Kansas Considering Law to Disarm Federal Gun Control

While their neighbors in Colorado are considering sweeping gun control reform, Kansas lawmakers are moving in the opposite direction. Last week, a Kansas House of Representatives committee met to discuss a law that would effectively eliminate enforcement of federal gun control laws in the Sunflower State.

The Bill

On March 11, members of the Kansas House of Representatives introduced a bill that would prohibit state and local authorities from enforcing federal gun control laws. That includes executive orders from the president, laws made by congress, or a regulation from a federal agency.

The bill, dubbed the Kansas Gun Rights Preservation Act, also makes it illegal for state authorities to provide “material aid and support” to the feds in gun control cases.

The new law would create a system that allows citizens to pursue “court actions” if they’ve been harmed by a law enforcement officer who violates the new rule.

Anyone found guilty of breaking the law would be subject to a $50,000 fine.

The law explicitly states that it only applies to “law-abiding citizens.” That means if someone violates a federal gun regulation while committing another crime, the new law doesn’t apply to them.

Notably, police and sheriff’s departments from across the state vocally opposed the measure, saying it puts their relationship with federal law enforcement at risk.

Final Thoughts

The fact that Kansas lawmakers are considering this bill at all is a huge win. What’s even more encouraging, though, is the fact that Alaska is currently mulling over a similar bill. Missouri also passed a law banning state authorities from enforcing federal gun control last year.

Hopefully this is the beginning of an emerging trend in response to the mounting gun control pressure across the country. We’ll see what the future holds.