May 5, 2011
Senate Bill 626 remains on the Senate Calendar for possible consideration by the Pennsylvania Senate. This legislation is an unjustified attack by “animal rights” extremists who want to criminalize and ban organized bird shoots in Pennsylvania.
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May 5, 2011
On May 3, the House Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee passed Senate Bill 207. Sponsored by state Senator Joseph Hune (R-22), SB 207 would establish a mentored youth hunting program allowing parents to determine at which age their children are ready to hunt.
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May 2, 2011
House Bill 159, sponsored by state Representative Cary Smith (R-55), is legislation to restrict the authority of the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the FWP Commission to regulate firearms and ammunition. HB 159 is currently awaiting action by Governor Brian Schweitzer.
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May 1, 2011
On May 2 and May 4, the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees will be hearing anti-gun bills that will have major implications for California gun owners and sportsmen if passed and enacted. Senate Bill 124 would ban virtually all handgun and rifle ammunition and cartridges. Assembly Bill 144 would ban open carry of firearms. Assembly Bill 809 would require long gun registration.
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April 29, 2011
House Bill 271 was approved by the state Senate last night, April 28, and will now go to Governor Brian Schweitzer for his consideration. Sponsored by state Representative Krayton Kerns (R-58), HB 271 simply says that the prohibition on concealed carry does not apply to “a person who is eligible to possess a handgun under state or federal law.”
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April 29, 2011
The pro-gun bills listed below will be voted on in the near future and your state Senator and Representative need to hear from you today. Please call and e-mail them expressing your support for these important bills to help advance Second Amendment rights for Maine gun owners and sportsmen. Contact information for your state Senator and Representative, or help identifying you state Senator and Representative, can be found here.
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April 29, 2011
The Texas House is expected to debate and vote on NRA-backed employee/parking lot protection legislation this coming Monday, May 2. House Bill 681, sponsored by state Representative Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington), is set on Monday's House calendar. The sponsor plans to substitute Senate Bill 321, the companion measure sponsored by state Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy), since it is has already passed in the Senate and has moved over to the House. HB 681/SB 321 would prevent employers from enacting and enforcing policies to prohibit employees from storing firearms in their locked private motor vehicles while parked at work.
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April 28, 2011
Although expected to be considered this week, the Pennsylvania Senate did not vote on Senate Bill 626. However, there are indications that it will be considered next week. This legislation is an unjustified attack by “animal rights” extremists and simply put, Senate Bill 626 would criminalize and ban organized bird shoots in Pennsylvania.
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April 27, 2011
House Bill 174, legislation to legalize the use of suppressors, and House Bill 271, a bill to allow concealed carry within city limits without a permit are advancing in the Montana Senate. Both bills are sponsored by state Representative Krayton Kerns (R-58), and they need your help!
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April 27, 2011
On Tuesday, May 24 at 1 p.m. in the west conference room of the Wallace Building, the Iowa Natural Resources Commission will meet to discuss the rules for the recently proposed mourning dove hunting season. The Wallace Building is located at 502 E. 9th Street in Des Moines. At this time the commission is currently accepting public comment and your input is needed to make sure that this new season is established to allow hunters sustainable and abundant opportunities.
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April 27, 2011
Yesterday’s vote on Senate Bill 300 was held off in the House General Laws Committee, but could be reconsidered as early as this Thursday, April 28.
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April 26, 2011
This May, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will hold several public meetings throughout the state to discuss big game hunting regulations. The purpose of these meetings is to “provide information about big game herd health and numbers, propose the number of controlled big game hunting tags to issue this fall and review concepts for any 2012 big game regulation changes.”
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April 25, 2011
State Senator Patrick Browne (R-16) is again leading the charge on this legislation and it is fully supported by “animal rights” extremists. The Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 626 by a 11 to 3 vote and it is expected to be voted on in the state Senate this week. Simply put, Senate Bill 626 would criminalize and ban organized bird shoots in Pennsylvania.
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April 25, 2011
The NRA’s motivation for supporting Senate Bill 300 in Missouri has been attacked by some individuals and organizations and you should know the truth. SB 300 is a bill that would allow centerfire handguns to be used during the state’s muzzleloader hunting seasons. Like with countless other proposed laws each year throughout the country, the NRA supports this bill because it expands hunter opportunity and choice. It does this while maintaining the spirit associated with this lesser weapons season. Expanded opportunity and choice help to improve critical hunter recruitment and retention efforts. The state Legislature has chosen to consider this bill after the Conservation Commission failed to act on a similar rule proposal for three long years.
