State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, on Thursday criticized the passage of House Bill 1240, which bans the manufacture and sale of “assault weapons,” before a key legislative deadline, calling the action “disappointing” in a news release.
According to a statement released by Walsh, the bill, which he called unconstitutional, defines “assault weapons” as a type of semi-automatic rifle, including certain criteria such as being shorter than 30 inches in length and the ability to accept a detachable magazine. The bill would also place restrictions on other types of firearms, including pistols and shotguns.
"It's heartbreaking to hear promise after promise made that this unconstitutional proposal will make children safe and save people's lives. Those promises are false — the bill won't do that. Decades ago, the federal government experimented with a so-called 'assault weapon' ban. It had no demonstrable effect on crime rates. Banning certain types of firearms doesn't deter crime. On the contrary, there's anecdotal evidence that it increases violent crime by emboldening criminals,” Walsh said.
Walsh argued the bill was a waste of taxpayers’ money, citing the Supreme Court’s June 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, which he argued makes bills like HB 1240 unconstitutional.
“If this poorly conceived proposal actually becomes law, it will be challenged in federal court. And it will very likely be overturned,” Walsh said. “We need to focus instead on passing laws and taking other actions that restore and encourage moral behavior and civil society. That's what will make kids safe. That's what will save people's lives. That's what will heal our state."
The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
