Hank Koebler and Brad Tregnago of KSSZ contributed to this story.
State Representative Keith English (I-Florissant) says the Missouri House might fall short of overriding Governor Jay Nixon’s (D) veto of a sweeping gun rights expansion bill. The measure would allow those carrying concealed guns without requiring a permit and would let people who are guests in a home use deadly force to defend themselves in that home. It would also allow deadly force to be used without retreating by a person who thinks a reasonable threat exists.
“We have a few Representatives that are going to become lobbyists before the September veto session. They will not be able to vote,” says English.
Representative Ron Hicks (R-St. Peters) has moved out of his district, which could put his vote and representation in jeopardy.
English says some Democrats, who originally voted in favor of the measure, could switch their votes.
“We have three Democrats that I don’t believe will override the Governor when the bill finally comes up for a vote,” says English.
Stephen Webber (D-Columbia), Rory Rowland (D-Independence) and Ben Harris (D-Hillsboro) could be the three likely to change their votes.
English says the final House vote was 111 Representatives supporting the bill. There were 11 Representatives who missed that vote, four of those being Republicans. The House needs 109 votes to override Nixon’s veto.
In the Senate, there were 24 Senators who voted in favor of the bill. It would need 23 votes to override the Governor’s veto.
The legislature’s veto session begins September 14.
