JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
With a package of executive orders on gun control going into effect from the national level, at the direction of President Obama, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant says any new federal gun control measures are not welcome in Mississippi.
"This is a dangerous path that we're starting down," said Bryant.
Bryant sent a letter to top lawmakers asking that legislation be passed to make any order deemed unconstitutional be illegal to enforce in Mississippi.
"What we're doing now is saying we're standing against the federal government taking away our civil liberties," said Bryant.
Bryant says some efforts from the president infringe on the second amendment right to keep and bear arms, such as a proposed ban on military-style assault weapons and limiting the number of rounds in ammunition magazines.
"We need to send a clear message to the federal government that we're not going to continue to enforce what we believe to be unconstitutional laws because it's simply an executive order," said Bryant.
Not all lawmakers are onboard with Bryant's push.
"I think it's very unthought-out, very knee-jerk," said Rep. Steve Holland, a democrat from Plantersville.
Holland says the President has a right to examine gun control issues and feels there's room for compromise.
"We can't do anything greater or less than the federal government allows us to do so it really much to do about nothing," said Holland.
That's not stopping legislation from happening. Bills reflecting the push from Bryant are being drafted in both chambers. Representative Mark Formby, a republican from Picayune, plans on submitting legislation in the house.
"I just believe that the second amendment has been one of those areas that has been stepped on, encroached upon, sometimes vaguely and some times specifically," said Formby.
"As executives across this nation, we're not happy with this type of thing and we will resist it through all legal means," said Bryant.
Bryant does support some of the efforts from the President such as a comprehensive back ground check on all gun sales. The deadline to submit bills in the house and senate is Monday.
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