The Missouri House has passed legislation that declares any future federal ban on semi-automatic weapons or large capacity clips is "unenforceable" in Missouri.
House Bill 170 also makes it a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison, for anyone to try and use a federal law to seize any firearm, clip or ammunition owned by a Missouri resident. In addition, an individual who wants to privately buy or sell a firearm, and who is not a licensed gun dealer, would be exempt from any federal background checks. It was sponsored by State Representative Casey Guernsey (R, Bethany). He accuses President Obama of being "bent on gun control."
"We see how well his executive orders tailor into legislation that he’s already passed, it’s obvious that it’s (a) very coordinated effort," Guernsey said. "They should be focused on mental health solutions, which is a productive conversation to have."
State Representative Rory Ellinger (D, University City) disagrees. He argued that a 2008 federal appeals court ruling, District of Columbia v. Heller, gives the federal government the right to regulate high-velocity weapons. However, nine Democrats joined the Republican majority in voting "yes." The bill now goes to the Missouri Senate.
Follow Marshall Griffin on Twitter: @MarshallGReport