Missouri legislators expanded the right of teachers to bring guns to schools and for residents to openly carry firearms yesterday.

A state legislature vote capped a two-year effort by the Republican-led body to expand gun rights. The two-thirds majority overrode the veto of Democratic governor Jay Nixon.

The new law will allow school employees to carry concealed guns on campuses. It also allows anyone with a concealed weapons permit to carry guns openly, even in cities or towns with bans on openly carrying firearms.

The age to obtain a concealed weapons permit will drop from 21 to 19.

A more far-reaching measure that sought to nullify federal gun laws was quashed in May.

Mr Nixon vetoed a similar Bill last year that aimed to subject federal officers to criminal charges for trying to enforce gun laws.

The new regulations take effect next month.