"When did they?" Well, the statement strikes me as disingenous since police don't ban things, but judges and juries sure do.
It's also very possible that it's just something the "reporter" made up out of whole cloth.
I know in some states the sheriff has to sign off on a carry permit but I can't recall having to get permission in order to buy a gun.
I could be wrong though, some states have some funny laws.