Massie Introduces Bill to Repeal “Gun-Free School Zone” Laws

By Kody Fairfield

Rep. Thomas Massie has delivered the Safe Students Act to his colleagues in Congress. The bill would repeal the “gun free zone” laws on schools across the United States, effectively hardening what were once soft targets for gun crimes.

“The bill, originally introduced by Ron Paul in 2007, repeals the Gun-Free School Zones Act (GFSZA) of 1990, which makes it ‘unlawful for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone.’ In 1995, the Supreme Court held the GFSZA unconstitutional, which prompted Congress to amend the bill in 1996. The Supreme Court has not ruled on the constitutionality of the amended Act,” read a press release form Massie’s office. 

Massie, who is the chairman of the newly formed Second Amendment Caucus, said in his press release that “gun free school zones are ineffective,” adding:

They make people less safe by inviting criminals into target-rich, no-risk environments. Gun-free zones prevent law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves, and create vulnerable populations that are targeted by criminals. A bigger federal government can’t solve this problem. Weapons bans and gun-free zones are unconstitutional. They do not and cannot prevent criminals or the mentally ill from committing acts of violence. But they often prevent victims of such violence from protecting themselves.

Massie is supported by his co-sponsors, Reps. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Brian Babin (R-TX), James Comer (R-KY), and Jody Hice (R-GA). The bill has also garnered the support of National Association for Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, and the National Rifle Association, according to Massie’s press release.

Democrats across the nation are expected to fight the legislation, if not protest. It was only back in June when Congressional Democrats hosted a sit in on the floors of the House Chambers in an attempt to force a vote on gun control legislation.

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