A Kentucky law that essentially repeals several federal gun control regulations was enacted into law on March 28, 2023, according to Secretary of State Michael Adams, who said he received the bill that morning without Governor Andy Beshear’s signature.
Kentucky law states that a bill immediately becomes a state law if the governor fails to sign it or successfully vetoes it.
Josh Bray, a state representative, introduced the measure. House Bill 153 effectively prevents the federal government from enforcing gun control laws enacted in Kentucky after January 1, 2021.
In addition, if someone violated the federal ban, the measure would shield them from civil liability.
“In essence, it forbids municipal law enforcement from using tax money to carry out a federal firearms and ammunition ban,” according to Bray. Due to the ATF’s recent move to outlaw pistol braces, Bray emphasized how important this legislation is.
On January 31, the ATF’s prohibition on handgun braces became effective. Before the ATF published this regulation, firearms with stabilizing braces and barrel lengths of 16 inches or less were classified as pistols. These weapons now come under the ATF’s new regulation’s definition of short-barreled rifles, which only authorized owners may own.
Bray vehemently objected to the ATF’s proposal.
“If a person with a disability lacks a lot of hand stability, this weapon accessory could be useful,” according to Bray.
“The ATF has determined that failing to register your weapon or destroy it will result in a felony,” according to Bray. “I know many people have written me about this, and you know, I think it’s important that we can give Kentuckians confidence that the sheriff’s office or the city police isn’t going to show up and begin enforcement of this.”
The adoption of this legislation, in the opinion of state representative Savannah Maddox, a well-known pro-gun advocate in the Kentucky State Legislature, is a positive first step toward restoring gun states.
“As it makes clear that Kentucky’s law enforcement officers will not break their oath of upholding the Constitution by implementing unconstitutional gun control started at the federal level,” Maddox declared. “HB 153 is a step in the right direction. To safeguard the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear weapons, however, our Republican Supermajority still has work to do.”
Kentucky has experienced a pro-gun upsurge ever since Constitutional Carry was approved there in 2019. It presently holds the 14th spot among the best states for gun owners according to Guns & Ammo magazine. By passing this measure in favor of nullification, Kentucky will maintain and enhance its pro-gun reputation.
Due to the federal government’s inaction on gun laws, more conservative states should imitate Kentucky’s example and defy the oppression of DC’s gun laws.
Author: Steven Sinclaire
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