ST. LOUIS—Aldermen gave final passage Thursday to a bill that bans the open carrying of firearms in St. Louis without a valid concealed carry permit. Under Missouri state law, concealed carry permit holders must be 19 years old, meaning that the most immediate impact could involve a growing concern of children seen carrying weapons on city streets.
Board Bill 29, originally sponsored by Alderwoman Cara Spencer, establishes a municipal ordinance punishable by up to a $500 fine and 30 days in jail, or community service if a person is found to be openly displaying a firearm without a valid permit. The ordinance, which passed by a unanimous vote Thursday, now goes to Mayor Tishaura Jones to sign or veto.
Guns would not be permanently confiscated merely for violating the ordinance. Weapons would be taken at the time of the incident. Police would process the weapon to see if it was connected to criminal activity or defaced, but would otherwise be returned after the owner submits a signed affidavit.
In 2014, state lawmakers passed legislation that allowed for open carry without a permit, superseding an existing city law that had been on the books since 1970. The state law did not explicitly limit a city’s ability to pass new legislation requiring those who want to carry firearms openly from requiring a permit.
The bill includes reporting provisions that will require tracking of cases by race and gender.
Also Thursday, the board gave final approval to an ordinance that requires officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to provide a business card to people when police ask for that person’s consent for a search that isn’t subject to a warrant. Under Board Bill 82, sponsored by Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, the card would also include contact information for the city’s Civilian Oversight Board.
Thursday’s meeting was the last board meeting of the summer.
When members reconvene in September, expect the Board to discuss legislation related to traffic issues in the city, including measures to bring back red light cameras. The cameras have been struck down in court previously. Board President Megan Green has said draft language in discussion would address those legal concerns.
In March, Green said the city was in the early stages of discussing a separate non-police entity for traffic enforcement. An aide said this week it was unlikely such a proposal would get introduced this fall.