CLAYTON — The ºüÀêÊÓƵ County police chief said he supports a plan to crack down on the open-carry of firearms in unincorporated county territory, which could pass the County Council as soon as Tuesday afternoon.
Council Chair Shalonda Webb, a Democrat from unincorporated North County, proposed a plan in September that would require a concealed carry license to openly carry a gun.Â
The plan aims to stop teenagers from openly carrying weapons — since minors can't get a concealed carry license.
And it would strengthen police officers' ability to address unlawful open carry, said police Chief Kenneth Gregory at a special council meeting Tuesday morning.
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"There's not a whole lot we can do with young kids carrying weapons," Gregory said.
Seeing young people openly carry guns has stricken fear into North County communities, Webb said.
"Members of our community are intimidated," Webb said. "They're afraid to sit on their porches."
Councilman Mark Harder, a Republican from Ballwin, opposes the plan. ºüÀêÊÓƵ County already has limitations on gun possession for children younger than 16 and on firing a weapon in public, according to the county’s firearm code. And it's already illegal to flourish a gun or wield it threateningly.
"These laws are already on the books," Harder said.
Harder attempted to question the police chief further at Tuesday's meeting, but was cut off because another meeting was set to begin in the council chambers.
The provision allowing police to question people who are openly carrying a gun is new, said who helped Webb write the legislation.
The bill was based on a similar law pushed by ºüÀêÊÓƵ Aldermen Cara Spencer and signed by Mayor Tishaura Jones in August.
Taylor said Tuesday he took a break from his firm representing victims of violent crime to evaluate state, federal and local laws. He was looking for how local governments could strengthen gun laws.
Taylor found a 2014 Missouri law enabling police to approach and question someone who's openly carrying a weapon.
"I saw this as something that needed to be done," Taylor said.
Webb’s legislation would require anyone openly carrying a gun to provide a valid government-issued concealed carry license if a police officer demands it. Anyone over 18 who violates the rule could face a fine up to $500 or jail time up to a year, or both. Children could face a fine up to $500, community service or both.
To get a concealed carry license in Missouri, applicants must be at least 19 years old and have taken a safety class, among other requirements.Â
Alderwoman Spencer introduced her bill in May after high-profile images of young people displaying automatic rifles downtown proliferated online and in the news.Â
The state hasn't given any indication it's going to sue to stop the city's law, Taylor said.
"That's because we complied with the state statute to a T," Taylor said.
But the county's bill wouldn't apply to the dozens of municipalities within its borders.
Webb wants those municipalities to pass their own versions so the rule is consistent throughout the county.
The council meets again at 3 p.m. today.