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Bill would let citizens seek punitive damages over local gun restrictions, sponsor says
Summary
At a first hearing, Senator Johnson told the Senate Local Government Committee that Senate Bill 278 would allow citizens to collect punitive damages from municipalities that enact unconstitutional gun-control ordinances; sponsors and committee members discussed recent Columbus ordinances and data on gun deaths but no vote was taken.
Senate Bill 278 would authorize punitive damages against municipalities that enact what the bill describes as unconstitutional gun-control measures, sponsor Senator Johnson told the Senate Local Government Committee during a first hearing. The committee heard sponsor testimony but took no final action.
Senator Johnson told the committee: "This legislation will allow citizens to see punitive damages against municipalities who enact unconstitutional gun control." He said the bill is intended to reduce the financial barrier for citizens who challenge local restrictions, arguing municipalities have "deep pockets and lots of lawyers and the average citizen does not." He added, "I believe strongly in home rule" but said the state must draw a line where local laws conflict…
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