http://www.nraila.org60http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/oregon-chl-confidentiality-bill-needs-your-immediate-help.aspxState Senate President Peter Courtney (D-11) has assigned House Bill 4045, Concealed Handgun License confidentiality legislation sponsored by state Representative Kim Thatcher (R-25), to the state Senate Rules Committee.  Immediate action by this Senate committee is needed in order to pass this important legislation by the fast approaching end of the session.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 18:42:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/hunting/issues-and-alerts/2012/2/west-virginia-apprentice-hunting-legislation-passes-unanimously-in-the-senate.aspxToday, the state Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 478 by a 33 to 0 vote.  This legislation would create an apprentice hunting license that is available to West Virginia residents and non-residents.  This apprentice hunting legislation now goes to the House of Delegates for its consideration.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/west-virginia-apprentice-hunting-legislation-passes-unanimously-in-the-senate.aspxToday, the state Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 478 by a 33 to 0 vote.  This legislation would create an apprentice hunting license that is available to West Virginia residents and non-residents.  This apprentice hunting legislation now goes to the House of Delegates for its consideration.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/mississippi-multiple-nra-backed-bills-introduced-in-the-house-and-senate.aspxSeveral pro-Second Amendment bills have been introduced in Mississippi this session and will begin to make their way through the legislative process.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:41:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/hawaii-nra-instructor-liability-bill-needs-your-immediate-help.aspxAs reported last week, House Bill 679 passed in the state House Public Safety and Military Affairs (PBM) Committee with no amendments, and is now pending in the state House Judiciary Committee. For this bill to survive, it must get a hearing by next week!NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/virginia-another-successful-day-in-richmond-as-three-more-pro-gun-bills-are-sent-to-the-governor.aspxAs the Virginia House of Delegates continues to work through legislation previously passed in the state Senate, gun owners can take note of a few more legislative victories. NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/employee-protection-bills-introduced-in-alabama.aspxThe 2012 session of the Alabama Legislature is underway and two bills have been introduced that would further protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners in Alabama: Senate Bill 331 and House Bill 209.  These NRA-drafted bills would prevent employers from discriminating and enforcing policies against the storage of lawfully-owned firearms in employees' locked private motor vehicles parked at work.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/west-virginia-firearms-destruction-prevention-legislation-to-be-heard-in-senate-committee-tomorrow.aspxTomorrow, the state Senate Judiciary Committee is tentatively scheduled to hear Senate Bill 149.  This hearing will be at 3 p.m. in Room 208W of the State Capitol.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/georgia-employee-protection-legislation-to-be-offered-as-senate-floor-amendment.aspxState Senator Don Balfour (R-9) intends to introduce a floor amendment to Senate Bill 350 which could come up for a vote on the Senate floor in the next few days.  This amendment would allow transportation and storage of firearms in locked personal vehicles while on publicly-accessible parking lots. NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/get-involved-locally/grassroots/guidelines-for-communicating-with-the-media.aspxFew issues today are more misunderstood by the general public than the issue of gun control. Many of the commonly-held misconceptions result directly from the media's often skewed coverage of this issue.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/emily-miller-transporting-a-gun-through-dc.aspxI had my new, legally-registered Sig Sauer at home for ten days before I figured out how to take it to a nearby state to shoot it.Although I’d spent four hours in a classroom memorizing the gun laws in Washington, D.C. and then passed a written test at the police station, I was still confused about the logistics of legally transporting a gun somewhere to practice.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/disarming-the-myths-promoted-by-the-gun-control-lobby.aspxAs much as gun control advocates might wish otherwise, their attacks are running out of ammo. With private firearm ownership at an all-time high and violent crime rates plunging, none of the scary scenarios they advanced have materialized. Abuse of responsibility by armed citizens is rare, while successful defensive interventions against assaults on their lives and property are relatively commonplace.