Counties prepare for weapons permits
comments in Green added by The Webmistress
Platte County will begin accepting applications from residents for permits to carry concealed weapons beginning July 12, the Sheriff's Department announced Tuesday.
Clay County officials say they plan to begin processing applications in middle to late July.
Last year state legislators overrode Gov. Bob Holden's veto of a concealed weapons bill. Voters had rejected a concealed weapons proposal in 1999.(What was defeated was Proposition B, what passed is NOT Proposition B, but why let facts interfere with a news story right?)
In February the Missouri Supreme Court upheld the law but ruled that the method for funding permit applications could be unconstitutional if it imposed an unfunded mandate on counties.
Attorney General Jay Nixon advised sheriffs not to issue permits until the law was fixed.
This put a lot of sheriffs in the state in an untenable position, said Clay County Sheriff Paul Vescovo. I couldn't in good conscience continue delaying enforcing legislation that had been ruled constitutional by the Missouri Supreme Court.
Platte County will accept permit applications from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Sheriff's Department, 415 Third St. in Platte City.
Applicants must pay a $38 fee and bring a government-issued photo identification showing proof of residence in Platte County. Proof of a Social Security number and documentation showing successful completion of a firearms safety course also are required.
Platte County will use ink and paper to fingerprint applicants.
Clay County has purchased a $25,000 electronic fingerprinting system, which will expedite sending the applications to the Missouri Highway Patrol.
The equipment is expected to arrive within 10 days, and once it is installed and staff members are trained on its use, Clay County will begin accepting applications.
Clay County permits are expected to cost about $90, Vescovo said.