Tennessee lawmaker seeks to make federal enforcement of would-be gun restrictions a crime

photo Rep. Joe Carr
Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog

NASHVILLE - A Republican state lawmaker has introduced legislation making it a crime for federal agents in Tennessee to enforce any federal law, presidential executive order or rule that bans, restricts or requires registration of semi-automatic firearms, ammunition or accessories.

Rep. Joe Carr, R-Lacassas, filed the bill Tuesday in anticipation of President Barack Obama's announcement today that he plans to push a broad push array of measures to ban assault weapons, limit high-capacity magazines and expanding background checks for gun purchases and new gun trafficking laws.

The legislation filed by Carr, who is exploring a 4th Congressional District race next year, states that any federal restriction passed or enacted Jan. 1, 2013, "shall be unenforceable within the borders of the state" if it bans, restricts or requires registration semi-automatic firearms, accessories or ammunition.

Any federal official or agent attempting to enforce new restrictions on weapons, accessories or ammunition owned or manufactured commercially or privately in Tennessee and which remains in the state "shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor." Misdemeanor convictions carry penalties of up to a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.

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