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/gun-rights-groups-decry-proposed-surtax-on-illinois-ammo-sales.aspxAn Illinois lawmaker wants gun owners to shell out extra taxes in order to finance a new grant program for trauma centers, a move firearms advocacy groups say amounts to a "sin tax" on law-abiding hunters and target shooters.NRA-ILAWed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/indiana-nra-backed-bills-continue-to-move-forward.aspxToday saw progress on two NRA-backed bills currently moving through the Indiana General Assembly. The Indiana House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 315 on its third and final reading by an overwhelming bi-partisan 76 to 19 vote. Due to a House committee hearing cancellation, Senate Bill 243, previously reported on here, would not have survived this week’s committee report deadline had it not been added as an amendment to House Bill 1279.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 18:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/massachusetts-castle-doctrine-legislation-remains-in-committee.aspxThe Massachusetts Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on February 6 on Senate Bill 661, an important self-defense bill, but has not yet voted this bill out of committee.  Please call AND e-mail members of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary TODAY and urge them to vote SB 661 out of the committee, so it may move forward though the legislative process.  Contact information for the committee can be found here.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 16:57:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/west-virginia-nics-exemption-bill-passes-in-senate.aspxToday, the West Virginia Senate passed Senate Bill 353 unanimously by a 34 to 0 vote!  SB 353 now goes to the House of Delegates for its consideration.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/colorado-emergency-powers-legislation-passes-in-the-house.aspxYesterday, the Colorado House of Representatives passed House Bill 1064 by a 45 to 19 vote.  This “Emergency Powers” legislation now goes to the state Senate for its consideration.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 15:39:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/minnesota-senate-to-vote-on-gun-rights-bill-this-thursday!.aspxThe Minnesota Senate is scheduled to vote on House File 1467 this Thursday, February 23. HF 1467 has been one of the NRA’s top legislative priorities since its introduction last year and was recently passed in the Senate Finance Committee by a 10 to 5 vote.  This important legislation, sponsored by state Senator Gretchen Hoffman (R-10) and state Representative Tony Cornish (R-24B), is expected to face a close vote and your support is needed if we want to pass important pro-gun reforms.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/washington-swift-action-needed-on-three-gun-bills.aspxAs reported last week, House Bill 1508, legislation relating to shooting ranges, and House Bill 2471, a background check reform bill, both passed in the state House, and Senate Bill 6123, an NRA special license plate bill, passed in the state Senate.  All of the aforementioned bills have now been assigned to policy committees in their opposite chambers, but none have been scheduled for a hearing.  The deadline for the bills to be heard and action by their current committees is this Friday, February 24. NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/cox-obama's-budget-is-a-sneak-attack-on-our-second-amendment-freedoms.aspxEver since taking office, President Barack Obama has tried desperately to convince gun owners and sportsmen that he supports the Second Amendment. But actions speak louder than words, and Obama's latest budget proposal contains numerous sneak attacks aimed at the heart of our firearm freedoms.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/canada-death-of-a-long-gun-registry.aspxDespite spending a whopping $2.7 billion on creating and running a long gun registry, Canadians never reaped any benefits from the project. The legislation to end the program finally passed the Parliament on Wednesday. Even though the country started registering long guns in 1998, the registry never solved a single murder. Instead it has been an enormous waste of police officers' time, diverting their efforts from patrolling Canadian streets and doing traditional policing activities.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/lott-david-brock,-media-matters-and-gun-control-hypocrisy.aspxThe news from the Daily Caller website is surprising: David Brock, the founder of Media Matters, had a personal assistant illegally publicly carry a concealed handgun in the District of Columbia in order "to protect Brock from threats." Few organizations have declared their opposition to gun ownership or concealed carry laws as strongly as Media Matters.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/california-right-to-carry.aspxFor decades, that argument has fallen flat in the courtroom. Judges have routinely held that denying permits to carry loaded firearms in public does not infringe on gun owners' right to keep and bear arms.But now, some gun owners hope that courts will soon reverse course and find that they have a right to secretly tote their weapons in public. Ironically, their optimism stems from a piece of gun control legislation that took effect last month and bans them from openly carrying even unloaded handguns.