Missouri House bans federal gun laws
From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

MDN.ORG Mo. Digital News Missouri Digital News MDN.ORG: Mo. Digital News MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
Lobbyist Money Help  

Missouri House bans federal gun laws

Date: April 24, 2013
By: Katie Kreider
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 170

Intro: 
The gun control debate in Washingon may be nearing its end, but that didn't stop Missouri House Republicans from voting to keep state officials from enforcing any future gun laws.
RunTime:  0:49
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The bill, which was passed through the House Wednesday, states it would be unlawful for any state official to prohibit the use of guns manufactured in Missouri, regardless of future federal law.

Some Democrats, including Representative Margo McNeal expressed concern with the bill on the grounds it was too far-reaching.

Actuality:  MCNEAL3.WAV
Run Time:  00:16
Description: "How many of us are in favor of giving criminals and the documented mentally ill guns? That is who we are protecting under this law."

Bill sponsor, Republican Representative Casey Guernsey noted the importance of mental health issues when it comes to gun legislation, but says he still wants to protect Second Amendment rights.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Katie Kreider.

Intro: 
Unsatisfied with the gun control debate in Washington, Missouri Republicans decided to push forward legislation that would nullify future gun laws.
RunTime:  0:44
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Forty-three Democrats opposed Republican Representative Casey Guernsey's bill prohibiting state officials from enforcing future federal gun laws.

But Guernsey and Democratic Representative Margo McNeal were able to agree on one thing: background checks for mental illness.

Actuality:  GUERNS2.WAV
Run Time:  00:12
Description: “They should be focused on mental health solutions, which is a productive conversation to have. Instead here we are today, having to spend time to further protect the Second Amendment rights of Missouri citizens.”

McNeal still voted against the bill because she would support future federal gun laws restriciting access to guns for people with mental illness or criminal backgrounds.

The bill now heads to the Senate for final approval.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Katie Kreider.