St. Louis Limits Open Carry of Firearms
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen has passed landmark legislation aiming to curb gun violence by restricting the open carry of firearms within city limits. Under Board Bill 29, individuals are prohibited from openly carrying weapons unless they possess a valid state concealed-carry permit. This decisive local policy shift represents a direct challenge to Missouri’s broad state-level gun rights.
Understanding Board Bill 29
For years, St. Louis leaders have searched for local solutions to high rates of gun violence, frequently hitting roadblocks due to Missouri’s strict firearm preemption laws. Board Bill 29, sponsored by Alderwoman Cara Spencer and heavily supported by Mayor Tishaura Jones, carves out a local regulation by focusing on the distinction between open carry and concealed carry.
Previously, anyone legally allowed to own a firearm could openly carry it in public spaces without any training or permit. The new ordinance changes this dynamic, giving the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department a tool to intervene when individuals walk down public streets with visible handguns or rifles without a permit.
Key Changes for St. Louis Residents
The primary shift centers on accountability and licensing. While Missouri does not require a permit for concealed carry statewide, St. Louis is leveraging a specific provision in state law that allows municipalities to regulate open carry if they exempt permit holders.
| Regulation Detail | Previous Policy | New Policy (Board Bill 29) |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Requirement | No permit required to openly carry firearms. | Valid Missouri concealed-carry permit required to open carry. |
| Police Intervention | Officers could not detain someone solely for open carrying. | Officers can ask to see a permit if someone is openly carrying. |
| Local Penalties | No local penalties for open carrying. | Confiscation of the firearm and potential local ordinance charges. |
The Local and Legal Implications
The Clash with State Law
The biggest hurdle for the new policy is Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act and general preemption statutes. Gun rights advocates argue that Board Bill 29 violates state law, which generally prevents cities from enacting local gun control measures that are more restrictive than state standards. Legal battles are expected to test the validity of the city’s ordinance in state courts.
Impact on Policing and Communities
Local supporters believe the law will immediately make neighborhoods safer, particularly in high-traffic entertainment districts like downtown and the Delmar Loop. Critics, however, voice concerns about selective enforcement and potential civil rights violations, arguing that the policy might lead to disproportionate policing in minority communities.
What to Watch Next in St. Louis
As the city begins enforcing this ordinance, residents should watch for two main developments. First, look for immediate legal filings from gun rights organizations seeking injunctions to block the law’s enforcement. Second, monitor how the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department trains its officers to request permits without violating constitutional protections against unlawful stops and seizures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a permit to carry a concealed weapon in St. Louis?
No, Missouri’s statewide permitless concealed carry law remains in effect, meaning you do not need a permit to carry a concealed firearm, but you must have one to carry it openly within city limits. - What happens if I am caught openly carrying without a permit?
Violators face law enforcement intervention, which can result in the temporary or permanent confiscation of the firearm and local ordinance violation charges. - Does this law apply to private property?
No, the ordinance specifically targets public streets, sidewalks, and city-owned property, meaning property owners retain the right to set rules on their own premises. - How do I obtain a concealed-carry permit in Missouri?
You must complete an approved firearms safety course and apply through your local county sheriff’s department, which includes passing a criminal background check.
For St. Louisans navigating these shifting municipal laws, the safest course of action is to obtain a valid Missouri concealed-carry permit if you plan to transport or carry firearms visibly in public spaces. Keeping up with local ordinance updates and court challenges will ensure you remain compliant while the legal battle over local gun regulations unfolds in the courts.
St Louis Limits Open Carry of Firearms
