JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, today issued the following statement relating to the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 656, an omnibus gun bill, which would allow for permit-less conceal and carry and expansion of the castle doctrine. Among other negative changes to gun laws in our state, this bill would eliminate the requirement for education and a background check for those seeking permits to carry a weapon in our state. Any person permitted by law to carry a firearm would be able to do so without the checks and balances.
“I would like to applaud the governor on his veto of Senate Bill 656. This legislation does nothing to protect the citizens of this state. If anything, it allows for fewer safeguards when it comes to guns laws.
“I am calling on sound-minded legislators to stand with me and sustain the governor’s veto in September. This bill, like others across the country, must not be allowed to become law. I believe if lawmakers stand together and sustain the governor’s veto, we will be doing our part in keeping our country safe. I also want to congratulate our national legislators who stood up by “sitting-in” trying to get a vote on much needed federal gun laws; job well done. When working together we can make a positive difference.”