Wrap: Republican Senator Kurt Schaefer says his bill would force the state of Missouri to actively protect its citizens' right to bear arms.

Democratic Senator Jason Holsman says he voted for it because the constitutional amendment puts gun rights in the hands of voters.

Schaefer says he filed the bill because giving one part of the U.S. constitution less protection opens the door to change any part of the constitution.

The bill unanimously passed a Senate committee and will now move to the Senate chamber for debate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Brendan Cullerton.

Wrap: Republican Senator Kurt Schaefer's bill would force Missouri to protect against infringement of what it defines as the unalienable right to bear arms.

Schaefer says the constitutional amendment would make the state of Missouri actually do something when a law conflicts with the second amendment rights of residents.

Democratic Senator Jason Holsman says he voted for the bill because Missouri voters will have the final say.

The bill passed committee unanimously and will now move to the Senate floor for further debate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Brendan Cullerton.