Pelosi Calls For Gun Registration,
Opposes D.C. Gun Reform Legislation

 

In February, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) rightly rejected Attorney General Eric Holder’s call for renewing the so-called “assault weapons” ban, which expired in 2004 after Congress refused to renew it.   

However, on Tuesday, on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Pelosi said, “we [members of Congress] have to find some level of compromise” on guns.  She noted that the Supreme Court, in District of Columbia v. Heller, ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to guns.  But, she said, “We want them registered.”  

 

Opportunistic Mayors Get It Wrong:  In response to news coverage of recent, deadly, criminal shootings, the U.S. Conference of Mayors showed that the group is as committed as any anti-gun group to letting no tragedy go unexploited.   

 

Reporter And Police Sergeant Get It Right:  The headline reads, “Mayors say Pittsburgh shootings show need for new gun laws.”  In this case, the mayors are “Mayors Against Illegal Guns,” an anti-gun front group founded by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  

 

ILA Dinner and Auction At Annual Meetings:  The Institute for Legislative Action will hold its Third Annual Dinner and Auction in conjunction with the NRA Annual Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday evening, May 15^th.   

The Third Annual NRA-ILA Dinner and Auction will allow you to show your continued support for NRA-ILA, and to enjoy a great evening filled with good food, friends and an excellent live and silent auction.  This year’s auction is dedicated to “Investing in our Firearms Freedom.”   

For more information regarding this great event, or to purchase tickets, please click here. 

 

Plan To Attend Free Phoenix Grassroots Workshop!  With anti-gun forces aligned against us at all levels of government, America’s gun owners can expect a barrage of anti-gun measures like we have not seen in decades. In order to meet these challenges head on, we must redouble our efforts to beat back attempts by the anti-gunners to erode our Second Amendment freedom. 

Your attendance at this year’s NRA-ILA Grassroots Workshop in Phoenix is a critical step toward ensuring the future of our gun rights. This Workshop has been a staple of NRA’s Annual Meetings, and is one of the most popular events of the week, attended by hundreds of freedom-loving NRA members.   

 

Call For Nominations To Serve On BLM’s Resource Advisory Councils:  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has begun its 2009 Resource Advisory Council (RAC) nomination process.  These citizen-based advisory councils, located in the Western United States, provide an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds and interests to provide advice and recommendations to the BLM on land use planning and management of public land within their geographic areas.  Nominations for all of the 24 councils must be into the BLM States Offices by April 14, 2009.   If you hunt or recreationally shoot on BLM land, it is important that you get involved in this process.  

 

Volunteers Needed In Phoenix For 2009 NRA Annual Meetings:  The 2009 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be an exciting weekend, as thousands of NRA members will come together May 15-17, 2009, in Phoenix, AZ.  You can contribute to the success of our meeting by participating as an Annual Meeting Volunteer.  To volunteer or to see how you can get involved, please click here.

 

Help Defend Your Gun Rights One Easy Click At A Time:  We now have a revolutionary yet simple tool that will allow you to stay connected to NRA-ILA and raise valuable contributions to defend our Second Amendment rights without spending a dime!  It’s the NRA-ILA Toolbar, and you can make a difference by downloading and using it.  

Show your support, stay connected to your NRA-ILA, and raise valuable contributions for our defense of the Second Amendment by downloading and using this free toolbar!  Please click here to download your toolbar now! 

 

 

 

STATE ROUNDUP  (Please note the only items listed below are those that have had recent action.  For other updates on state legislation, please go to the state legislation section at www.NRAILA.org, and check each week’s issue of the Grassroots Alert.”)   

 

ALASKA:  NRA Board Member Needs Your Help to be Confirmed as Alaska’s Next Attorney General!  As we have reported, Wayne Anthony Ross, a member of the NRA Board of Directors, was nominated by Governor Sarah Palin (R) to be the next Attorney General of the State of Alaska.  This nomination requires confirmation by the full Legislature, which will consider his nomination on Thursday, April 16.  Please contact your state legislators TODAY and respectfully urge them to confirm Wayne Anthony Ross as Attorney General.  Contact information can be found here.

 

ARIZONA:   Big Business Attempting to Dismantle Our Second Amendment Rights!  NRA is working hard to pass House Bill 2474, which would permit a law-abiding individual to store firearms in their locked motor vehicle while parked on a publicly accessible parking lot controlled by an employer or a business they frequent.  Please contact your State Representative TODAY and respectfully urge them to support our Second Amendment rights by voting for HB2474.  Contact information for your State Representative can be found by clicking here. 

