Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to legislation that could allow specially trained teachers and other school personnel to carry concealed weapons.
Supporters say the measure would protect schools from intruders, but opponents say it could compromise safety by having firearms in classrooms.
The bill sent to Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday would also lower the minimum age required to get a concealed weapons permit to 19 from 21. The House voted 111-28 in favor of the bill. It cleared the Senate a day earlier.
A broader gun rights measure that seeks to nullify some federal gun laws was still pending on the Legislature's final day. Despite being a priority of Republican leaders, a GOP dispute about how aggressive the bill should be has stalled its progress.
