House passes bill that would prevent government from putting bans on purchasing ammunition
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House passes bill that would prevent government from putting bans on purchasing ammunition

Date: April 28, 2011
By: Meghann Mollerus
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HJR 27

Intro: 
Just weeks after a U.S. congresswoman was shot in the head, the Missouri House voted to pass a bill protecting citizens' right to purchase and possess gun ammunition.
RunTime:  0:46
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The measure would add words to Missouri's constitutional right to bear arms by reasserting a citizen's right to purchase and possess the ammo.

Critics argue this could take away districts' rights to ban certain types of bullets that easily can kill people.

Democratic St. Louis County Representative Rory Ellinger opposes the bill.

Actuality:  ELL1.WAV
Run Time:  00:15
Description: "Too many young men and women are dying of gunshot wounds. I know the US Constitution, and I know the Supreme Court has upheld the second amendment, but we really need to get a grip on hand guns in America."

Despite Ellinger's concern, bill supporters say this bill would protect Missourians from having their second amendment rights infringed upon by lawmakers.

From the Missouri State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.

Intro: 
Just weeks after a U.S. congresswoman was shot in the head, the Missouri House voted to pass a bill protecting citizens' right to purchase and possess gun ammunition.
RunTime:  0:43
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The bill would add a specification about ammunition rights to the state Constitutional amendment right to bear arms.

Opponents of the bill argue districts would no longer be able to ban bullets that easily can kill people.

Democratic Kansas City Representative Jean Peters-Baker questioned the wording of the measure.

Actuality:  PETERS.WAV
Run Time:  00:14
Description: "You're saying this language would prohibit any jurisdiction from putting any kind of limiting language on the amount or type of ammunition an individual can have within a jurisdiction."

Despite her concerns, bill supporters said the bill simply would protect citizens from government control over bullets.

From the Missouri State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.

Intro: 
Just weeks after a U.S. congresswoman was shot in the head, the Missouri House voted to pass a bill protecting citizens' right to purchase and possess gun ammunition.
RunTime:  0:44
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Under the measure, words would be added to the state's Constitution that specify the rights of every citizen to possess bullets.

Republican Warrensburg Representative Denny Hoskins argues this wording is crucial to ensure second amendment rights are not infringed upon by government.

Actuality:  HOSKINS.WAV
Run Time:  00:16
Description: "You're right, there is no protection to possess ammunition. You have a second amendment right to possess a firearm, but without the ammunition to go in it, our second amendment rights are worthless."
 
Opponents of the bill say this measure could prohibit districts from restricting certain types of bullets that easily can kill people.

From the Missouri State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.