Thursday, March 17, 2011

House one step closer to packing pistols


It has been rewarding to see how the Missouri House of Representatives has taken a single-minded approach to bringing jobs to the state of Missouri.

Most of the legislation that has been pushing its way through the state capitol has either been directed at tearing down workers at the expense of business (with no resulting job increase) or has nothing to do with jobs at all.

Such was the case Wednesday as HB 778 sponsored by Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, that would allow legislators, their aides, and state officials to strap on their sidearm at work, while continuing to prevent their constituents from doing so, a measure obviously designed to promote business in Missouri, was perfected and is on its way to a third reading.

Apparently, she is not the only one who sees the need to carry protection since the bill, HB 778, has 61 co-sponsors,all Republicans,including Speaker of the House Steve Tilley, Majority Leader Tim Jones, and Joplin-area legislators Bill White, Joplin; Charlie Davis, Joplin, Bill Lant, Joplin; and Bill Reiboldt, Neosho.

Printed below is the portion of the bill that would change current state law:
Nothing in this subdivision shall preclude a member of the general assembly, a full-time employee of the general assembly employed under section 17, article III, Constitution of Missouri, legislative employees of the general assembly as determined under section 21.155, or statewide elected officials and their employees, holding a valid concealed carry endorsement, from carrying a concealed firearm in the state capitol building or at a meeting whether of the full body of a house of the general assembly or a committee thereof, that is held in the state capitol building;


Though the bill did go through some changes in committee, none of them had anything to do with the part that would arm state legislators.

of course, it's all academic anyway, since Speaker Tilley was quoted earlier this week as noting that many members of House are already carrying weapons to work (in violation of state law).

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Seems that in light of the recent shooting of public officials, we would want those in public positions to be protected (i.e. armed). I'm not seeing where this law prohibits private citizens from exercising their 2nd amendment rights though - everyone has a basic right to protect themselves.

Randy said...

It has come to my attention, and I should have remembered this, since I believe I wrote about it at the time, but legislators already gave themselves the right to carry concealed weapons in the capitol about seven or eight years ago. The new language allows their staff to also arm themselves. I will modify this post tonight.

Anonymous said...

Since the Mo Legislature promised to create more jobs. Has there been any potential job creation numbers released by passing this bill.

Anonymous said...

If they didn't treat people like "crap" to put it nicely, they wouldn't feel the need to pack heat.

Anonymous said...

Cracks me up. Keep on talking the hate talk boys. Just remember there are crazies out there listening to you guys and your cohorts on the radio and TV.

Maybe if the conservatives just toned it down some they wouldn't be so worried.

But I do think everyone should have the right to carry a concealed weapon anywhere, anytime.
Everyone. Not just the elected.