© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Governor Nixon Vetoes Gun Bill, Missouri Lawmaker Responds

Mo. State Sen. Bill Stouffer (R-Napton) wants to debate a measure allowing I-70 to become a toll road.
File Photo
/
KBIA
Mo. State Sen. Bill Stouffer (R-Napton) wants to debate a measure allowing I-70 to become a toll road.

Governor Jay Nixon has vetoed a wide-ranging bill that would have rendered the conceal-carry process unnecessary in Missouri. In his veto message, Nixon, a Democrat, cited his record on signing bills to expand Missourians’ rights to carry concealed weapons. 

He said the bill passed by Republicans goes too far because it would entirely toss out the conceal-carry process and would have revoked the ability of sheriffs to deny permits to those they think might be a danger to their communities. 

It also would have created a Stand Your Ground law in Missouri, under which people would no longer have a duty to retreat before using deadly force to defend themselves. 

The measure passed both chambers of the legislature with veto-proof majorities, meaning that GOP leaders will almost certainly attempt an override. 

Springfield Rep. Eric Burlison, the Republican who ushered the bill through the Missouri House, said he hopes lawmakers undo Gov. Jay Nixon's veto of the measure and try to pass the bill into law despite the Democratic governor's objections.

Missouri Public Radio State House Reporter Marshall Griffin is a proud alumnus of the University of Mississippi (a.k.a., Ole Miss), and has been in radio for over 20 years, starting out as a deejay. His big break in news came when the first President Bush ordered the invasion of Panama in 1989. Marshall was working the graveyard shift at a rock station, and began ripping news bulletins off the old AP teletype and reading updates between songs. From there on, his radio career turned toward news reporting and anchoring. In 1999, he became the capital bureau chief for Florida's Radio Networks, and in 2003 he became News Director at WFSU-FM/Florida Public Radio. During his time in Tallahassee he covered seven legislative sessions, Governor Jeb Bush's administration, four hurricanes, the Terri Schiavo saga, and the 2000 presidential recount. Before coming to Missouri, he enjoyed a brief stint in the Blue Ridge Mountains, reporting and anchoring for WWNC-AM in Asheville, North Carolina. Marshall lives in Jefferson City with his wife, Julie, their dogs, Max and Mason, and their cat, Honey.
Related Content