For the second time last Wednesday, Republicans turned to a parliamentary maneuver to kill a Democratic filibuster and force a vote on a bill, this time to override Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of a bill eliminating training and permit requirements to carry a concealed gun in public.

The maneuver, known as “calling the previous question,” was once rarely used — only five times in the Senate from 1970 to 2001, when Republicans captured the majority. But it’s now been used five times since 2014, including three times this year.

After shutting down debate Wednesday, the Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on a 24-6 party line vote. The bill moved to the House, where it was quickly approved 112-41.

It becomes law in 30 days.

Previously, gun owners could carry a concealed weapon in public by passing a criminal background check and completing a gun safety training class in order to get a permit.

However, Ashland Police Chief Lyn Woolford said he would still advocate using a gun safety class for anyone new to handling weapons – or those who have never taken formal firearms training.

Woolford said he would not speak to the politics of the conceal and carry laws, but he would advocate for safety. “I compare it to having your teenager getting their driver’s license,” Woolford said. “Most everyone wants their kids to take driver’s education – this is the same idea with handgun training.”

~ Read the rest in today’s Journal ~