Conceal and Carry Senate Handler Not Optimistic

Intro: One Missouri Senator said Tuesday he doesn't think concealed guns will be allowed on state funded colleges. RunTime:0:36
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Mid-Missouri Senator Bill Stouffer says he doesn't think his colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee like the idea of concealed handguns on college campuses.

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Description: "I think it may get stripped out before it hits the Senate Floor."

Allowing firearms in Missouri's universities is part of a bill which would lower the age for a gun permit from twenty three to twenty one.

The UM System, Missouri State University and Rockhurst University all oppose the amendment.

Supporters say if concealed weapons were allowed on the Virginia Tech campus back in 2007, then the shooting there could have been avoided.

From the state Capitol, I'm Max Reiss. Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro: The Senate Judiciary Committee Chair says if guns were allowed at Virginia Tech back in 2007, then the tragedy there could have been avoided. RunTime:0:38
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Kansas City Senator Matt Bartle's comments come ahead of a visit to Jefferson City from a survivor of the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting.

Bartle says he has no problem with concealed guns on Missouri's universities.

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Description: "I personally agree that we should not have a concealed carry restriction for college campuses."

Opponents, which include the UM System and Missouri State University, argue handguns on campuses make schools more susceptible to shootings.

Bartle and other supporters however, contest the guns will do the opposite and make the state's universities safer.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Max Reiss. Newsradio 1120, KMOX.

Intro: Missouri Republican Senators disagree on whether guns belong on Missouri's campuses.

Max Reiss (REECE) has more from Jefferson City.

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Kansas City Republican Matt Bartle says concealed hand guns could have saved lives when shootings broke out at Northern Illinois and Virginia Tech.

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Description: "I feel like some of these tragedies might have been avoided had we had concealed carry on university campuses."

But fellow Republican Bill Stouffer says a measure allowing guns on Missouri's campuses is not a good idea and that he's not alone.

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Description: "I'm not sure that I support that part of it. I think that's something that that we need to look at here in the Senate. I'm not sure the Senate will pass that portion."

The amendment is part of a bill which would lower the age for a gun permit from twenty three to twenty one.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Max Reiss. Newsradio 1120 KMOX.