Montana governor signs bill to nullify federal gun control laws

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill on Friday intended on nullifying federal gun control efforts, The Hill reports.

"Today, I proudly signed Rep. Hinkle's law prohibiting federal overreach into our Second Amendment-protected rights, including any federal ban on firearms," the Governor tweeted. "I will always protect our [second amendment] right to keep and bear arms."

The law bans state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal bans on guns, ammunition, and magazines. Under the law, the state government is also prohibited from providing state funds towards the enforcement of federal gun control rules.

The Democratic Party has long included gun control as part of their platform. Many Democrats have called for an "assault weapons" ban across the country, but with a split Senate, such legislation is not expected to pass, especially given the filibuster requirement of 60 votes in the Senate to pass such legislation.

Some Democrats nevertheless remain hopeful as the National Rifle Association declares bankruptcy. With a weaker gun lobby, gun control proponents have suggested that some Republicans may take on stances in favour of gun control. Such hopes have not materialized, however.

President Joe Biden meanwhile has signalled that he will use executive privileges to implement more gun control without going through Congress. Such executive actions include the expansion of "red flag" laws and a crack down on home manufacturers of firearms.