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April 22, 2011
On April 20, House Bill 2337 passed in the state House by a 45 to 14 vote. HB 2337 is a cougar management bill ordered by the Speaker pursuant to House Rule 12.00A (5). Due to the fact that hunting cougars with dogs is considered a Measure 11 penalty, 40 votes were required to pass it. HB 2337 now moves to the state Senate where, if past experience is repeated, the legislation will face an uphill battle.
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April 21, 2011
On April 18, the House Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources Committee passed House Bill 1294 by an 8 to 5 vote. This bill will now head to the House floor for consideration.
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April 21, 2011
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is currently considering instituting a hunting season for the now prosperous Sandhill Crane population which migrate through the state. Sandhill cranes are classified as a game species by Congress under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Over the last three decades their population has grown over 300% to the point where hunters in 13 states currently enjoy being able to participate in the hunting and proper management of this abundant species. The goal of the KDFWR proposal is to allow the greatest possible participation for hunters, while being certain the Sandhill Crane population is properly maintained for future generations.
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April 20, 2011
Senate Bill 300 has already passed unanimous in the state Senate, passed Second Reading in the state House and is now in the House General Laws Committee. SB 300 is scheduled to be heard this Tuesday, April 26 at 12:00 p.m. in House hearing 4.
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April 20, 2011
As previously reported, Senate Bill 626 was headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The NRA has learned that SB 626 has been not referred to the Senate Appropriations committee, but kept on the active Senate Calendar and could be voted in the Senate as earlier as next week. Please call your state Senator today to OPPOSE SB 626 and protect Pennsylvania tradition.
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April 20, 2011
Today, the state Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on legislation to allow a law-abiding person to possess a concealed firearm without a license. This committee is scheduled to meet at 1:15 p.m. in SH 100. Alaska, Arizona and Vermont already allow the carrying of a concealed firearm without a permit. Wyoming recently enacted a permitless carry law that will go into effect this July and Montana now has a bill awaiting final consideration by the legislature before it heads to the Governor. New Hampshire could be the sixth state to further extend the Second Amendment rights for its citizens.
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April 19, 2011
Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill supported by “animal rights” extremists and state Senator Patrick Browne (R-16) is again leading the charge. Simply put, Senate Bill 626 would criminalize and ban organized bird shoots in Pennsylvania.
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April 19, 2011
Families Afield is an education and outreach program that helps states create hunting opportunities for those looking to enter sportsmen’s ranks by instituting a “try it before you buy it” approach. With an incredible safety record in all states that have adopted such measures, New Hampshire could be the 32nd state to enact this critical hunting legislation.
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April 14, 2011
Missouri’s Senate Bill 300, legislation sponsored by state Senator Brian Munzlinger (R-18), would allow hunters to use centerfire handguns during the state’s muzzleloader hunting seasons. This is one important way to provide hunters with increased choice and opportunity in the field. Handguns have a more limited range than modern muzzleloaders and therefore fall within the scope and spirit of this lesser weapons season.
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April 13, 2011
The Joint Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee has scheduled a firearm legislation Work Session this Friday, April 15 at 9:00 a.m. in room 436 State House. This Work Session will determine the fate of critical firearm legislation for this legislative session. Listed below are the bills that the NRA is supporting and opposing.
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April 13, 2011
Missouri’s Senate Bill 300 is legislation sponsored by state Senator Brian Munzlinger (R-18) that would allow hunters to use centerfire handguns during the state’s muzzleloader hunting seasons. This is one important way to provide hunters with increased choice and opportunity in the field. Handguns have a more limited range than modern muzzleloaders and therefore fall within the scope and spirit of this lesser weapons season.
Please contact your state senator today and ask that he or she support SB 300 as a means of expanding hunter choice and opportunity. To locate your state Senator and his or her contact information, please click here.
The bill could be voted on as soon as tomorrow, so please act now!
FULL STORY
April 13, 2011
State Senator Patrick Browne (R-16) is again leading the charge for “animal rights” extremists in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 626, simply put, would criminalize and ban organized bird shoots in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately yesterday, Senate Bill 626 passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee by an 11 to 3 vote. Please contact those members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who voted to pass SB 626 and let them know how disappointed you are that they supported the radical “animal rights” agenda. Contact information for the committee can be found here. Also, please contact state Senator Browne and let him know of your opposition to this bill. He can be reached by e-mail at pbrowne@pasen.gov.
