SPRINGFIELD -- Demonstrating how the safety on his gun works, Ken Helvey said he carries it everyday. "There is nothing wrong with a law abiding citizen carrying a gun."
In Missouri, Helvey and others who want to carry a firearm hidden somewhere like under a shirt or in a purse have to pay for a permit and go through training.
"I think it's wrong when we say, 'We're only going to let you conceal what you already have the right to have. We're only going to let you conceal it if you take a class and pay all the heavy fees that are associated with that,' " explained Springfield State Rep. Eric Burlison. He added that some sheriff's departments charge as much as $200.
Burlison helped draft the constitutional carry bill (SB 656) that governor Jay Nixon vetoed; it would do away with concealed carry laws, so anyone legally allowed to own a gun can freely carry one where it's legal without a permit. Nixon stated he was against the measure because it would allow people to conceal and carry with no training, no background check, and no permit required.
When Missouri lawmakers meet next week, Burlison and other supporters will try to override Nixon's veto of the bill. Burlison added the measure won't changes the laws for buying guns, just carrying. "You always have to do a background check to purchase a firearm," Burlison said. "We're not changing anything in regards to who can purchase and carry a firearm. No felon or former felon can carry a firearm."
However, in a statement outlining why he doesn't support the measure, Nixon said a person who has been charged with a felony but has not been convicted could still legally carry. In the statement, he added, "Missouri's system for granting concealed permits has been in place for more than a decade, and it has worked. Senate Bill No. 656 flouts this system, allowing individuals with no training, no proven handgun capability, and no background check to carry concealed."
Eagle Armory gun shop owner Zach Terhark is undecided on the issue, but he said conceal and carry classes provide a lot of useful information. "I don't think there's necessarily anything bad with proving you can handle a gun properly and also having a chance to learn the laws and learn when you can and cannot use a gun and use lethal force," he said.
Terhark said most of his customers are in favor of constitutional carry and that includes Helvey, who also echoed the importance for people to train no matter what the law requires. "They should go to the range. They should go with somebody who is experienced in firearms that way there is not negligent discharges and it helps their confidence in carrying," Helvey said.
The veto session starts on Wednesday, September 14.
