Missouri’s Republican-controlled House of Representatives has voted to ban children from carrying guns in public without adult supervision.
The proposal was defeated in a 104-39 defeat on Wednesday. Only one Republican voted for it, though the push was initially billed as a bipartisan effort.
There is currently no minimum age to carry a gun in Missouri.
The call for change was triggered after several local arrests by armed teenagers. Videos have captured groups of children openly carrying guns, including military-style weapons, as they walk the streets.
Democratic state Rep. Donna Baringer, who sponsored the amendment to the public safety bill, said police in her district asked for the change. “We have 14-year-olds walking down the middle of the street in the city of St. Louis carrying AR-15s,” he said, recalling what officials had told him.
“It’s the same now [the children] is motivated, and he walks with him,” he added, per The Associated Press. “Until he really treats him, and treats him with purpose, our police … are handcuffed.”
Republican opponents called the proposal an unnecessary violation of gun rights.
“While it might be counterintuitive that a 14-year-old doesn’t have a legitimate purpose, that doesn’t mean he’s going to harm someone. We don’t know yet,” said Republican Rep. Tony Lovasco, who represents suburban St. Louis.
“We don’t charge people with crimes because we think they’re going to hurt other people,” he said.
As of 2017, Missouri residents are no longer required to take safety training, undergo a criminal background check, or even have a gun permit to carry a concealed firearm in most public places. Republicans welcome looser rules — but law enforcement does not.
The failure of a slightly safer gun proposal this week comes a month after Republicans in the state House sought to allow female legislators to cover their hands with jackets in the room, sparking heated controversy.
The House eventually updated the proposal to allow cardigans as well. There are no similar requirements for men.