FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky state lawmakers are preparing to consider legislation that would create state-level penalties for possessing machine gun conversion switches, devices that are already banned under federal law but have become increasingly common in the state.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Nemes, would allow local police and prosecutors to enforce restrictions on the small devices that converts handguns into automatic weapons capable of firing continuously until ammunition runs out.

"It does not make anything unlawful that is currently lawful," Nemes said.

The quarter-sized switches, which can now be 3D printed, have become a growing concern for law enforcement in Kentucky. Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said 44 machine gun conversion switches were seize

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