The Kansas City, Missouri City Council modified the city's ban on open carry of firearms Thursday to bring it into compliance with a new state law. That law was passed by the Legislature over the veto of Gov. Jay Nixon.
Presenting the changes for a final vote, Councilman John Sharp explained that to continue to prohibit open carry for most people, the city now must exempt some persons.
The new law means persons who have the Missouri open carry endorsement or permit or a concealed carry permit from another state that is recognized by Missouri are allowed the open carry privilege.
"You do have to carry it [the permit] with you and you do have to present it upon request by a law enforcement officer,” Sharp added.
The state-specified maximum fine for refusing to show the permit or forgetting to carry it is $35. Openly carrying a firearm without any permit carries a $1,000 fine.
Sharp said he regrets having to change the ordinance, but at least the city has the assurance that those who can open carry have had firearms training and a background check.
