Wrap: House Emerging Issues heard a bill that would repeal the need for a permit when concealing a weapon in areas in which open carry is already allowed.

Dr. Curt Frazier of the Missouri Firearms Coalition said the government should not be allowed to regulate how one can carry a gun where it is legal to carry it.

Actuality:	CONCEAL4.WAV
Run Time:	00:15
Description: "While we strongly encourage our members to receive the highest quality training available, we do not believe this to be a replacement, or rather a requirement before someone can carry a firearm to defend themselves or their family."

St. Louis Democrat Mike Colona argued the bill would not be practical in places with high crime, like the city.  

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Madeline Odle.

Wrap: Representative Mike Colona took issue with a bill that would repeal the need for a permit when concealing a weapon in areas in which open carry is already allowed.

When House Emerging Issues heard the bill, Colona mocked the argument that changing this bill would help reduce crime as well.

Actuality:	CONCEAL5.WAV
Run Time:	00:17
Description: "But maybe if we pass this, maybe if we get my amendment on doing away with all the regulations like we should. That way we don't have to come back here again year after year and engage in a slippery slope that doesn't exist. Maybe then our crime rates will go down especially in the city of St. Louis."

Those who testified in favor of the bill said conceal and carry permits should be optional for legal gun owners who use the weapon for protection.

 

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Madeline Odle.