JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Concerns are mounting among Missouri business groups that rising violent crime rates in the state’s urban areas may be stifling potential economic and tourism growth. As Missouri gears up for its legislative session, set to commence on January 8, 2025, nearly 50 firearm-related bills have been pre-filed, signaling a significant focus on gun control and crime prevention.
Among the voices advocating for stricter gun laws is Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Democrat from Columbia. Smith is advocating for legislation that would prohibit the sale of automatic weapons to individuals under 21 years of age. His proposal is driven by recent tragic events, including a mass shooting at a St. Louis performing arts high school in 2022. Smith argues that restricting youth access to such firepower is a crucial step toward curbing gun violence.
“If we can reduce crime and remove guns from the streets and criminal hands, every sector from businesses to tourism will benefit. Ultimately, our cities will become safer and more prosperous,” stated Smith.
The proposed restriction mirrors a recent regulation implemented in Jackson County, although this local measure is currently facing a legal challenge from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who contends it infringes on Second Amendment rights.
Aside from concerns over legal challenges, statistical data from the FBI underscores the gravity of the crime scenario in Missouri’s urban centers, which experience higher incidents of violent crimes compared to other regions of the state. While the overall number of gun-related crimes has seen a slight reduction compared to the previous year, fatalities linked to gun violence have risen. Notably, a total of 857 gun-related crimes were committed by minors this year in Missouri’s four largest cities: St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia.
This troubling trend has prompted groups like the Missouri Chamber of Commerce to prioritize public safety for the 2024 legislative session, emphasizing that enhanced security measures are essential for attracting and retaining businesses and tourists.
Outgoing Governor Mike Parson contends that simply passing new laws is not a solution. He points to the failure of counties to enforce existing laws as the real issue. This statement aligns with critiques directed at Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker by several lawmakers, who have accused her of failing to prosecute numerous petty theft cases. Peters-Baker has defended her record, stating in a blog post that her office prosecutes over 80% of the cases that come through.
“We need to focus on enforcement of our current statutes if we’re to make real progress in combating crime,” said Governor Parson, reflecting on his stance that more stringent law enforcement, rather than new legislation, could be the key to reducing crime rates.
As Missouri awaits the start of a pivotal legislative session, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will balance the calls for stricter gun laws with the rights protected under the Second Amendment, amid ongoing debates about the most effective strategies to ensure public safety and support economic development.
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