A state representative in Kentucky is sponsoring a bill that would prevent what she describes as federal overreach into the rights of gun owners.
Republican Diane St. Ongehas pre-filed the measure that would nullify all federal laws and regulations restricting ownership and possession of firearms in Kentucky.
St. Onge says her bill is partly in response to the national discussion over whether new restrictions should be placed on gun sales.
“This is a preemptive measure," said St. Onge. "It is more of statement of what we can do should a situation occur where the federal government is imposing upon the constitutional rights of Kentucky citizens by abridging their second amendment rights.”
She says Washington does not have the right to overreach into Kentucky gun laws. St. Onge says the Constitutional rights of Kentucky residents are outlined in her bill.
“It states why we, through the second amendment, the 10th amendment and the 14th amendment, and sections under two different articles in the U.S. Constitution, why we have the right to bear arms.”
St. Onge represents northern Kentucky’s 63rd district, which includes most of Kenton county and part of Boone County.
President Obama met with Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Jan. 4 to discuss what executive actions he could take to curb gun violence. The President is participating in a televised town hall meeting Thursday night focused on the issue.