http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/6957487.htm
Gun-control advocates in Missouri may file suit today to block law that allows residents to carry concealed weapons. The law, scheduled to take effect Saturday, makes most state residents eligible for a permit to carry a concealed gun after taking eight hours of weapons training and passing a shooting test.
The Kansas City Star says that one plaintiff is Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Alvin Brooks, who fears the new law will promote more violence. “I had no other choice,” Brooks said.
The lawsuit contends that the state constitution bars the wearing of concealed firearms, and it alleges that the law unconstitutionally imposes a requirement on counties without providing funding to cover the increased costs.
Kevin Jamison, a lawyer and president of the Western Missouri Shooters Alliance, said the constutitonal provision does not prohibit concealed weapons, rather that they are not a right and that the legislature may regulate them.
One state representative said the law was drafted poorly. Citing many questions sheriffs have been asked about what the law allows, he said, “We’re going to have a lot of law-abiding citizens get in trouble because the law is so vague. They could wind up in jail for following the law. No one should be put in that position.”