state sovereignty

Over the past several weeks, it has become apparent that many state attorneys general have planned to file suit once the healthcare bill is signed into law by President Obama. Tomorrow, several of them will announce their efforts.

From WSLS in Richmond, VA:

Less than eight hours after Congress passed sweeping health care reforms, Virginia’s attorney general has announced a legal challenge against it.

Republican Ken Cuccinelli said early Monday that he will file a court challenge against what he and other conservatives decry as an unconstitutional overreach of federal authority.

Cuccinelli said he would file the lawsuit as soon as President Barack Obama signs the bill passed Sunday night into law.

Rep. David Derby of Owasso has introduced another bill in the House which asserts Oklahoma's Constitutional right to regulate its own intrastate commerce regarding firearms without interference from the federal government.  Now, this bill doesn't seem to have any real teeth in terms of penalties for enforcement, but it's at least a start and a statement to the federal government to butt out of state issues.

House Bill 3239 is referred to as the Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act.  It asserts that because of the protections of the Second, Ninth, and Tenth Amendments, firearms manufactured in the State of Oklahoma which do not enter into commerce in another state are not subject to federal regulation.  The measure also requires that these arms bear a mark on the receiver or frame with the words "Made in Oklahoma" displayed.

The Oklahoma House Public Safety Committee has passed to the floor House Bill 3157, which is an amendment to 21 O.S. 2001, Section 1289.2.  It adds the following paragraph:

The Legislature further finds that the citizens of Oklahoma shall not be required to participate in any international, state or federal firearms registration program nor shall any firearm lawfully owned and possessed by a citizen of this state be subject to confiscation unless such firearm has been used for unlawful purposes in violation of the Oklahoma Statutes.

This bill, if passed, will be effective November 1, 2010.  It is obviously in response to the Federal proposal that the United States signs on to a treaty with the UN regarding international firearms registration.

Call your Representatives and Senators and let's get this passed!