Wrap: Washington County Republican Senator Brian Nieves introduced the resolution he says would keep the federal government in check.

If passed, voters would decide whether the state could opt out of federal laws including those that would restrict the right to bear arms, legalize abortions, or allow for same-sex marriages.

But Senate Democrats questioned impact the measure would actually have if passed by the voters.

To which Nieves responded,

After nearly an hour of discussion between the three Senators, the Senate voted to place the bill on its informal calendar.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Elizabeth Hagedorn.

Wrap:

This back and forth between Jackson County Democratic Senators Victor Callahan and Jolie Justus characterized the debate over a Republican led resolution dealing with state sovereignty.

The resolution, sponsored by Washington County Republican Senator Brian Nieves, would give the state the ability to not enforce certain federal laws Nieves thinks should be left up to the state.

If passed, the state would not have to enforce laws that would restrict gun rights, allow for same-sex marriage, or legalize abortion.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Elizabeth Hagedorn.

Wrap: Washington County Republican Senator Brian Nieves introduced the resolution in the Senate to increase state sovereignty on issues like abortion, firearms, health care, and same-sex marriage.

During the debate, Senate Democrats stalled by giving the legislature a lesson in history.

Drawing on the historical references in the bill, Jackson County Senators Jolie Justus and Victor Callahan discussed the legacy of our Founding Fathers at length.

The long-winded filibusted ended with the Senate voting to place the bill on the informal calendar.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Elizabeth Hagedorn.