From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org

JEFFERSON CITY - If it’s up to one Republican lawmaker Missouri residents will be able to practice nationally recognized religious holidays.

Lawmakers will convene Sept. 11 in an attempt to override vetoed bills, including one that would prohibit any state or local government from banning or restricting the celebration of federal holidays.

“If it were to not be overridden you’ll see it again in the same or very similar form,” said bill co-sponsor Rep. Bill White, R-Joplin.

Gov. Jay Nixon wrote that he vetoed the bill for several reasons, but his main concern was the regulation of fireworks on Independence Day.

“As a result, local governments would be hampered in their efforts to enforce existing fireworks ordinances around July 4,” Nixon wrote in his veto letter. “More troubling, House Bill No. 278 would greatly frustrate a ban of fireworks imposed during a period of severe fire risk.”

White said fireworks are a “completely different animal” than the observance of July 4.

White said he was not sure exactly what changes would be made to the bill if the override fails. He said changes to the bill would be taken care of the bill sponsor Rep. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville.

Both chambers passed the bill with significant support.

Lawmakers will be able to start filing bills for the next session on Dec. 1, 2013. 

---

Missouri Digital News is produced by Missouri Digital News, Inc. -- a non profit organization of current and former journalists.