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On January 28, 2026, Missouri Governor John Smith signed a new bill into law that will allow military veterans to carry concealed weapons without a permit. The bill, known as the Veterans Concealed Carry Act, was met with widespread support from veterans groups and gun rights advocates.Under the new law, veterans who have received an honorable discharge from the military will be able to carry a concealed weapon without applying for a permit. Supporters of the bill argue that veterans have already undergone extensive training in firearms and should not be required to obtain a permit to exercise their Second Amendment rights.Governor Smith praised the bill, stating that it was a way to show support for the men and women who have served their country. "Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedom, and it is only right that we make it easier for them to exercise their right to bear arms," he said.Opponents of the bill, however, have raised concerns about public safety and the potential for an increase in gun violence. They argue that the permit process helps ensure that individuals who carry concealed weapons have received proper training and are mentally fit to do so.Despite these concerns, the bill passed through the Missouri legislature with overwhelming support. It is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, and will make Missouri the latest state to allow veterans to bypass the concealed carry permit process.The Veterans Concealed Carry Act is just the latest in a series of measures aimed at expanding gun rights in Missouri. In recent years, the state has also passed laws allowing concealed carry on college campuses and in government buildings.As the debate over gun rights continues to rage across the country, the passage of the Veterans Concealed Carry Act in Missouri is sure to fuel further discussions about the balance between individual freedoms and public safety.