Steven Mace
02-13-2002, 01:49 AM
Debate over gun legislation interrupts a slow session
By MARK R. CHELLGREN, Associated Press
FRANKFORT -- Even when things are slow in the General Assembly, anything having to do with guns is sure to generate some debate.
The topic Monday was a resolution, which carries no legal weight, encouraging Congress to adopt another resolution on whether the Second Amendment to the Constitution applies to an individual right to bear arms.
Rep. Tom Kerr, D-Taylor Mill, said the resolutions could be helpful in future court rulings to show the sense of elected representatives.
"It is none our business to meddle in telling a judicial body, whether it's the Kentucky Supreme Court or the United States Supreme Court that we want them to overturn 200 years of constitutional law on the Second Amendment," said Rep. Kathy Stein, D-Lexington.
The resolution in Congress expresses the sentiment that the right of individuals to keep and bear arms supersedes the power of any government.
"What exactly are you afraid of?" asked Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville.
As usually happens on gun issues, the vote reflected a far different perspective than the debate. The resolution passed by a vote of 89-7.
In other action Monday, the House:
- Passed legislation to add safety vehicles with yellow flashing lights to the list of emergency vehicles motorists are supposed to slow down or change lanes to accommodate. The vote was 71-25.
- Require anyone convicted of boating under the influence of alcohol to attend safe boating courses. The same bill changes the circumstances under which a boating accident must be reported to authorities. The current standard is if there is $100 worth of damage. The new standard would be $500.
All of the measures passed by the House now go to the Senate for its consideration.
February 12, 2002
http://www.myinky.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_982084,00.html
Steve Mace
By MARK R. CHELLGREN, Associated Press
FRANKFORT -- Even when things are slow in the General Assembly, anything having to do with guns is sure to generate some debate.
The topic Monday was a resolution, which carries no legal weight, encouraging Congress to adopt another resolution on whether the Second Amendment to the Constitution applies to an individual right to bear arms.
Rep. Tom Kerr, D-Taylor Mill, said the resolutions could be helpful in future court rulings to show the sense of elected representatives.
"It is none our business to meddle in telling a judicial body, whether it's the Kentucky Supreme Court or the United States Supreme Court that we want them to overturn 200 years of constitutional law on the Second Amendment," said Rep. Kathy Stein, D-Lexington.
The resolution in Congress expresses the sentiment that the right of individuals to keep and bear arms supersedes the power of any government.
"What exactly are you afraid of?" asked Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville.
As usually happens on gun issues, the vote reflected a far different perspective than the debate. The resolution passed by a vote of 89-7.
In other action Monday, the House:
- Passed legislation to add safety vehicles with yellow flashing lights to the list of emergency vehicles motorists are supposed to slow down or change lanes to accommodate. The vote was 71-25.
- Require anyone convicted of boating under the influence of alcohol to attend safe boating courses. The same bill changes the circumstances under which a boating accident must be reported to authorities. The current standard is if there is $100 worth of damage. The new standard would be $500.
All of the measures passed by the House now go to the Senate for its consideration.
February 12, 2002
http://www.myinky.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_982084,00.html
Steve Mace