ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis County is moving closer and closer to new gun control measures.
St. Louis County Council voted Tuesday to move forward a gun control bill similar to one passed by the alderman in the city of St. Louis, requiring a concealed carry permit to "openly carry" firearms in Saint Louis County.
The bill moved forward by a partisan 4-3 majority, with all three Republicans on the council voting in opposition of the bill.
St. Louis County Council Chairwoman Shalonda Webb, who spoke to Total Information A.M. in August about her push for better gun measures, said more discussion will be held in a committee meeting session before a final vote is scheduled.
Councilman Ernie Trakas of unincorpated South County, was one of the three members of the council to vote no, believing the ordinance passed is unconsitutional.
"I guarantee you that the National Rifle Organization will sue the council and it will win," said Trakas before the vote.
Councilman Mark Harder of Ballwin, who has voiced his opposition against the gun control efforts, believing the bill that it still wouldn't completely solve the issue of gun violence.
"This (bill) only covers incorporated St. Louis County and so if you pass this, someone can just step across the street or a major divide in our community and this will still be fully legal," said Harder before the vote.
Council member Kelli Dunaway of Chesterfield, who voted to move forward the bill, had a word for detractors on the council who attempted to poke holes in the legislation.
"I'm so sick and tired of any attempt we make to do anything about too many guns in our community," said Dunaway, "It gets pushback, pushback, pushback while children and their families are dying on the streets every single day in our community."
The efforts by St. Louis County coincides with St. Louis City passing a similar measure in early August, which cracked down open-carry. Mayor Tishaura Jones announced more gun control efforts in late August, which included efforts to prohibit military grade weapons on the streets of St. Louis City.
That effort is still pending.