State Rep. Larry Mitchell is introducing legislation to ban high capacity magazines.
It’s one of several gun control measures lawmakers are considering this session.
High capacity magazines allow 10 rounds or more of ammunition to be fed into a firearm.
The legislation bans the buying and selling of these magazines in the state. It also prohibits someone in a public place possessing both a high capacity magazine and a gun that accepts that device.
Mitchell said there magazines are a common thread in many of the recent mass shootings.
“I know there’s a lot of people that are opposed to the bill and they constantly say it’s you know being sparked by mass shootings," he said. "And you know, it maybe somewhat, but this is all about community safety.”
He said his bill may not stop a mass shooting. But it could make it easier to subdue the shooter when they stop to reload their firearm.
“At some point, when that magazine change takes place, if you’re going to make that overt act - that step to move forward and disarm someone - that’s the time to do it," he said. "We can give them an opportunity to do that after a short burst of 10 rounds or less. Maybe we’ll save some lives.”
Mitchell said people can still use high capacity magazines at shooting ranges.
The legislation has some exemptions for military and law enforcement personnel as well as licensed gun dealers and manufacturers.
