Missouri lawmakers pass expanded gun rights on final day

(AP) — Missouri lawmakers passed a sweeping expansion of gun rights Friday, allowing people to carry concealed guns without needing permits while also expanding their right to stand and fight against perceived threats.

Republican supporters described it as a reasonable approach to personal safety, while many Democrats decried it.

Ten other states already have what supporters describe as "constitutional carry" allowing concealed guns without permits, including legislation enacted this year in Idaho, Mississippi and West Virginia, according to the National Rifle Association.

Several Missouri Democratic lawmakers cited Zimmerman's case while raising concerns that the legislation could lead to a shoot-first mentality and dubious self-defense claims.

[...] senators who worked late the night before did not bring up the gun legislation Friday until after first finishing a free lunch sponsored by many of the state's largest utilities and lobbying firms.

Other bills that fell by the wayside Friday included several imposing additional abortion restrictions and another that would have asked voters to raise the fuel tax by nearly 6 cents a gallon to generate more than $235 million annually for state and local roads and bridges.