Missouri Legislature Overrides Governor`s Veto of Right-to-Carry Legislation

FAIRFAX, VA - In a historic vote, the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate passed the nation`s 36th Right-to-Carry law (H.B. 349), successfully overriding Governor Holden`s veto. Only seven times in Missouri history have legislators successfully overturned a governor`s veto. Missouri joins Colorado, New Mexico and Minnesota as the fourth state this year to pass a "shall issue" Right-to-Carry law. "The National Rifle Association (NRA) would like to thank representatives and senators who voted for the override. They recognize the right of law-abiding Missourians to carry a firearm for protection," said Chris Cox, NRA`s chief lobbyist. "According to research, firearms are used more than 2 million times each year in self-defense, and data has shown that states that have Right-to-Carry laws experience significantly less crime. "Governor Holden`s indifference on the issue of self-defense and the right of Missourians to protect themselves and their loved ones outside of the home was careless. The big winners today are the law-abiding citizens who will reap the benefit of this Right-to-Carry law," added Cox. "The streets of Missouri just became safer for everyone-- except criminals." There was overwhelming bipartisan support in the Missouri legislature for a Right-to-Carry law. On behalf of law-abiding gun owners throughout Missouri, NRA would like to recognize the support and hard work of Representative Larry Crawford, Representative Frank Barnitz, Senator Harold Caskey and Senator Peter Kinder. And, as always, the grassroots effort and political activism by tens of thousands of NRA members across the state played a pivotal role in this process. The 132-year-old National Rifle Association is the nation`s oldest civil rights group. NRA advocates enforcement of existing laws to prosecute and punish violent criminals. The NRA is the nation`s leader in teaching gun safety and promoting marksmanship among law enforcement officers. The Association has approximately 4 million members across America. --nra--