Gun control advocates are increasingly focusing their efforts on state legislatures, as federal legislative action remains slow and uncertain. The split nature of Congress makes it difficult for significant firearm legislation to gain the necessary support, prompting proponents of gun control to shift their attention to individual states where legislative processes can move more swiftly.
State lawmakers in Colorado are advancing Senate Bill 3, which aims to ban semi-automatic firearms capable of accepting detachable magazines. The bill has evolved into a proposal requiring permits from county sheriffs, but faces challenges due to criteria previously rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.
New Mexico is considering Senate Bill 279, described by opponents as “the most wide, sweeping, overreaching legislative proposal we’ve seen nationwide.” Meanwhile, Rhode Island’s House Bill 5436 seeks to ban modern sporting rifles entirely. Governor Dan McKee has included funding in the state’s budget to support this effort.
Connecticut and New Mexico are also debating bills that would allow lawsuits against firearm manufacturers for crimes committed with their products. Connecticut’s HB 7042 and New Mexico’s SB 318 aim to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), potentially exposing manufacturers to costly legal battles.
Additionally, Connecticut and Delaware are considering legislation that would track credit card purchases related to firearms and ammunition. These measures follow similar initiatives in California, New York, and Colorado. Nineteen states currently prohibit such tracking codes.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) opposes these state-level measures and emphasizes the role of federalism in allowing states to serve as “laboratories of democracy.” Successful state experiments may influence national policy while unsuccessful ones remain contained within individual states.
This strategic shift underscores the dynamic nature of gun control advocacy as it adapts to political realities at both state and federal levels.
