CLAYTON — The ºüÀêÊÓƵ County Council approved a plan Tuesday to crack down on the open-carry of firearms, a move the county police chief said would make a difference for officers.
The bill passed 4-2, carried by the council Democrats. If signed by County Executive Sam Page, it would require a concealed carry license to openly carry a gun in unincorporated county. It effectively blocks teenagers from openly carrying, because minors can’t get a concealed carry license.
County police Chief Kenneth Gregory, at a special council meeting Tuesday morning, said the new bill would strengthen police officers’ ability to address unlawful open carry.
“There’s not a whole lot we can do with young kids carrying weapons,†Gregory said of the county’s current laws.
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Seeing young people openly carry guns has stricken fear into North County communities, said Council Chair Shalonda Webb, a Democrat from unincorporated North County who proposed the new plan in September.
“Members of our community are intimidated,†Webb said. “They’re afraid to sit on their porches.â€
Councilman Mark Harder, a Republican from Ballwin, opposed 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.
“I would hope our police department would just enforce the laws that are already on the books,†Harder said.
Harder attempted to question the police chief further at Tuesday morning’s meeting but was cut off because another meeting was set to begin in the council chambers. He said at the council’s regular meeting later the plan will “not take one gun off the streets.â€
Democratic Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway of Chesterfield said the provision is necessary even if its impact is minimal.
“If this legislation gets one gun out of the hands of one child,†Dunaway said, “you know what, I’m happy with that.â€
The bill passed 4-2 along party lines, with Harder and Ernie Trakas, from unincorporated South County, voting no, and Dennis Hancock of Fenton abstaining. Hancock said he understood the plan but would prefer the issue to go to voters for their consideration.
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 older than 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.
Alderwoman Spencer introduced her bill in May after high-profile images of young people displaying automatic rifles downtown proliferated online and in the news.
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 legislation, , goes to Page for his signature.
He will sign it, said Doug Moore, Page’s spokesman.