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/virginia-senate-advances-gun-rights-bills.aspxLegislation that would prohibit localities from being able to require fingerprints from first time applicants for concealed handgun permits cleared the Virginia Senate on Monday.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/oklahoma-lawmakers-draw-up-gun-bills.aspxDozens of firearm related bills filed by Oklahoma lawmakers seek to, among other things, expand the state's open carry laws, expand where guns may be legally kept and expand the scope of the self defense law.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/colorado-house-approves-bill-forbidding-seizure-of-guns-during-state-of-emergency.aspxHouse lawmakers approved a bill to forbid the state from seizing Colorado residents' firearms during a declared state of emergency.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/barr-canada-takes-bold-step-for-gun-rights.aspxWhile some politicians and special interest groups in this country are pushing for stricter gun laws, our neighbors to the north are on the verge of scoring a significant victory for law abiding gun owners.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/indians-turn-to-guns-as-symbol-of-status,-security.aspxIndia, the land of Mohandas Gandhi, known for its Hindu belief in the sanctity of life, is anything but gun shy. Rising incomes have made high end weapons a new form of bling, and rising crime and memories of Mumbai's 2008 terrorist attack have left Indians eager to be armed.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/holder-must-go.aspxAttorney General Eric Holder's lies and half-truths in the "Fast and Furious" aftermath are nothing new. A look at the past shows a long history of dishonesty and disdain for the truth and the lawNRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/one-on-one-with-r-lee-ermey.aspxMost know him simply as "Gunny," but NRA Board member R. Lee Ermey is many things. The former Marine Corps drill instructor became a film star after his medical retirement from the Corps in 1972. Most remember his most notable role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the film "Full Metal Jacket," but Ermey has starred in dozens of movies and commercials. He is the spokesman for Glock, SOG Knives and Tools and Victory Motorcycles, and also finds the time to serve as an active member of the NRA Board of Directors. Gunny was kind enough to donate his time to the recent production of a new ad for The NRA Freedom Action Foundation's Trigger the Vote campaign, so I took the opportunity to catch up with him on this important effort.NRA-ILATue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/virginia-update-fingerprinting-repeal-passed-by-the-state-senate.aspxWe originally reported that House Bill 754 was passed over for the day.  While this legislation was initially passed over, the Senate did vote to pass the bill by a 27 to 13 vote.  HB 754 will now be sent to Governor Bob McDonnell for his consideration.NRA-ILAMon, 20 Feb 2012 18:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/hunting/issues-and-alerts/2012/2/oklahoma-nra-backed-pro-hunting-legislation-assigned.aspxNRA-backed Senate Bill 1743, authored by state Senator Steve Russell (R-45), would allow Oklahomans to use lawfully-possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for hunting. SB 1743, the “Landowner’s Hunting Freedom Act," provides for the legalized use of suppressors for landowners and their guests.NRA-ILAMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/oklahoma-nra-backed-pro-hunting-legislation-assigned.aspxNRA-backed Senate Bill 1743, authored by state Senator Steve Russell (R-45), would allow Oklahomans to use lawfully-possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for hunting. SB 1743, the “Landowner’s Hunting Freedom Act," provides for the legalized use of suppressors for landowners and their guests.NRA-ILAMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/indiana-charity-gaming-bill-benefitting-friends-of-nra-banquets-passes-second-reading-house-vote!.aspxToday the Indiana House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 315 on Second Reading and prepared the way for its final passage in the House which could take place as early as tomorrow.  SB 315, authored by state Senator Randy Head (R-18) and sponsored by state Representative Mark Messmer (R-63), would streamline the licensing and reporting process for charity gaming events, such as “Friends of NRA” banquets.NRA-ILAMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/virginia-senate-passes-three-pro-gun-bills,-sending-two-to-the-governor.aspxToday, the Virginia Senate took action on four pro-gun bills previously passed by the House of Delegates.  Of particular note, was the Senate passage of House Bill 48 by a 24 to 16 vote. This bill was amended by the Senate Courts of Justice Committee to address concerns that HB 48 would negatively impact your right to self-defense.NRA-ILAMon, 20 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/obama-anti-gun-arrogance-vs-the-constitution.aspxWho decides what laws must be obeyed? According to President Obama, it’s him. In December, he told Congress that he doesn’t consider himself bound by federal laws that limit his ability to use tax dollars to promote gun control. The arrogant declaration came just two weeks after Americans learned of the documents proving that the Obama administration’s “Operation Fast and Furious” allowed guns to “walk” to Mexico so that their use in crime there could be used to justify gun control in the United States—further evidence of the administration’s utter lawlessness when it comes to Second Amendment issues.NRA-ILAMon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/minnesota-gun-rights-bill-under-attack!.aspxThe state Senate Finance Committee recently passed House File 1467, one of the NRA’s top legislative priorities, by a 10 to 5 vote.  