Bill critics say would allow “guns everywhere” approved by house committee

A Missouri House committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would lower the number of “no-gun zones” in the state, as well as open the door for concealed carry permit holders to have weapons in private businesses.

The bill would reduce the number of “no-gun zones” from 17 to eight.

“We are allowing more individuals to carry in more locations, potentially,” said Rep. Jered Taylor, R-Nixa, who sponsored the bill. “It should be the business owners‘ decision what happens on their property,” Taylor said after the Legislative Oversight Committee advanced it to the House floor with a 8-3 vote.

In addition, House Bill 1936 would prohibit public universities from having any additional restrictions on concealed carry of firearms in addition to the state’s regulations.

“We have an expression for House Bill 1936, it’s ‘guns everywhere,'” said Rep. Deb Lavender, D-Kirkwood. Lavender, the ranking minority member of the Legislative Oversight Committee, voted no on the bill.

“We’ve had multiple examples where the ‘good guy with a gun’ hasn’t prevented gun violence.” Lavender said. “This bill is on the extreme that guns should be everywhere, all of the time.”

To access the bill’s summary and text, click here.