Concealed firearms would be allowed on public transportation under a bill being considered in the state house. The bill would exempt public education transportation and cross country trains.

Representatives Mike Colona (D-St. Louis, left) and Ron Hicks (R-Park Hills, right)  (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)

Representatives Mike Colona (D-St. Louis, left) and Ron Hicks (R-Saint Peters, right) (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)

Saint Louis Representative Mike Colona believes that should be up to local officials to decide. “There’s a little bit of solace now for parents that their kids are safe on Metrolink,” Colona told Missourinet. “If you remove the safeguard and allow anyone to have a gun, I think the reasonable parent would say no I’m sorry you’re not going to get on that train because it’s dangerous. It’s more dangerous now because more people have guns on trains. “

Bob Jackson with City Utilities of Springfield agrees with Colona that it’s a local control issue. “We are getting tired of the state telling the local communities that they seem to know best.”

Saint Peters Representative Ron Hicks says his proposal would allow citizens of Missouri to protect themselves on public transportation. He reacted strongly to opposition by Jackson and other public transportation representatives.

“Wait until you start getting sued, because that’s what’s coming next,” said Hicks. “You just testified that you will not allow a citizen of the state of Missouri to protect themselves on your transportation. I hope they stop using it.”

A House committee has yet to vote on the bill.