CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A leader in the Wyoming State Senate says he killed a bill that sought to exempt the state from any future federal assault weapons ban because of rude pressure tactics from a pro-gun organization.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Sen. Phil Nicholas, a Laramie Republican, controls which bills get a hearing. He didn't bring up the assault weapons bill or a companion gun control bill by Friday's deadline.

Nicholas says he believes the bills were intentionally poorly drafted. He says lawmakers who opposed them were targeted for personal criticism by the Wyoming Gun Owners Association, which he said tried raise funds from the controversy.

Evansville Republican Rep. Kendell Kroeker sponsored the assault weapons bill. He denies he intended it to raise funds and says he believes Wyoming must support gun rights.

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