Missouri locals sidestep pro-gun lawmakers to put limits on firearms

By SUMMER BALLENTINE
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — St. Louisians are trying to change Missouri’s Constitution so the city and other urban areas can enact stricter gun rules. A former judge, lawmaker and a criminologist filed constitutional amendment petitions Wednesday. The amendment would allow local governments to regulate guns more strictly than the rest of the state. The effort comes as the Republican-led Legislature rebuffs calls by St. Louis and Kansas City officials to put limits on firearms in the state. House lawmakers voted against limiting minors’ access to guns this year. Months later, one teen died and 10 others were injured in a shooting at a downtown St. Louis party.