BLM Travel Management Plans Will Eliminate or Restrict Motorized Game Retrieval  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is in the process of designating roads and trails where motorized travel will be restricted on BLM lands in Arizona.  BLM's Tucson Field Office recently released a travel management plan for the Middle Gila Canyons, which proposed that cross-country motorized travel for hunting or to retrieve game be prohibited.  BLM is taking public comment on the plan until Friday, May 8.  For more information and how to take action, please click here.

 

ARKANSAS:  Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment Placed on 2010 General Election Ballot!   Before the Arkansas General Assembly adjourned on Friday, April 10, the legislature passed one of our legislative goals of the session, Senate Joint Resolution 3.  It will now be up to the voters on November 2, 2010 to secure the hunting and fishing heritage of the Natural State for future generations.  Thank you to members who contacted their state legislators in support of this important legislation.  Please click here to learn about other pro-gun bills that were considered this session.

 

CALIFORNIA:  Hearing Dates of Five Gun Bills Approaching!  In the coming weeks, various committees of the California State Legislature will take up four anti-gun bills (AB962, SB585, SB250, SB697) and one pro-gun bill (AB357). The one pro-gun bill, AB357 was originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 but it has been rescheduled and will now be heard on Tuesday, April 21.  This bill would create a “shall issue” concealed handgun permit system in California. For more information on all of these bills and general contact information for the committees please click here.

 

COLORADO:   Reform Bill Responding to Outrage of the Week Heads to Governor for His Consideration!  After unanimously passing on April 1, Senate Bill 237 will now head to the desk of Governor Bill Ritter (D) for his consideration.  SB 237 was introduced in response to the expulsion of high school student Marie Marrow after the discovery of her drill team prop “rifles” in her car.  Thank you to all those members who contacted their representatives in support of Ms. Marrow and this necessary legislation.

Shooting Area Clean-Up Day Scheduled on Two National Forests  The Front Range Shooting Sports Partners (FRSSP) has scheduled Saturday, April 25th to clean up two popular shooting sites.  One is an informal area on the Pawnee National Grassland in Weld County and the other is the South Rampart Shooting Range on the Pike National Forest west of Colorado Springs.  The FRSSP is a coalition that was formed several years ago to address the needs of recreational shooters along the Front Range.  Partners in the coalition are the Colorado Division of Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Firearms Coalition of Colorado, Safari Club International, Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and 11 other state and private organizations.   The clean up project is the first of its kind scheduled by the FRSSP.  For further information on the Pawnee clean up, please contact tjwilliams@fs.fed.us or call 970-295-6693 and for the Rampart Range clean up, please contact Richard Gandolf at dicknjudy@q.com or call 719-597-2722.  For more details you may also go to http://wildlife.state.co.us/hunting/shootingsports/shootingsportspartners  If you shoot on federal lands in the state and are within reasonable driving distance of these sites, you would be making a tremendous contribution to the future of recreational shooting on federal lands if you could volunteer your time on April 25th at either site.  If you can volunteer, we would appreciate you wearing a ball cap, jacket or other item that recognizes you as a NRA member.

DELAWARE:  “Gun Owner Privacy Act” Pulled in Delaware  Senate Bill 29, introduced by State Senator Bruce Ennis (D-14), was pulled due to scheduling issues.  This legislation would prohibit the creation, sale or distribution of lists and information about firearms and their owners not authorized or required by law. SB29 will likely be brought up again in the coming weeks so please continue checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates. 

 

IDAHO:   “Employer Liability Act” to be Heard this Session!  House Bill 287, the “Employer Liability Act” will be the last gun bill to be heard this session in Idaho.  HB287 would remove liability from an employer for a firearm related accident if they allow their employees to store firearms in their vehicle while at work.  If employers prohibit their employees from having a firearm in their vehicle, they could be held liable.  At this time no action is needed, but please continue to check your e-mail and www.nraila.org for updates.

Motorized Access in Boise National Forest Under Review  The Emmett Ranger District of the Boise National Forest is working on a travel management plan that will designate what roads and trails will be opened in the future to motorized access.  Particular attention is being paid to the Bull Creek and Silver Creek trails.  The Ranger District is inviting public comment, which will be used in the decision making process.  What roads and trails remain open or closed will affect hunters' access to these lands.  Those who hunt in this National Forest need to get directly involved in this planning process.  Two letters written by the District Ranger providing more detailed information can be found by clicking here or here.  Please send comments to Emmett Ranger District, 1806 Highway 16, Room 5, Emmett, Idaho 83617. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to comments-intermtn-boise-emmett@fs.fed.us.

