On September 11, the Missouri Senate joined the House in voting to override Governor Bob Holden`s (D) veto of HB 349, making the "Show Me State" the nation`s 36th state to pass a fair, non-discretionary Right-to-Carry law.
This victory was short-lived, however, as St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer recently issued a permanent injunction striking down the new law on grounds that it violates a section of the Missouri Constitution dating back to 1875. The ruling made permanent Judge Ohmer`s temporary injunction against the law, which had been issued in October.
State Attorney General Jay Nixon (D) immediately appealed the ruling to the Missouri Supreme Court, arguing that Judge Ohmer`s ruling was both "unprecedented" and "absurd."
The NRA is vigorously fighting to overturn the ruling. The Missouri Supreme Court has granted NRA`s motion to file an amicus brief in a challenge to the law. NRA attorney Steve Halbrook said the constitutional provision is not meant as a prohibition against concealed guns. "Ever since Missouri has been a state, the legislature has decided when and where to either allow or prohibit concealed weapons," he said.
The Missouri Supreme Court has set a January 22 date to hear the appeal. Rest assured that NRA-ILA will keep you apprised of future developments or decisions.