Columbian Missourian: Bill makes gun stores essential businsses, expands concealed carry in churches

JEFFERSON CITY — Representatives on both sides of the aisle stacked gun-related amendments to a bill Monday that would expand residents’ rights to carry and sell firearms.

House Bill 944 started with the limited goal of providing protections for farmers to defend their livestock from predators by allowing them to use firearms from a stationary vehicle on their own property. 

Rep. John Wiemann, R-O’Fallon, introduced Amendment 1 to the bill, which would make firearm businesses and manufacturers essential. Wiemann said prohibiting government