LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A judge has ordered that a man’s gun collection seized last year by police must be returned to him, but Lincoln ordinances won’t let him have them in the city.

Police confiscated 24 handguns from Kevin Williams, who was accused of illegally possessing them after being convicted of having an illegal pocketknife. The unlawful possession gun charge against Williams was dropped at the city’s request last week.

Gun rights proponents say the case underscores the need for a state law ensuring consistent regulations statewide so cities can’t enact stricter gun laws than the state. Supporters of gun control and city officials contend the ordinances ensure local leaders can protect citizens by keeping the weapons out of the hands of irresponsible owners.