2014 House Bill 5500

Authorize lawsuits against illegal local government gun restrictions

Introduced in the House

April 30, 2014

Introduced by Rep. Tom McMillin (R-45)

To require local governments that are violating a state law that preempts imposing local restrictions on firearms (including taxes, regulation of ownership, registration, purchase, sale, transfer, transportation, or possession) to bring their ordinances into compliance within 91 days. The bill would establish failure to do so as a “cause of action,” on the basis of which individuals or groups aggrieved by a violation of this state law could sue to have the local restrictions invalidated, and collect costs and reasonable attorney fees if they win. Also, the bill would authorize civil fines of $5,000 against an elected or appointed local government official who “knowingly and willfully enacted or enforced an ordinance or regulation in violation” of the state preemption.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary