© 2024 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Missouri bill would deny firearms to those convicted of domestic violence

Ways To Subscribe
Unlit room at night. Only light source is outside light on the lowered blinds. Silhouette on the right is a hand holding a gun pointed at the silhouette on the left of hands raised with palms outward.
Maxim Hopman
/
Unsplash

Clay County lawmaker is sponsor of legislation to close a legal loophole in Missouri statutes.

In 2018, Missouri ranked second in the nation, behind Alaska, in the number of women killed by men. Among Missouri women murdered by their intimate partners, 80% were killed with guns.

For several years now, lawmakers have attempted to close a loophole to make it illegal for convicted domestic abusers to own or access firearms.

"In these situations where there is domestic violence and a firearm, women in particular are five times more likely to be killed. It does seem like a no-brainer for us and I don't really understand the arguments against it," said Annie Struby, Blueprint for Safety Coordinator at the Rose Brooks Center of Kansas City.

Senator Lauren Arthur (D-Clay Co.) is sponsoring the bill to reduce the possibility of death by an abuser.

"My bill would do three things. It would make it a crime under the Missouri law for anyone who's been convicted of domestic violence to possess or own a firearm, it allows courts to prohibit a person under a restraining order from having or buying a gun while the order is in effect and it requires the court to inform the Missouri state highway patrol and the FBI when a person is convicted of domestic assault."

Stay Connected
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As a producer for Up To Date, my goal is to inform our audience by curating interesting and important conversations with reliable sources and individuals directly affected by a topic or issue. I strive for our program to be a place that hosts impactful conversations, providing our audience with greater knowledge, intrigue, compassion and entertainment. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.
KCUR serves the Kansas City region with breaking news and award-winning podcasts.
Your donation helps keep nonprofit journalism free and available for everyone.