JEFFERSON CITY (US), May 14: Missouri lawmakers have passed a sweeping expansion of gun rights, allowing people to carry concealed guns without needing permits while also expanding their right to stand and fight against perceived threats.
The legislation, which goes to Democratic Gov Jay Nixon, was among the most prominent measures passed by the Republican-led Legislature on the final day of its annual session yesterday.
Under the measure, most people could carry concealed guns, even if they haven’t gone through the training now required to get a permit. The legislation would also expand the state’s “castle doctrine” by allowing invited guests such as babysitters to use deadly force against intruders. And it would create a “stand-your-ground” right, meaning people would have no duty to retreat from danger in any place they are legally entitled to be present.
Republican supporters described it as a reasonable approach to personal safety, while many Democrats decried it.
“There won’t be blood in the streets,” said Rep Joe Don McGaugh, of rural Carrollton. “But what there will be is more people protected by the right to bear an arm legally.”
Missouri lawmakers also gave final approval to a bill bringing the state’s law on deadly force by police into compliance with a US Supreme Court ruling from 30 years ago.
The outdated law — which doesn’t specify that suspected felons must be dangerous — gained national attention when Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson fatally shot Michael Brown in August 2014.
Grand jurors were initially given the old law before prosecutors supplied them with updated guidelines. Wilson, who is white, was not charged for shooting the black 18-year-old by either state or federal authorities.
Nixon was among those calling upon lawmakers to update Missouri’s law on police force. But he had not sought the other gun-law measures.
Ten other states already have what supporters describe as “constitutional carry” allowing concealed guns without permits, including ones enacted this year in Iowa, Mississippi and West Virginia, according to the National Rifle Association. (AGENCIES)
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