Missouri lawmakers look at strengthening gun laws in hopes of reducing violent crime [Video]

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – Business groups are worried that violent crime in Missouri cities is driving away potential economic growth.

Nearly 50 bills are already pre-filed on firearms ahead of Missouri’s legislative session starting next month. The legislative session starts Jan. 8, 2025, at which point lawmakers can introduce bills officially.

Columbia Democratic Rep. David Tyson Smith is once again pushing for a bill that would stop people under 21 years old from legally buying semi-automatic weapons.

Tyson Smith points toward recent mass shootings, especially those that happened in schools, such as the 2022 mass shooting at a St. Louis performing arts high school. He said teens should not be able to legally get their hands on semi-automatic weapons.

“If we can bring down crime, get guns off the streets and out of criminals hands, businesses are gonna do better, tourism is gonna do better, cities are gonna do better,” Tyson …