Current:Home > InvestMississippi lawmakers moving to crack down on machine gun conversion devices-InfoLens
Mississippi lawmakers moving to crack down on machine gun conversion devices
View Date:2024-12-23 18:11:23
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Legislation advancing in Mississippi — where lawmakers are typically loathe to introduce new gun restrictions — would ban most devices used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic ones.
Under a bill passed by the state Senate on Wednesday, local prosecutors could charge people who possess and manufacture modified machine guns. Conversion devices, which are made with 3D printers and can be bought on the internet, make it so that a legal semi-automatic gun can fire multiple rounds at a rapid clip. The proliferation of these devices has led to deadly crimes, Republican Sen. Scott DeLano said.
“These are very deadly devices. They are killing machines,” DeLano said. “This is not something a law-abiding citizen would need to have.”
Lawmakers were moved to introduce the bill after a Mississippi sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop by a suspect who had a modified machine gun. George County Deputy Jeremy Malone died after he stopped a vehicle U.S. 98 in early January.
The National Rifle Association, which often lobbies against gun control provisions, helped write portions of the bill because it is “cognizant to this threat to our law enforcement community,” DeLano said.
While federal law restricts conversion devices, Mississippi does not have a state law banning them. As a result, police can only confiscate the devices. Local prosecutors cannot charge people for modifying machine guns. Instead they must rely on federal prosecutors, who have been overwhelmed with the number of cases in Mississippi, DeLano said.
People can still obtain a federal license to purchase some modified guns.
The bill now heads to the House, which has already passed a similar proposal the Senate could consider. Both bills are named after Malone, the slain officer.
___
Michael Goldberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
veryGood! (844)
Related
- Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani wins reelection to Arizona US House seat
- This poet wrote about his wife's miscarriage and many can relate: Read 'We Cry, Together'
- Montana seeks to revive signature restrictions for ballot petitions, including on abortion rights
- Kid Rock teases Republican National Convention performance, shows support for Donald Trump
- 'Wheel of Fortune' contestant makes viral mistake: 'Treat yourself a round of sausage'
- How to get your kids to put their phones down this summer
- Widespread technology outage disrupts flights, banks, media outlets and companies around the world
- How to get your kids to put their phones down this summer
- Trump hammered Democrats on transgender issues. Now the party is at odds on a response
- Surreal Life's Kim Zolciak and Chet Hanks Address Hookup Rumors
Ranking
- Will Trump’s hush money conviction stand? A judge will rule on the president-elect’s immunity claim
- 'The View' co-host Whoopi Goldberg defends President Joe Biden amid his third COVID diagnosis
- Meet Crush, the rare orange lobster diverted from dinner plate to aquarium by Denver Broncos fans
- Dance Moms: A New Era's Dramatic Trailer Teases Tears, Physical Fights and More
- Garth Brooks wants to move his sexual assault case to federal court. How that could help the singer.
- Lou Dobbs, conservative pundit and longtime cable TV host for Fox Business and CNN, dies at 78
- Pregnant Brittany Mahomes Details Postpartum Hair Loss Before Welcoming Baby No. 3 With Patrick Mahomes
- Recalled mushroom chocolates remain on some store shelves despite reported illnesses
Recommendation
-
Mattel says it ‘deeply’ regrets misprint on ‘Wicked’ dolls packaging that links to porn site
-
Trump's national lead over Biden grows — CBS News poll
-
Meet Crush, the rare orange lobster diverted from dinner plate to aquarium by Denver Broncos fans
-
Lou Dobbs, political commentator and former 'Lou Dobbs Tonight' anchor, dies at 78
-
The View's Sara Haines Walks Off After Whoopi Goldberg's NSFW Confession
-
Nebraska governor seeks shift to sales taxes to ease high property taxes. Not everyone is on board
-
Boxer Ryan Garcia has been charged for alleged vandalism, the Los Angeles DA announced
-
'Love Island USA' complete guide: How to watch, finale date, must-know terminology