect the gun rights for all Missourians, but forbid federal officials from enforcing federal gun laws throughout the state.

Representative Galen Higdon of St. Joseph says he supports the bill. But he also says it is important to be proactive and help people with mental issues so gun tragedies can be avoided.

Actuality:  HIGDON.WAV
Run Time:  00:13
Description: "The reality is that we need to help these folks with these mental health issues. Get behind our mental health facilities, support them and bring the awareness level up that we can assist when we notice these behaviors."

But Democrat Representative Jon Carpenter of Kansas City says that without federal law enacted in Missouri, nearly any criminal could get their hands on guns.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Luke Lyddon.