This important legislation, sponsored by state Senator Gretchen Hoffman (R-10) and state Representative Tony Cornish (R-24B), is expected to be considered by the full Senate next week.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 17:15:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/illinois-statewide-handgun-registry-and-ammunition-tax-bills-filed-in-the-house.aspxTwo bills assaulting your Second Amendment rights have been filed in Springfield this week.  Introduced today by state Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-14), House Bill 5167 seeks to impose a punitive tax on firearm ammunition purchases.  House Bill 5831, sponsored by Representative William Davis (D-30), would force law-abiding handgun owners to comply with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s (D) proposed statewide handgun registry scheme.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/hawaii-nra-instructor-liability-bill-advances.aspxYesterday, House Bill 679 passed in the state House Public Safety and Military Affairs (PBM) Committee, with no amendments, by a 7 to 1 vote.  HB 679 now goes to the state House Judiciary Committee and could be considered in the near future.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/tennessee-employee-protection-legislation-scheduled-for-senate-committee-hearing-on-tuesday.aspxNRA-drafted Senate Bill 3002 and Senate Bill 2992 were originally scheduled to be heard on February 14 in their respective Senate committees, but these hearings were pushed back to Tuesday, February 21.  During these hearings, public testimony will be taken and on Tuesday, March 6, these Senate committees will vote on SB 3002 and SB 2992. NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 16:44:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/colorado-two-pro-gun-bills-up-for-final-passage-in-the-state-house-on-monday.aspxOn Monday, February 20, the Colorado House of Representatives will vote on final passage of two pro-gun bills, House Bill 1064 and House Bill 1092.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/utah-two-nra-supported-house-bills-advance.aspxYesterday, House Bill 117, a firearms modifications bill, passed in the state House of Representatives by a 69 to 0 vote, and now goes to the Utah Senate for its consideration.  Additionally, 1st Substitute House Bill 395, a bill that amends Utah’s Concealed Firearm Act and the law pertaining to prohibited persons, passed in the state House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee by a 10 to 3 vote, and now moves to the House floor.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/virginia-house-militia,-police-and-public-safety-committee-sends-four-pro-gun-bills-to-the-house-floor.aspxToday, the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee passed four pro-gun bills, sending them to the House of Delegates for consideration next week.  During its meeting this morning, the committee passed legislation to strengthen your Second Amendment rights during a declared state of emergency as well as two bills that would streamline the concealed carry permit process.  The fourth bill passed in committee was the Senate companion of House Bill 940, one-gun-a-month repeal, which was recently passed in the Senate and sent to Governor Bob McDonnell. However, one NRA-supported bill, Senate Bill 429, was carried over until next year.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/hunting/issues-and-alerts/2012/2/indiana-house-takes-up-nra-backed-pro-hunting-legislation!.aspxAfter passing in the Indiana Senate with overwhelming bi-partisan support, NRA-backed Senate Bill 243 now awaits it’s hearing in the House Public Policy Committee.  A hearing could be set as early as Wednesday, February 22.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/indiana-house-takes-up-nra-backed-pro-hunting-legislation!.aspxAfter passing in the Indiana Senate with overwhelming bi-partisan support, NRA-backed Senate Bill 243 now awaits it’s hearing in the House Public Policy Committee.  A hearing could be set as early as Wednesday, February 22.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/mexico-lectures-us-on-crime.aspxIn an attempt to shift blame for drug war-fueled violence, Mexican President Felipe Calderon recently unveiled a 3-ton “No More Weapons!” billboard along Mexico’s border with the U.S.  Reports do not indicate whether a similar sign will be placed at Mexico’s border with Guatemala, which some have estimated 90 percent of the drug cartels’ “heavy armament” passes through.