A bill that seeks to prohibit the enforcement of federal restrictions on semi-automatic firearms in Louisiana barely advanced Wednesday in the House.
The bill made it out of the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee with a slim 8-6 vote, despite several members questioning how it would stand up to the Supremacy Clause, which establishes federal law as the law of the land.
"I think we ought to make this all-encompassing and say that when there’s a hurricane or there’s some federal aid from the federal government, don’t come and bother us while we’re doing this. Don’t take their money," Landry said sarcastically. "Let’s not take the highway trust money, let’s not take the money that comes down from education – let’s not take any of that money."
Rep. Jim Morris, the bill’s author, said they will deal with the Supremacy Clause when it comes along but, for now, the right of Louisianians to protect their homes and their families is priority.
"And if it means me telling someone in Washington or another state or in this body that I have that right, that’s what I’m going to do because I think I do. And I don’t want to relinquish that right," said Morris.
The bill now heads to the full House floor for debate.