Missouri bill would imprison legislators proposing gun control

A Missouri lawmaker is proposing to send colleagues to prison for introducing gun control legislation — a plan even its sponsor acknowledges has no chance of passage.

Rep. Mike Leara, a St. Louis County Republican, said Tuesday that his bill is a statement of principle. It would make lawmakers guilty of a felony punishable by up to four years in prison if they introduce legislation restricting gun rights.

Rep. Stacey Newman, a St. Louis Democrat, called the measure “unconstitutional” and said she will go directly to prison if the bill passes. Newman is sponsoring a measure requiring guns to be sold by licensed dealers and forcing dealers to conduct background checks.

The proposal criminalizing gun control legislation comes as a Missouri House committee was scheduled to consider a Republican proposal that would nullify all federal gun laws.