Yesterday two anti-gun bills were brought to the floor and failed to pass. Both bills, SB-5078 and HB-1283, are dead and not moving forward.
Senate Bill 5078, bans the manufacture, possession, sale, transfer, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding”, or hold more than, 17 rounds of ammunition (the substituted bill increased the restricted count from 10 to 17). This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled. These so called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans legally and effectively use for an entire range of legitimate purposes, such as self-defense or competition. Those who own non-compliant magazines prior to the ban are only allowed to possess them on their own property and in other limited instances, such as at licensed shooting ranges or while hunting. Prohibited magazines have to be transported unloaded and locked separately from firearms, and stored at home locked, making them unavailable for self-defense. Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
House Bill 1283 would make it a felony to openly carry a firearm (or any weapon) in a group. Further, this measure contains no exceptions for individuals who are defending themselves at home or on their own property. Not even law enforcement, military, or those carrying firearms in an official capacity are exempted. HB 1283 overreaches in its intent by causing those who are lawfully carrying a concealed firearm to be entrapped by a felony charge if the firearm accidentally becomes visible. HB 1283 throws such a wide net that many law-abiding gun owners would have potentially become felons if this measure had passed.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to write to your legislators to let them know you opposed these bills. Their failures is our success!
