Pro-gun sentiments surrounded Missouri’s House as legislators approved a package of six bills relaxing regulations on firearms.

One of the most debated bills would lower the legal age to carry a concealed firearm from 23 to 21.

Rep. Jill Schupp, D-St. Louis County, opposes legislation that puts more guns in the public’s hands.

“Why we think 21-year-olds should not be able to serve on the board of curators and yet, we think it is OK for them to carry a gun with them makes no sense to me,” Schupp said.

Another part of the package would allow non-elected staff members to carry concealed weapons in the state Capitol. Elected officials already have this right.

Rep. Jeannie Riddle, R-Mokane, sponsored the bills. She said staff members should have the same rights as the lawmakers for whom they work.

“This bill deals with law abiding citizens to protect their God-given, constitution-guaranteed right,” Riddle said.

– Missouri Digital News

The bills now move to the Senate.