Kraus seeks AG opinion on proposed gun nullification law

A Lee’s Summit state senator is calling for a quick “time out” as the General Assembly ponders bills aimed at sidestepping federal gun control laws.

Sen. Will Kraus, a Republican, on Monday said he was seeking an opinion from Attorney General Chris Koster on the legality of a pair of bills lawmakers are now considering.

Lawmakers backing the the bills are looking for ways to strengthen the Second Amendment. Under one proposal, federal agents who enforce federal gun control laws could be barred from future careers in state law enforcement agencies.

Kraus said he backs both measures.

“Nullification is a rarely used concept,” he said in a statement. “An official opinion would be helpful to those of us in the General Assembly who will be voting on these bills. While I am fully supportive of SB 613 and HB 1439, I am also interested in the legal opinion of General Koster on the issue.”

Kansas lawmakers passed similar legislation this year.

State law allows for any member of the General Assembly to ask for an official opinion from the attorney general.

“General Koster will be called upon to defend any laws the General Assembly passes,” said Sen. Kraus. “It is important to know where he stands on the issue legally.”

Senate Bill 613 is currently on the House calendar awaiting floor debate. House Bill 1439 has been voted “do pass” by the Senate General Laws Committee and could go to the Senate floor soon for debate.

This story was originally published April 22, 2014 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Kraus seeks AG opinion on proposed gun nullification law."