Jackson County Exec Calls For Emergency Gun Ordinance Amendment

This latest presser from the courthouse is noteworthy if only because we rarely see the Exec call out political opposition by name.

Meanwhile . . .

The "emergency" might be merited given that we're right in the middle of deer hunting season and the threat of gun charges is serious for anybody . . . ESPECIALLY . . . Otherwise law abiding young people.

Here's the word . . . 

County Executive White calls for emergency amendment to protect young hunters affected by new gun ordinance sponsored by Legislator Abarca

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In response to concerns raised by the recently passed gun ordinance sponsored and drafted by 1st District Legislator Manuel Abarca IV, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. is calling on the Legislature to introduce a common-sense amendment that would protect young, lawful hunters from risking unintended criminal charges. As the ordinance currently stands, it inadvertently prohibits 18, 19, and 20-year-olds from hunting with a semi-automatic rifle on someone else’s property, even if they have explicit permission from the property owner. In an ironic twist, the same restriction does not apply to hunters who are 17 years old or younger.

To address this oversight, County Executive White has requested that the Legislature introduce an emergency amendment clarifying that young adults who hunt with permission are not at risk of criminal charges. While this amendment would not address all the legal issues associated with the new ordinance, it would provide necessary protection for lawful hunters and reduce the unintended consequences of the original language.

“Let’s be clear—this is about fairness and common sense,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Deer season is underway, and young adults who have permission to hunt should not be caught up in legal issues for doing something that’s both safe and important to many people in our community. This amendment won’t fix the deeper problems with the ordinance, but it would reduce the harm of the new county law while also protecting responsible hunters.”

The County Executive has reached out to Legislator Abarca, asking him to take the lead in introducing this emergency amendment at tomorrow’s legislative meeting, the last scheduled meeting before deer season ends. With deer season already in progress, swift action is essential to prevent these unnecessary restrictions from impacting young hunters.

“I hope the Legislature will act quickly to correct this oversight and ensure our laws help keep our community safe and not cause unnecessary harm,” White said. “This amendment is a simple, straightforward fix that respects the traditions of our community and protects our young hunters. Let’s prioritize common sense and show our residents that we are here for them and not politics.”

The County Executive encourages residents and hunters to stay informed of any changes, and to reach out with questions or concerns regarding the new ordinance to their legislators. Jackson County remains committed to supporting lawful activities and ensuring that county laws are effective, clear, and fair for all residents.

Background Information

The ordinance, attached, presents numerous issues, including its application to 18-20-year-olds who hunt with semi-automatic rifles. Key points include:

- These restrictions apply only to individuals aged 18-20.
- While there are limited exceptions to this section, none apply to an 18-20 year old who is hunting on someone else’s property with a semi-automatic rifle.
- Exception (b) permits use for target practice but not for hunting.
- Exception (c) allows use on family-owned property but excludes all other properties.

For example, under this ordinance, a 19-year-old using a semi-automatic rifle on a family friend’s property to deer hunt would not qualify for any exception, making this activity unlawful.
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