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/arizona-legislation-to-strengthen-the-second-amendment-rights-of-individuals-on-public-property-advances-for-house-floor-vote.aspxOn February 15, House Bill 2729 was given a “do pass” recommendation in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee (MAPS) by a 6 to 2 vote. HB 2729, sponsored by state Representative David Gowan (R-30), among other things, amends various sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S) to remove the current prohibition on entering a public establishment or attending any public event while carrying a deadly weapon on one’s person, and instead provides for regulation of firearms and ammunition on public property only if specific criteria are met.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 07:27:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/get-involved-locally/grassroots/grassroots-alerts/2012/vol-19,-no-07-021712.aspxNRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/armed-citizen/2012/nbc,-021512.aspxRick Melartin was at home in Bellaire, Texas when he heard a neighbor scream for help as she was being robbed at gunpoint. Melartin called 911, retrieved a .50-caliber handgun and rushed to the scene. Upon spotting Melartin, the criminal fled into the yard of another of Melartin’s neighbors, a 89-year-old woman. Fearing for the safety of his elderly neighbor, Melartin followed the criminal and ordered him to stop. It was only when Melartin fired a warning shot into the ground that the robber complied.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/federal-legislation/2012/obama's-budget-is-a-sneak-attack-on-our-second-amendment-freedoms.aspxEver since taking office, President Barack Obama has tried desperately to convince gun owners and sportsmen that he supports the Second Amendment. But actions speak louder than words, and Obama’s latest budget proposal contains numerous sneak attacks aimed at the heart of our firearm freedoms.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/georgia-bill-would-expand-gun-friendly-spaces.aspxIn addition to banishing many current restrictions, House Bill 981 would prevent police or the National Guard from disarming people during states of emergency, and it would allow citizens to sue if that occurred.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/minnesota-state-rep-cornish-trying-to-get-gun-rights-amendment-on-nov-6-ballot.aspxState Rep. Tony Cornish of Good Thunder, long one of the Legislature's biggest proponents of expanded gun rights, is pushing what could be the nation's most comprehensive right to bear arms amendment. One of three gun related amendments proposed by House Republicans, Cornish's is the amendment advocated by the National Rifle Association.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/utah-due-process-bill-passes-to-house-for-consideration.aspxOn a unanimous vote the House Law Enforcement Committee pushed forward a bill that would allow people to receive due process before their firearms permits are revoked. Under state law people who have been charged with a crime are issued a letter demanding they give up their firearms, even though they have not been found guilty of any crime.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/election-2012-a-turning-point-for-gun-rights.aspxIn the coming months before the Nov. 6, 2012 elections, citizens like you will be the key to ending the Barack Obama regime—a regime defined from the get-go by the words of Valerie Jarrett, the president’s closest advisor: “Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule day one.”NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/on-the-second-amendment,-obama-budget-tells-all.aspxBarack Obama’s careful effort to hide his anti-Second Amendment agenda is starting to come undone.  The latest evidence is found in the budget he sent to Congress this past week. As we reported last fall, NRA was very successful in having a number of provisions included in the annual spending bills that are important protections for our rights.  Obama grudgingly signed the Fiscal Year 2012 spending bills that contained those “riders,” although in his signing statement, he announced his intent to defy some. Now, in Obama’s FY 2013 budget, he proposes eliminating many of them outright.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/did-other-federal-agencies-know-about-“fast-and-furious”.aspxIt has been said that if you tell a lie often enough, and convincingly enough, people will start to believe it is true.  Perhaps that’s the tack U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is taking regarding his, and the Department of Justice’s, role in the now-infamous “Fast and Furious” gunrunning operation that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ran out of its Phoenix office.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/nra-at-un-arms-trade-meeting.aspxAs we have done in the past, NRA attended a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty meeting in New York City this week. The so called "Arms Trade Treaty Preparatory Committee" is being attended by almost 500 U.N. delegates and non-governmental organization (NGO) representatives.  NRA is the leading pro-firearm NGO at the U.N. and has taken the strong and clear position that any Arms Trade Treaty must in no way impact gun owners’ rights.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/watch-“gunny”-take-charge!.aspxToo many Americans have, for one reason or another, chosen to sit on the sidelines by not registering to vote. Unfortunately, this includes too many American gun owners. That's why the NRA Freedom Action Foundation is wasting no time this year launching our massive "Trigger the Vote" voter registration drive.  