Staff Reports
Ohio’s Republican lawmakers are pushing for the preservation of Second Amendment rights for their constituents. They have put forth House Bill 51, presented by Ohio state Representatives Mike Loychik and Jean Schmidt, which aims to prevent local government and law enforcement agencies from aiding federal efforts in enforcing firearm-related federal laws, acts or executive orders. The bill’s goal is to safeguard police officers who are reluctant to enforce President Joe Biden’s “brigade against Ohioans.”
Shall not be infringed means shall NOT be infringed.
— Rep. Mike Loychik (@MikeLoychik) February 8, 2023
The proposed legislation explicitly prohibits the enforcement of federal laws pertaining to the possession, ownership, use, or transfer of firearms, ammunition, or accessories by law-abiding citizens. It also prohibits the confiscation of such items from law-abiding citizens. Any local government that violates the bill will face legal action, including civil lawsuits and penalties of up to $50,000 for each offense.
Red State Lawmakers Look To Ban Local Gov’ts From Enforcing Federal Gun Laws https://t.co/has3jGwqqT
— US Burning (@UsBurning) February 23, 2023
In addition, the proposed bill prohibits local governments from implementing federal laws that impose taxes on uncommon firearms or accessories, or those that cause a “chilling effect” on residents. It also prohibits the registration or tracking of firearms, firearm accessories, and firearm owners. This legislation is similar to a law enacted in Missouri in 2021, which limits the enforcement of federal laws that conflict with the state’s interpretation of the Second Amendment.
Furthermore, Governor Greg Gianforte, a Republican from Montana, wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, stating that Montana will not enforce the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) regulation on pistol braces. This action is in line with Montana’s HB 258, which was enacted by the state legislature in 2021. The law prohibits peace officers, state employees, or political subdivision employees from supporting the enforcement of a federal restriction on firearms, magazines, or ammunition.
Rep. Loychik believes that HB 51 is even stronger than Missouri’s law and does not violate the Supremacy Clause. He said, “It only indicates that Ohio will not cooperate with the federal government agencies in enforcing their objective for gun control by using our local police.”
The proposed legislation is a strong stance taken by Ohio Republicans to protect their citizens’ Second Amendment rights. It is a direct response to President Joe Biden’s “brigade against Ohioans” and other federal laws that seek to restrict gun ownership and use. The bill is designed to protect police officers from having to make a decision between enforcing federal laws and protecting their citizens’ rights. It also provides local governments with penalties for violating the bill and prevents them from acting on any federal laws that impose taxes on firearms or create a “chilling effect” for residents. The bill is similar to legislation passed in Missouri and Montana, both of which are taking a stand against federal gun control laws.
The preceding article is a summary of an article that originally appeared on The Daily Caller
