Kentucky Advances Bold Second Amendment Legislation with HB 749

Austin Reville
6 days ago
3 min read

Kentucky just took a significant step forward for the Second Amendment. State Representative TJ Roberts has introduced HB 749, legislation that would create an Office of Public Defense within the Kentucky State Police. The purpose? To lawfully acquire and transfer machine guns to qualified, law-abiding Kentuckians under existing federal law.

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, Southern Minnesota’s Premier Indoor Range and Firearms Store, we’re watching developments like this closely — because what happens in one state often shapes the conversation nationwide. We are excited to see Kentucky mirror West Virginia on this bill and encourage other states to do so.

What HB 749 Would Do

HB 749 mirrors legislation authored by Gun Owners of America and introduced in West Virginia earlier this year. The bill would:

Establish an Office of Public Defense within Kentucky State Police
Allow the state to acquire machine guns under federal law
Facilitate lawful transfers to qualified citizens

The proposal relies on an existing exception within federal law that allows machine gun transfers “to or by” a state. Rather than asking Washington for permission to change the law, the bill uses language already written into it.

Challenging the NFA Status Quo

HB 749 also represents a direct challenge to the decades-old regulatory regime created by the National Firearms Act (NFA), which imposes tax and registration requirements on certain firearms — including machine guns.

Kentucky State Representative TJ Roberts (R)

We know after 90 plus years that The NFA tax and registry have not demonstrably improved public safety. Law-abiding citizens bear the brunt of compliance costs. Constitutional rights should not depend on bureaucratic gatekeeping.

Rep. Roberts announced the bill publicly, stating:

“Law-abiding Kentuckians should be able to own any type of firearm they choose (including machine guns), as this is our constitutional right.”

The bill’s primary co-sponsors, Representatives Steve Doan and Ryan Dotson, have also stepped forward in support of expanding lawful access to constitutionally protected arms.

If you live in Kentucky, fill out the the Gun Owners of America form to support HB 749 by clicking here!

A Growing National Conversation

We are seeing more states explore creative, lawful ways to push back against federal overreach in the firearms space. From West Virginia to Kentucky, the message is clear: some lawmakers are no longer content to accept the status quo when it comes to restrictions on arms that fall within the historical understanding of the Second Amendment.

Under the Bruen standard, courts are instructed to evaluate gun regulations based on historical tradition — not modern policy preferences. That framework has reshaped legal challenges nationwide and has encouraged legislatures to reexamine longstanding restrictions.

Why This Matters Beyond Kentucky

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we understand that firearm policy rarely stays confined within state borders. When one state advances bold pro-2A legislation it sets a precedent, sparks legal conversations, and pressures other states to respond. Kentucky now has an opportunity to lead — not follow — in restoring access to arms protected under the Constitution.

Grassroots Action Matters

Supporters are urging Kentucky residents to contact their State Representatives and encourage them to advance HB 749 through committee. When lawmakers hear directly from constituents — respectfully, clearly, and in strong numbers — good bills move. Bad politics stalls.

We here at 2 If By Sea Tactical are fighting to eliminate bureaucratic permission slips for constitutional rights as our Founders intended. We promote lawful ownership, and are here to educate that this should not be treated as a privilege as it is our right. We live in a Constitutional Republic which means that States have a role, if not an outright duty, in defending the rights of their citizens.

While this legislation applies to Kentucky, the broader principle applies everywhere. The Second Amendment does not protect only what is politically convenient. It protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms — period. We will continue monitoring legislation like HB 749 and how it shapes the national Second Amendment landscape. Stay informed. Stay engaged. And always stand firm for your rights.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.