JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Four years after voters narrowly rejected the idea, the Missouri House gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would allow people to seek permits to carry concealed guns.

The latest proposal would not go to a statewide vote but would require the signature of Democratic Gov. Bob Holden, who in the past has threatened to veto legislation similar to the 1999 ballot measure.

Tuesday's House voice vote came on the day several hundred gun-rights supporters held their annual rally at the Capitol, many wearing orange buttons with the phrase "GUNS SAVE LIVES." Some said the bill was just a first step toward removing all restrictions on concealed guns.

"It's a way to get our foot in the door and maybe modify and change it later," said William Woodward of Columbia. "Everybody that says I have to have a permit to carry a gun is violating the U.S. Constitution."

Going against people

House opponents, mainly Democrats, argued the bill would go against the popular will.

"The people of this state have already voted against this. Who are we as a body of legislators to undo what has already been done?" said Rep. Barbara Fraser, D-University City.

In the 1999 referendum, 52 percent of voters opposed letting sheriffs issue concealed gun permits. The ballot measure passed in more than 100 counties but failed overwhelmingly in urban areas.

This year's bill would authorize Missourians at least 21 to apply for permits with their local sheriffs. Applicants must have lived in the state for at least six months or be a member of the Armed Forces. To receive a permit, they must complete eight hours of firearm-safety training.

People with certain criminal histories could not get permits.

Sheriffs would send applicants' fingerprints to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI for background checks -- and would have to issue a permit if those agencies did not report back within 45 days.

No permit would be needed for anyone 21 or older to conceal a gun inside a motor vehicle, under the bill.

Private businesses could prohibit customers from carrying concealed weapons on their premises, and hidden guns would be banned in several public settings such as police stations, taverns, airports, schools, casinos, amusement parks and places of worship.

Permit applications would cost $100 -- $24 would of which would go to the FBI and $14 to the highway patrol for the cost of background checks. The rest would go into a local sheriffs' fund, which could be spent on equipment or training. Renewing the permit would cost $50.

The bill would require driver's licenses to note whether a person had a concealed gun permit -- a provision requested by law enforcement, said sponsoring Rep. Larry Crawford, R-Centertown.

Rep. Jim Seigfreid, D-Marshall, said he supported the legislation but wanted it returned to a vote of the people. Other proponents rejected his amendment.

"I think every one of us was elected to this body to come up here and represent the people that sent us. I believe we ought to make those decisions," said Rep. Chuck Purgason, R-Caulfield.

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Concealed firearms bill is HB349.

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Missouri Legislature: http://www.moga.state.mo.us