A state lawmaker has filed a bill that would block pending federal assault weapons ban from affecting Texas gun owners.
Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, said "The Texas Firearms Protection Act" draws a line in the sand when it comes to the ongoing debate in Washington over ban of assault-style weapons like the AR-15, the same type of weapon used in both the Newton, Conn. and Aurora, Colo. mass shootings.
"These are semi-automatic small-caliber rifles that look really cool, that are great for hunting small game," said Toth, "and it’s a great home defense weapon as well for women to use because it has no kick."
Toth said his bill would charge police officers with a crime should they arrest anyone in possession of an assault weapon or high-capacity magazine.
The representative said he drew up the legislation because of a statement made by President Obama that the president would issue an executive order if congress did not act on banning assault-style weapons.
His bill was left pending in committee with two-thirds of those sitting on the House Committee on Federalism and Fiscal Responsibility.