Missouri law banning police from enforcing federal gun restrictions overturned

A federal appeals court overturned a Missouri law that prevented police from working with federal law enforcement on gun crimes.

The law was known as the Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA).

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the Missouri law violated a section of the U.S. Constitution known as the Supremacy Clause, which states federal law takes precedence over state laws.

The ruling on Monday said "a state cannot invalidate federal law to itself."

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt strongly supported the law since it was established.

KSHB 41 staff

Parson and Schmitt claimed Missouri wasn't trying to negate federal law but was trying to defend from federal government overreach on a Missourian's right to bear arms.

Jeff Roberson/AP

Several local jurisdictions sued the state over the law after it was first established in 2021 on the grounds the law was unconstitutional.

Among those who sued the state were Jackson County, Kansas City, and the city and county of St. Louis.

—

KSHB 41 reporter Elyse Schoenig covers issues surrounding the cost of health care. Share your story idea with Elyse .