Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey took immediate action to stop the erosion of the Second Amendment by a County Commission bent on restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens who either reside or traverse within its jurisdiction. The Attorney General sent a letter to the Jackson County Commission regarding Ordinance 5865, that defies both the federal and state constitutions by restricting the rights of young adults to own and possess firearms. The letter stated that the County’s recent actions in passing this ordinance “openly flouted Missouri law and are an attempt to undermine State Authority.” Referring to the state’s firearm preemption law that expressly prohibits counties from passing such ordinances.
The Jackson County Commission, earlier this week, passed the ordinance that among other things banned anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing a handgun or handgun ammunition and restricts anyone over the age of 18 but under the age of 21 from possessing a semiautomatic “assault” rifle with limited exceptions. The commission took this action despite warnings from their attorney and county executive that the commission did not have the authority to pass such an ordinance.
The swift action taken by Attorney General Bailey shows his unwavering commitment to defending the Second Amendment and serves as a warning to any municipality that seeks to circumvent state preemption laws by passing similar ordinances in the future.
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