KSHB 41 reporter Isabella Ledonne covers government accountability issues and solutions. Share your story with Isabella.

Jackson County legislators approved an ordinance that would restrictYoung people between the ages of 18 and 21 to buy semi-automatic handguns or rifles, with a few exceptions.

However, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. vetoed the measure on Thursday, sending it back to the legislature.

Proponents of the ban say the fight is not over, as 32 percent of Kansas City’s homicide victims in 2024 were under 24 years old. It’s a troubling trend that groups like Grandparents for Gun Safety want to see decrease.

Isabella Ledonne

“This can’t happen and yet it happens, it keeps happening,” said group founder Judy Sherry. “Why would you want someone whose brain isn’t fully developed to have access to a firearm?”

Legislator Manny Abarca worked to pass a law restricting gun ownership and purchase to anyone under 21. There are exceptions to the rule; anyone under 21 can own a handgun in the person’s residence or business, and those between 18 and 21 can own a semiautomatic rifle if they take a firearms safety course, shoot at a range, on a legal guardian’s property, or are member. law enforcement.

The legislation was first introduced after the tragic Chiefs’ Superbowl Parade, fatal shooting in 2024.

Brian Luton

“People are looking for people to do something, and finally we’re here saying we’re ready to do it,” Abarca said. “We’ve looked for paths of least resistance, but we’re also willing to take the resistance knowing the outcome could mean a safer community for Jackson County.”

However, the proposed ordinance directly flies in the face of Missouri law that allows an 18-year-old to own a gun. That’s one of the many reasons Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. vetoed the bill. He also argued that the ordinance is unenforceable and contradictory.

“Despite recent changes, this ordinance remains fundamentally flawed, illegal and counterproductive,” White Jr. said. in a statement. “Enacting it would mislead our residents, complicate law enforcement and expose Jackson County to costly and intractable litigation.”

The ordinance will now come back before lawmakers on Monday.

“Frank White is not the king of the county,” Abarca said. “The Legislature will look to override his veto on Monday.”

There are potential lawsuits and legal challenges that could come with the approval of the ordinance. A law professor at UMKC explained that it is unlikely that conflicting laws would exist at the same time.

Brian Luton

“I think it’s going to be a real uphill battle for proponents of the ordinance to defend it,” Allen Rostron said. “Someone should come up with a really creative and intelligent argument that I and others haven’t thought of yet.”

It’s a battle Abarca explained he’s willing to take to court.

“Maybe we need to go to the state and say why don’t you let us govern ourselves when we know what we want to do in Kansas City and Jackson County, and that’s regulate guns,” Abarca said.

Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. declined an on-camera interview after Thursday’s veto announcement.

—