 

KANSAS:  State Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment Passes House and Will be Placed on 2010 Ballot!  As previously reported, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611, providing for a constitutional amendment guaranteeing an individual Right to Keep and Bear Arms passed the House.  Please thank your state representative today if he/she supported this important legislation.  Contact information for your Representative can be found here.

 

MICHIGAN: Consumer Protection Bill Assigned to the House Judiciary Committee

Last week, State Representative Paul Opsommer introduced House Bill 4783.  This bill would make it a misdemeanor punishable by  a $500 fine for any seller or federally licensed firearms dealer to create any type of video registry of their firearm sales.  HB 4783 has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.  Please continue to check your email and www.nraila.org for updates.

 

MISSOURI:  Castle Doctrine and Right-to-Carry Improvement Bill Moves Forward in the Missouri House!  On April 9, the House of Representatives made significant progress towards passing Missouri’s Castle Doctrine and Right-to-Carry improvement bill, House Bill 668.  Two significant amendments were adopted and it now awaits final passage before heading over to the Senate.  Please continue to check your email and www.nraila.org for future updates to this important bill.  For more information on the bill and the amendments added please click here.

 

MONTANA:   Self-Defense Reform Bill Heads to the Governor’s Desk in Montana!

On April 9, the conference report on House Bill 228 was passed by the Montana House and Senate.  The House approved the measure 85 to14 and the Senate 40 to 10.  The bill is now en route to Governor Brian Schweitzer (D) for his consideration.

 

NEBRASKA: Right-to-Carry Reform Bill Advancing in Lincoln!  On Thursday, April 2, LB 430, advanced from General File to Select File by a vote of 40 to 4.  Two notable amendments were added which helped make this good bill even better.  In its current form, LB 430 would provide statewide preemption for all Right-to-Carry permit holders. Which would prevent any city, county, or municipality from restricting the lawful carry by permit holders anywhere not prohibited by state law.  Please politely and respectfully contact your State Senator TODAY and urge them to keep LB 430 free from amendments on Select File that could substantially weaken the bill and vote to advance it to Final Action.  To find contact information for your State Senator, please click here. 

 

NEW JERSEY:  Pro-Hunting Measure on Governor’s Desk!  Legislation that would significantly expand hunting opportunities for New Jersey’s sportsmen are currently awaiting consideration by Governor Jon Corzine (D).  A1669 would authorize bow hunting on Sundays, during the respective deer season dates set by the State Fish and Game Code, on State wildlife management areas and private property.  Last October, the Senate version (S802) passed the full Senate.  Please contact Governor Corzine today and respectfully urge him to sign A1669/S802.  The Governor can be reached by phone at (609) 292-6000 or visit www.state.nj.us/governor/about/contact/ to send email.

 

NEW YORK:   A Number of Anti-Gun Bills Heading to Assembly Floor in Albany  On April 6, the Assembly Codes Committee passed the following anti-gun measures: AB1093, AB1326, AB2881, AB2882, and AB5844.  These bills now head to the House Floor for consideration on the Assembly's annual "anti-gun" day, scheduled for Wednesday, April 29.  It is critical that you contact your lawmakers TODAY at their district offices and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE these measures!  For contact information and analysis for on these bills please click here.

 

NEW HAMPSHIRE:  Pro-Gun Reform to be Voted on in Concord!  HB398 would repeal R.S.A. 644:13, a state law that would mandate that written permission be granted by the Chief of Police or governing body if one wishes to discharge a firearm within certain areas defined as the “compact part” of a town.  Please contact your State Representative TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB398 when it comes before them for a vote.  Contact information for your State Representative can be found by clicking here.

NORTH DAKOTA:  Reciprocity Bill Passes North Dakota House of Representatives 

Senate Bill 2415 passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, April 2, by a vote of 90 to 2 and will now head to the State Senate for concurrence.  If passed, this legislation would expand reciprocity options for North Dakota permit holders by creating a dual permit system.  Please call your State Senator and respectfully urge support for SB 2415 as amended. Contact information can be found here.

Youth Hunting Debate Continues With Newly Amended Bill After language that would have lowered the minimum age for North Dakota deer hunters was stricken from HB 1227, the North Dakota House amended another Youth Hunting bill, SB 2165, in an attempt to pass the necessary language this session.  Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge support for House-amended SB 2165, and ensure North Dakota strengthens its hunter retention efforts.  Contact information can be found here.  

North Dakota Park Carry Bill Signed by Governor Hoeven! On Thursday, April 9, Governor John Hoeven (R) signed North Dakota’s State Park Carry Bill.  HB 1389 will enable concealed carry permit holders to carry a firearm in state parks.  Thank you to all those members who contacted their State Legislators during this process. 

