Raymore Relaxes Firearms Restrictions
Posted By J.T. on November 30, 2009
The Raymore City Council passed the first reading of 2 Bills that would loosen restrictions on firearms and allow qualified city council members to carry concealed weapons into meetings.
Bill 2514 removes the prohibition of open carry in city limits and allows anyone over 21 to transport a concealable firearm in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, both of which are already allowed by state law and thus unenforceable at the city level.
Bill 2515 repeals the city’s current prohibition of CCW endorsement holders from carrying inside buildings located on Park property.
From the Belton Star-Herald:
State law currently prohibits even concealed weapons qualified citizens from carrying their weapons into such meetings.
The proposal drew the ire of Mayor Juan Alonzo, who called the current state law concerning weapons an attack on the second amendment because itfavors members of the government while unduly restricting citizens.
It also drew immediate opposition from council members Charlene Hubach and Monique Lewis. Council member John Seimears offered an amendment to allow all provisions of Cox’s bill except the council chamber clause, but after its failure, voted in favor of the overall bill leaving Hubach and Lewis as the only opposition.
From a statement by Councilman Jeff Cox:
Some of the proposed changes correct current City Code provisions that are in conflict with State law and are therefore illegal and unenforceable, while others would remove restrictions contained in the City Code that, while legal, impose more stringent restrictions upon the Raymore citizenry than those imposed by the State which affect Missourians at large. Essentially, both bills would remove all of the additional firearms restrictions currently imposed by the City Code that go beyond those provided for in the State Statutes, giving the citizens of Raymore as much possible freedom that is allowed by State law.
The text of the Bills can be found HERE (pp. 197-211). It should be noted that this is a large .pdf file and may take awhile to download.
A video of the Council Meeting can be viewed at http://raymoreftp.com/raymore2/Council%20Meeting%2011-23-09.wmv
The second reading will occur during the Council’s Dec. 14 regular meeting.
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