Protecting our freedoms requires an informed electorate that's motivated to go to the polls. We know that when gun owners vote, freedom wins!NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/plan-to-attend-free-grassroots-workshop-at-nra’s-upcoming-annual-meetings-in-st-louis,-mo!.aspxWith so much at stake in the 2012 elections, this Grassroots Workshop will provide tips and strategies on how gun owners can work more effectively to elect a pro-gun President, Members of Congress, and state legislatures who will preserve our rights. In addition to hearing from NRA Officers and NRA-ILA staff, for the first time ever, a panel of your fellow NRA members, giving firsthand accounts of their grassroots strategies and successes, will be integrated into the program. Your attendance at this special event in St. Louis is a critical step toward ensuring the future of our gun rights. This seminar will likely be attended by hundreds of freedom-loving NRA members, so be sure to register today!NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/obama's-budget-is-a-sneak-attack-on-our-second-amendment-freedoms.aspxEver since taking office, President Barack Obama has tried desperately to convince gun owners and sportsmen that he supports the Second Amendment. But actions speak louder than words, and Obama’s latest budget proposal contains numerous sneak attacks aimed at the heart of our firearm freedoms.NRA-ILAFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/iowa-two-nra-priority-measures-move-to-state-house-floor.aspxOn Tuesday, two NRA priority measures were heard and passed in the state House Public Safety Committee.  Unfortunately, HF 2114 was weakened by a gutting amendment and HJR 2005 was weakened by a political gimmick amendment. NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 18:47:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/virginia-house-subcommittee-passes-two-pro-gun-bills,-full-committee-consideration-expected-tomorrow!.aspxToday, the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Subcommittee #1 took action on three bills of importance to gun owners in the Commonwealth.  During their meeting this committee took a positive step towards advancing Second Amendment protections during a declared state of emergency and to streamline the concealed carry process by unanimously passing both Senate Bill 245 and Senate Bill 563.  Both SB 245 and SB 563 will now be considered by the full House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee tomorrow morning.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 18:40:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/maryland-four-firearms-bills-to-be-considered-this-tuesday!.aspxOn Tuesday, February 21, the House Judiciary Committee will consider five bills of interest to firearm owners in the Free State.  This meeting will take place at 1:00 p.m. in room 101 of the House Office Building.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/pennsylvania-firearms-preemption-enhancement-bill-postponed-until-march.aspxThe Pennsylvania House of Representatives has again postponed its second consideration of the NRA-backed House Bill 1523 - this time until the week of March 12.  House Bill 1523, sponsored by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state.  NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:39:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/oregon-chl-confidentiality-bill-needs-your-immediate-help!.aspxYesterday, NRA-supported House Bill 4045 passed in the state House of Representatives by a 44 to 14 vote.  HB 4045 has been forwarded to the Oregon Senate, but has not yet been assigned to a committee.  Sponsored by state Representative Kim Thatcher (R-25), HB 4045 would provide for the confidentiality of Concealed Handgun License holders’ personal information. NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/hunting/issues-and-alerts/2012/2/michigan-moves-in-the-right-direction-with-nra-backed-youth-mentored-hunting-program.aspxOn February 10, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved an NRA-backed program that encourages youth participation in hunting, trapping and fishing.  Although this program contains unnecessary and vague language requiring mentored hunters to “stay at arm’s length” of an adult mentor, Michigan’s Mentored Youth Hunting Program is a significant step in the right direction.  As has been proven in other states, mentored hunting programs are an essential tool for recruiting the next generation of hunters.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/new-mexico-senate-bill-26-passes-house-and-is-sent-to-governor-martinez-for-her-signature!.aspxSenate Bill 26, sponsored by state Senator Bill Payne (R-ABQ) and carried in the House during the last few critical days of session by state Representative Bill Rehm (R-ABQ), passed in the state House by an overwhelming 61 to 6 vote the night before the Legislature adjourned sine die today.  This bill is now on its way to Governor Susana Martinez for her signature.  Thank you to everyone who made calls and sent e-mails to your legislators for NRA-supported bills this session!NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/michigan-moves-in-the-right-direction-with-nra-backed-youth-mentored-hunting-program.aspxOn February 10, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved an NRA-backed program that encourages youth participation in hunting, trapping and fishing.  