4:45 p.m  (AP) — Supporters of legislation that would nullify federal gun laws in Missouri say the measure is necessary to protect the rights of gun owners.

The Senate General Laws Committee opened hearings Tuesday on the bill that would declare certain federal gun control policies “null and void.” Federal agents enforcing them in Missouri could spend a year in jail, be fined up to $1,000 and face other civil penalties.

The bill would also let designated school personnel carry concealed weapons in buildings, and bar health care personnel from being required to ask whether a patient owns a firearm.

The committee plans to take more public testimony next week. A similar measure passed the Legislature last year, but was vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon.

 

5 a.m.  (AP) — A Missouri Senate panel is taking up legislation that would send federal agents to jail for enforcing federal gun control laws in the state.

The measure being heard by the Senate General Laws Committee on Tuesday would declare certain federal gun control policies “null and void.” Agents enforcing them could spend a year in jail, be fined up to $1,000 and face other civil penalties.

The bill would also allow designated school personnel to carry concealed weapons in buildings. Another provision would let holders of concealed gun permits carry firearms openly, even in municipalities with ordinances banning open carry.

The legislation is sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Nieves, of Washington. A similar bill passed the Republican-led Legislature last year, but was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.