University Storage Bill Moves to the Senate!  House Bill 1348 will soon be heard in the Senate after a 3 to 2 “do not pass” vote from the Senate Government and Veterans Affairs Committee.  Since committees in North Dakota can only make recommendations to the floor, HB1348 still has a chance passing.  Please contact your State Senator and urge them to support this bill.  Contact information can be found here.

 

PENNSYLVANIA:  “Lost or Stolen” Ordinance Looming Over Harrisburg!  Last week, the Harrisburg City Council’s Public Safety Committee supported an anti-gun ordinance that would require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 24-hours or face fines and possible imprisonment.  The proposal will now be considered by the full City Council.  This proposal runs afoul of Pennsylvania’s firearm pre-emption law that allows only the state legislature to regulate firearms.  Please contact the members of the Harrisburg City Council TODAY and respectfully urge them to oppose this unwarranted and illegal ordinance.  City Council members can be reached by phone at (717) 255-3060. E-mail addresses can be found here.

President John Sigler Scheduled to Speak at Second Amendment Rally Scheduled in Harrisburg!  You are invited to join NRA President John Sigler at a Second Amendment rally at the State Capitol scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 at 10 A.M. (plan on being there at 9 A.M.) in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.  This event will give Pennsylvania gun owners the opportunity to speak out against recently introduced anti-gun bills which include a “one-gun-a-month” gun rationing scheme, firearm registration and legislation that would abolish state preemption.  Many state legislators will be on hand to voice their support for gun owners rights. 

 

TENNESSEE:  Show Your Pride With an NRA License Plate!  A specialty NRA license plate provides an ideal opportunity to showcase your pride as an NRA member and your steadfast dedication to preserving our cherished Second Amendment freedoms.  Your support of this program will help ensure hunting and shooting traditions in the Volunteer State for generations to come.  The NRA is collecting applications for the specialty NRA license plates in Tennessee.  For more information, please click here.

 

VERMONT:  Anti-Hunting Measure Pending Action in Montpelier  Senate Bill 113 is currently in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy.  S113 would ban coyote contests (similar to a buck hunt contest).  Coyote contests are an essential tool in controlling the state’s predator population.  If the precedent is established to ban one type of competition, deer pools or fishing derbies could be next.  Please contact State Senator Ginny Lyons, the bill’s sponsor, and Senate President Peter Shumlin (D-Windham) today and respectfully urge them to protect Vermont’s longstanding hunting traditions by withdrawing S113.  Senator Lyons can be reached by phone at (802) 863-6129 or email vlyons@leg.state.vt.us.  Senate President Shumlin can be contacted at (802) 387-4447 or via email at senprespt@leg.state.vt.us.  For more information about the bill, please click here.

VIRGINIA:  General Assembly Overrides Veto of Two Pro-Gun Bills!  On Wednesday, April 8, the General Assembly overrode two of Governor Tim Kaine’s vetoes.  Senate Bill 877 will allow "retired" law enforcement officers to carry concealed in a restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages. Senate Bill 1528 will allow a safety course required for obtaining a concealed handgun permit, to be completed electronically or online.  Unfortunately, the Senate failed to override the veto of Senate Bill 1035, House Bill 1851, and House Bill 2528. 

WISCONSIN:  “Micro-Stamping” Legislation Proposed in the Badger State!  As we reported last week, State Senator Spencer Coggs (D-6) and State Representative Leon Young (D-16) have introduced a proposal that would ban the sale of all new semi-automatic pistols not equipped with so-called “micro-stamping” technology.  While this proposal has not officially been introduced as a bill, supporters are trying to gather co-sponsors.  For more information about this attack on our rights, please click here.  Please continue to contact your State Legislators TODAY and respectfully encourage them to NOT co-sponsor or support this anti-gun proposal.  Click here to find contact information.    

Attention Wisconsin Sportsmen: Please Attend a Hearing to Discuss Deer Hunting Regulations in Madison on Wednesday, April 15!  On Wednesday, April 15, it is vitally important that you come to the State Capitol in Madison and make your voices heard!  State Senator Jim Holperin (D-12), Chairman of the Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources Committee, and State Representative Ann Hraychuck (D-28), Chairwoman of the House Fish and Wildlife Committee, have scheduled a joint hearing on deer hunting regulations. This is an ideal opportunity for all of Wisconsin’s sportsmen to voice their concerns over the overwhelming amount of regulations placed upon hunting in Wisconsin.  Please make every opportunity to attend this hearing.  The hearing will be held in Room 411 South at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in the capitol.  For more information, please click here.