MISSOURI SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION AND TRAINING ACADEMY

Serving Missouri Justice Since J945

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 5,2013 Mick Covington Executive Director Missouri Sheriffs' Association 6605 Business 50 West Jefferson City, MO 65109 573-635-5925, ext. 103

The Missouri Sheriffs' Association opposes the legislative efforts to override the governor's veto of HB 436 for the following reasons: Language contained in the bill violates the sheriff's oath of office. HB 436 creates a direct conflict with SB 75 which the governor signed into law in July of this year. This conflict is in relation to the issuance of concealed carry permits. Sections 5 & 7 of HB 436, if enacted, would serve to hamstring the sheriffs and their deputies from enforcing or participating in all federal, drug, and violent gang task forces currently operating in the state. In addition, language in the bill would expose all local law enforcement unteniable liability in the enforcement of state laws, especially those involving firearm violations.

Due to the unintended consequences of the bill as written and the negative effect it would have on local law enforcement, the sheriffs of the state oppose any attempt to override the veto. We are hopeful the legislative process will continue to work through the upcoming session to correct the concerns raised in HB 436.

Mick Covington, Executive Director Tommy Greenwell, President Missouri Sheriffs' Association 573-635-5925 ext. 103 mick@mosheriffs.com

6605 BuSinesS' 50 West, Jefferson City, MO 65109-6307 Phone (573)635-5925 Fax (573)635-2128 www.mosheriffs.com