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April 13, 2011
House Bill 174 was tabled in the state Senate Judiciary Committee; however, there is an effort underway to get the bill out of committee. The major stumbling block was opposition by landowners, based on a lack of accurate information, that suppressors actually “silenced” firearms and would enable poachers. The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) initially testified in opposition to HB 174. Based on a newfound understanding of the facts about suppressors and a subsequent reevaluation of their position, the MSGA has submitted a letter to the committee withdrawing their opposition to this bill. This development creates an opportunity to “take HB 174 off the table” and move it out of committee. HB 174 passed in the state House by a 73 to 26 vote on February 11.
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April 11, 2011
Today, House Bill 1016 was signed into law by Governor Chris Gregoire. Sponsored by state Representative Brian Blake (D-19), NRA member and staunch supporter of firearm rights, HB 1016 legalizes the use of firearm suppressors. This legislation will take effect 90 days after adjournment.
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April 8, 2011
This Monday, April 11, at 10 a.m. in room 436, the Joint Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee is scheduled to have public hearings on several bills of interest to Maine gun owners. Below is a list of the bills that are scheduled to be heard. No action is needed at this time and the NRA will keep you posted on the status of these bills.
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April 7, 2011
On March 31, the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee passed Senate Bill 208 by a unanimous 7 to 0 vote. Sponsored by state Senators Gail Schwartz (D-5) and Mary Hodge (D-25), SB 208 would combine State Parks and the Division of Wildlife under the Department of Natural Resources.
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April 6, 2011
On Tuesday, April 12, the California Senate and Assembly Public Safety Committees, are scheduled to hear three anti-guns bills, Senate Bill 124 would ban virtually all handgun and rifle ammunition and cartridges. AB 144 would ban open carry and AB 809 would require long gun registration.
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April 4, 2011
A public meeting will be held this Thursday, April 7 to discuss the use and public access of the recently acquired Kanaka Valley by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Ideas from the hunting solution subcommittee will be heard at this meeting. Date: Thursday, April 7
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm Location: Green Valley Elementary School, 2380 Bass Lake Road in Rescue
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April 1, 2011
Nebraska Right to Hunt and Fish legislation, LR 40CA, has been scheduled for continued debate on the Senate floor this Tuesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. State Senator Pete Pirsch’s (4) amendment to LR 40CA to be considered would provide truly meaningful protections against anti-hunting activists who seek to ban all hunting in America, enshrining hunting and fishing in Nebraska’s Constitution.
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April 1, 2011
Iowa’s Natural Resources Commission recently announced its intent to ban hunters’ use of lead shot on numerous state and federal wildlife areas across Iowa, except for use in turkey and deer hunting. The ban will also prohibit the use of lead shot in target shooting.
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March 30, 2011
On March 29, House Bill 1016 passed in the Washington Senate by a 47 to 0 vote and on February 7, it passed in the state House by an 88 to 4 vote. Sponsored by state Representative Brian Blake (D-19), NRA member and staunch supporter of firearm rights, HB 1016 would legalize the use of firearm suppressors. This bill now goes to Governor Chris Gregoire’s desk for her consideration.
FULL STORY
March 30, 2011
Today, March 30, the state House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will hear seven bills that relate to the management of gray wolves at 3:00 p.m. in Hearing Room C. Due to high interest on this issue, an additional hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 5 at 5:00 p.m. in Hearing Room C.
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March 29, 2011
Last week state Representative Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) introduced H.2400 “An Act Relative to Youth Hunting Programs.” H.2400 will resolve some of the current problems for youth hunters and target shooters which are linked to the Massachusetts Firearm Identification Card system. This week, Representative Gobi will be circulating a letter to her colleagues, for co-signing, which urges the Joint Committee on Public Safety to favorably release H.2400.
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March 29, 2011
Yesterday, Senate Bill 152 was sent to Governor Brownback for his approval. This important self-defense legislation would allow persons licensed to carry a concealed firearm to lawfully carry their firearm while hunting. Current law restricts possession during bow season and limits handgun possession to certain legal hunting calibers, effectively prohibiting anyone from carrying a firearm for self-defense.
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March 28, 2011
House Bill 2787A Engrossed has been referred to the state Senate Judiciary Committee after passing in the state House by a bi-partisan 42-18 vote. Sponsored by state Representatives Jeff Barker (D-28) and Kim Thatcher (R-25), HB 2787A would prohibit a public body from releasing personal information that identifies the holder of or applicant for a Concealed Handgun License.
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March 25, 2011
This week, both houses of the Iowa Legislature passed, and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad (R) signed, legislation into law authorizing a mourning dove hunting season.
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