FILE - Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivers the State of the State address on Jan. 18, 2023, in Jefferson, Mo. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson vetoed funding Friday, June 28, 2024 for a school safety initiative that would have used special video surveillance software to detect guns, becoming the second governor in as many months to balk at implementing the technology. Missouri Gov.
The budget bills in both states were supported by ZeroEyes, a technology firm founded by military veterans after the fatalin Florida. ZeroEyes uses surveillance cameras and artificial intelligence to spot people with guns and alert school administrators and law enforcement officers. In a letter to lawmakers explaining his veto, Parson said “this appropriation appears to describe a specific vendor’s platform” and noted that the Department of Public Safety must follow state purchasing laws “rather than contracting with a particular vendor.” Parson also said he was vetoing the measure because of a general need to cut spending, among other things.numerous high-profile shootings
One veto was for a $497 million transfer for renovations to the Capitol, saying it wasn't needed yet because detailed plans aren't in place.