The Missouri legislature has thrown Democratic Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of a pro-gun bill back in his face.

Late yesterday, the legislature, who met in a special session, voted to override the governor’s veto of SB656.

The vote by the state senate was a fairly one sided 23-8, largely along party lines. We don’t have the House vote total yet, but it had to be at least a 2/3 majority.

The bill in question does several things to expand the rights of Missouri gun owners.

First, it prevents local municipalities from passing laws banning open carry. This is essentially a state preemption law that makes open carry legal throughout the state. Several cities had recently voted to ban open carry within their limits. This bill will make those votes a moot point.

Second, the bill lowers the age to obtain a permit to carry from 21 to 19.

Finally, the bill will allow specially trained school employees to carry guns while on the job in order to protect students from violent crime. The bill would require the state to establish training guidelines for these employees.

Gov. Nixon has regularly and consistently vetoed legislation that would expand the rights of Missouri’s gun owners, so it’s great to see the legislature take a stand for the people here.