House adopts Second Amendment Preservation Act after heated floor debate

The Missouri House passed a committee substitute for House Bill 11 75 — the Second Amendment Preservation Act — after a lengthy and often emotional floor debate on federalism and public safety.

The gentleman from Pulaski County, sponsor, said the bill affirms that "state police, deputy sheriffs, they enforce state criminal laws" and that Missouri should not help enforce federal gun regulations it views as unconstitutional. The sponsor characterized the bill as an affirmation of the Tenth Amendment and protection of the Second Amendment.

Opponents — including urban and suburban members and some law enforcement officials heard in committee — said the bill would hamper cooperation with federal law enforcement, criminal investigations that cross state lines, and could leave local officers unable to act in dangerous situations. A member representing Kansas City and St. Louis interests warned that chiefs, sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders had urged against the bill because it could "tie their hands" on interstate and federal investigations.

Several members worried about civil penalties in the bill for agencies that provided assistance in certain cases; supporters said the measure merely refuses to use state resources to enforce federal restrictions they view as unconstitutional. Speakers repeatedly referenced the Supremacy Clause, the Tenth Amendment, and the US Constitution in their arguments.

After a motion to end debate and closing remarks, the House voted to approve the committee substitute. The clerk recorded the yeas as 100 and the nays as 51; the motion was approved and the bill passed.

Votes at a glance: House Committee substitute for House Bill 11 75 (Second Amendment Preservation Act) — third reading and passed. Yea: 100. Nay: 51.