JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster raised concerns Tuesday about a bill attempting to nullify some federal gun-control laws, urging lawmakers to think twice before …
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster raised concerns Tuesday about a bill attempting to nullify some federal gun-control laws, urging lawmakers to think twice before voting to override a gubernatorial veto of the measure.Koster sent a letter to lawmakers warning that the bill contains “flawed public policy” that could prevent police from cooperating with federal authorities and allow criminals to sue police and prosecutors for referring gun cases to federal officials.The Republican-led Legislature is to meet Sept. 11 to consider overriding Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of the legislation. Several Democrats have said they are likely to vote with Republicans to enact House Bill 436.If the veto is overridden, a quick lawsuit is expected.Among other things, the bill declares invalid in Missouri any federal measures “which infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms” and allows state misdemeanor charges to be brought against federal authorities who attempt to enforce those laws. Charges also could be filed against anyone who publishes a gun owner’s name, address or other identifying information.Nixon, a former state attorney general, contends the bill violates the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution that generally gives preference to federal laws over conflicting state ones and also infringes on First Amendment rights of free speech and press.Koster, a Democrat, would be responsible for defending the measure against a lawsuit. He said Tuesday that a federal court may declare some provisions of the measure unconstitutional, such as the attempt to nullify federal gun-control laws. He said other parts likely would be upheld but could have negative consequences.Koster raises concerns about bill attempting to nullify gun-control laws