Montana governor signs bill nullifying federal gun bans

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) on Friday signed a bill nullifying federal gun bans.

“Today, I proudly signed Rep. Hinkle’s law prohibiting federal overreach into our Second Amendment-protected rights, including any federal ban on firearms,” Gianforte tweeted.

“I will always protect our #2A right to keep and bear arms,” the governor added. 

Today, I proudly signed Rep. Hinkle’s law prohibiting federal overreach into our Second Amendment-protected rights, including any federal ban on firearms.

I will always protect our #2A right to keep and bear arms. pic.twitter.com/2xY8DeEtqf

— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) April 23, 2021

The bill says that local and state authorities cannot enforce federal bans on guns, ammunition and magazines, The Associated Press reported.

It also prohibits state funding from being used to uphold any sort of gun ban that might come from the federal government.

The governor signed the legislation as President Biden has made moves through executive orders to crack down on “ghost guns” and implement red flag laws.

Many Democrats have been pushing for a ban on assault weapons as well, but with a split Senate, it will be difficult to pass legislation to do so.

Those who support the bill say it protects the Second Amendment, while those who oppose it say it will make it more difficult for local and state officials to work with federal authorities on issues beyond the gun debate, AP noted.

Democrats and Republicans have been split on how to address gun violence as the country has seen more than 147 mass shootings this year.