Missouri Senate passed a bill granting the right for staff to pack pistols in the Capitol

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Intro:	After the Missouri Senated voted to give legislative staff the right to pack heat in the Capitol the plan just needs one more vote to pass.
RunTime:	0:44
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The Senate approved the plan which allows staff to conceal and carry a gun within the Capitol.

Democratic St. Louis County Senator Maria Chappell-Nadal spoke out against the bill and said she wouldn't want a gun in her office.

Actuality:	CHAPNDL2.WAV
Run Time:	00:06
Description: "We have police officers that are in the building constantly looking after our welfare."

Republican Senator Brian Munzlinger said he would support his staff carrying guns as long as they take the required safety class.

Actuality:	MUNZL.WAV
Run Time:	00:05
Description: "The whole idea of this is to give the law-abiding citizens the right to protect themselves against criminals."

The plan also lowers the minimum age for the conceal and carry program from 23 to 21 years old.

The bill needs a vote in the House before going to the governor.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Andrew Weil.

Intro:	With only a few days left in the legislative session Missouri's Senate passed a bill lowering the age to pack heat.
RunTime:	0:42
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The Senate approved the plan which lowers the minimum age for the conceal and carry program from 23 to 21 years old.

Democratic St. Louis County Senator Maria Chappell-Nadal spoke out against the bill and its dangers in her urban district.

Actuality:	CHAPNDL.WAV
Run Time:	00:04
Description: "I'd like it to stay at 23 because this is a weapon."

Chappell-Nadal says she wishes Missouri had balanced legislation to deal with the concerns of urban and rural Missouri. .

Republican Washington Senator Brian Nieves says the bill would help restore the rights of Missourians to protect themselves.

Actuality:	NIEVES.WAV
Run Time:	00:05
Description: "Where I live, you know, it's like, if you don't have a gun, it's like not having a car."

The bill now goes to the House.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Andrew Weil.

Intro:	With only a few days left in the 2011 session Missouri's Senate voted to give legislative staff the right to pack pistols in the Capitol.
RunTime:	0:34
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The Senate passed the plan allowing staff to conceal and carry a gun within the Capitol.

Democratic St. Louis Senator Joseph Keaveny voted against the bill and says he would advise his staff against taking part in the program.

Actuality:	KEAVANY.WAV
Run Time:	00:04
Description: "People act irrationally sometimes and that's a mistake that you'll pay for for a long long time."

Republican Washington Senator Brian Nieves said he would absolutely support his staff packing heat.

Actuality:	NIEVES2.WAV
Run Time:	00:06
Description: "I think it's good for citizens to be able to protect themselves, law-abiding citizens to protect themselves when they want to."

The bill now goes to the House.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Andrew Weil.