By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – Two lawsuits challenging the state's new concealed guns law are now proceeding.
Judges this week rejected state requests to dismiss both cases.
In one lawsuit, St. Louis County is asking for a declaration that it doesn't have to issue concealed weapons permits.
County officials note that the costs of issuing permits aren't covered by the state, which translates into an unconstitutional, unfunded mandate.
In the other lawsuit, a citizen is challenging the issuance of permits in Moniteau County. He claims the county incurred costs not covered by the state, thus used local money for a purpose not approved by local voters.
The plaintiff argues that puts the county in violation of the Hancock Amendment to the state Constitution.
A judge in Jefferson City Wednesday rejected state Attorney General Jay Nixon's request to dismiss the lawsuit brought by St. Louis County.
After a hearing Monday, a Moniteau County judge rejected Nixon's request to dismiss the suit in California, Missouri.