Although this program contains unnecessary and vague language requiring mentored hunters to “stay at arm’s length” of an adult mentor, Michigan’s Mentored Youth Hunting Program is a significant step in the right direction.  As has been proven in other states, mentored hunting programs are an essential tool for recruiting the next generation of hunters.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/west-virginia-nics-exemption-bill-passes-senate-committee-unanimously.aspxYesterday, the state Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 353 unanimously by a voice vote!  Thank you to all of the Judiciary members who voted to expedite the firearm purchasing process for concealed carry permit holders in the Mountain State.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/gunny-wants-you-to-register-to-vote!.aspxToo many Americans, for one reason or another, have chosen to sit on the sidelines by not registering to vote. Unfortunately, this includes too many American gun owners. It's part of my job to do something about that.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/obama's-fast-and-furious-spin.aspxPresident Obama is using his budget to advance an anti gun agenda just before the election. One particularly sneaky provision buried deep within his submission to Congress Monday would, if enacted, allow the mistakes of the "Fast and Furious" gun walking scandal to be repeatedNRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/oregon-house-approves-privacy-bill-for-permit-holders.aspxFor the third time in four years the Oregon House approved a bill today shielding the names and other personal information of people who apply for a concealed weapons license.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/miller-next-steps-for-dc-gun-rights.aspxThe D.C. City Council is working on legislation this month that could ease some of the gun restrictions in the nation's capital.While my ultimate goal is to end D.C.'s firearms registration law, I understand the limitations of dealing with a liberal council. My hope is that my personal experience as documented in the "Emily Gets Her Gun" series will help make the current registration process easier for other residents.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/former-ny-governor-to-manhattan-da-drop-'unusually-cruel'-gun-charges-against-marine.aspxFormer New York Democratic Gov. David Paterson on Wednesday evening called on Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance to drop gun charges against Ryan Jerome, a former Marine who unwittingly violated the state's tough gun laws.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/nra-applauds-pa-bill-that-would-allow-it-to-sue-over-local-gun-control-laws.aspxA bill fast tracking through the General Assembly aims to send a tough message to local governments in Pennsylvania: Pass gun control measures at your own financial peril.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/illinois-doesn't-need-gun-registration,-fee.aspxLast week, Mayor Rahm Emanuel of Chicago asked the General Assembly to pass legislation to force law abiding gun owners to register their handguns with the state of Illinois and to pay a $65 per gun registration fee.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/illinois-state-sen-mccann-introduces-bill-to-eliminate-foid-cards.aspxThe program that issues mandatory ID cards to gun owners in Illinois would be discontinued under legislation proposed by state Sen. Sam McCann, R Carlinville.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/handgun-proposal-means-chicago-mayor-won't-run-for-governor.aspxRahm Emanuel does not plan to run for governor of Illinois. Not in 2014. Not ever. His proposal last week to register all Illinois handguns made it obvious.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/david-brock-media-matters-hypocrisy.aspxThe news from the Daily Caller website is surprising: David Brock, the founder of Media Matters, had a personal assistant illegally publicly carry a concealed handgun in the District of Columbia in order "to protect Brock from threats.” Few organizations have declared their opposition to gun ownership or concealed carry laws as strongly as Media Matters.NRA-ILAThu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/indiana-charity-gaming-bill-benefitting-“friends-of-nra”-banquets-passes-in-the-house-committee!.aspxToday, the Indiana House Public Policy Committee voted 8 to 0 to pass Senate Bill 315, authored by state Senator Randy Head (R-18) and sponsored by Representative Mark Messmer (R-63). This bill will now be sent to the House floor for its second reading vote as early as Monday, February 20.  As many NRA members well know, “Friends of NRA” banquets play a critical role in raising grant money to support education, safety, and training programs in communities across the Hoosier State, such as the Boy Scouts, 4H clubs, and local law enforcement groups.  NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/join-nra-on-facebook.aspxJoin us on Facebook and join over 1.3 million other NRA fans. http://www.facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociationNRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 18:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/hunting/issues-and-alerts/2012/2/virginia-sunday-hunting-tabled-for-remainder-of-2012-legislative-session.aspxToday, the state House Natural Resources Subcommittee tabled Senate Bill 464 for the rest of this current legislative session.  SB 464, sponsored by state Senator Ralph Northam (D-6), would have allowed hunting on private land and public waterways on Sundays.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 17:45:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/virginia-sunday-hunting-tabled-for-remainder-of-2012-legislative-session.aspxToday, the state House Natural Resources Subcommittee tabled Senate Bill 464 for the rest of this current legislative session.  SB 464, sponsored by state Senator Ralph Northam (D-6), would have allowed hunting on private land and public waterways on Sundays.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 17:45:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/hunting/issues-and-alerts/2012/2/texas-parks-and-wildlife-commission-opens-public-comment-period-for-allowing-suppressor-use-while-hunting.aspxThe Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change allowing the use of suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for the hunting of game species.  Currently, Texas law permits the use of lawfully-possessed suppressors for all other shooting activities, including the taking of nuisance species.  Enactment of this rule change would ensure that hunting is treated the same way as other shooting activities with respect to the use of suppressors, and allow all hunters to reap the many benefits suppressor use provides.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/texas-parks-and-wildlife-commission-opens-public-comment-period-for-allowing-suppressor-use-while-hunting.aspxThe Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change allowing the use of suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for the hunting of game species.  Currently, Texas law permits the use of lawfully-possessed suppressors for all other shooting activities, including the taking of nuisance species.  Enactment of this rule change would ensure that hunting is treated the same way as other shooting activities with respect to the use of suppressors, and allow all hunters to reap the many benefits suppressor use provides.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/maine-employee-protection-bill-moves-to-the-house-floor.aspxOn Monday, LD 1603 was voted “ought to pass” as amended by an 8 to 5 vote by the Maine Joint Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.  LD 1603 will now go to the House floor for consideration.  Big business lobbyists are waging an aggressive campaign to defeat LD 1603.  This legislation would protect the right of a state employee, who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm, to keep a firearm in his or her private vehicle for self-defense, hunting, or target shooting before or after work.  The employee’s vehicle must be locked and the firearm cannot be visible. NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/nebraska-employee-protection-legislation-to-be-heard-in-committee.aspxLegislative Bill 785 has been scheduled to be heard in the Judiciary Committee next Wednesday, February 22, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 1113 of the Nebraska Capitol.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 14:58:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/follow-nra-ila-on-twitter.aspxHelp us spread the word. Follow NRA-ILA at Twitter.com/NRAILA.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/sen-boozman-second-amendment-protection-on-corps-land.aspxU.S. Senator John Boozman filed an amendment Monday that would prohibit the Secretary of the Army from enforcing any regulation that keeps an individual from possessing firearms on Army Corps of Engineer Water Resource Development projects or facilities.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/new-york-city-pistol-whipped.aspxGetting prosecuted under New York's gun laws is a nonsensical crapshoot, where gangsters get their cases expunged and thugs can turn in illegal weapons for $200 -- but a weapon that's legally registered elsewhere can brand a citizen as a criminal for life.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/utah-bill-gives-gun-owners-charged-with-crime-'due-process'.aspxUnder Utah law, concealed weapon permit holders who are charged with a violent crime face a difficult dilemma, according Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R Orem.Currently, the law not only requires that their permit be immediately revoked, but also prohibits them from transferring or selling their firearms to someone else, the sponsor of HB395 told the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee Tuesday. To address that question, Sandstrom's bill would require that a person not be just charged with a crime, but bound over for trial before a concealed weapons permit could be revoked, Sandstrom said.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/in-the-news/2012/2/tennessee-guns-in-parking-lots-bill.aspxThe bill, drafted by the National Rifle Association, would allow employees of a company to keep guns in a locked car on the company parking lot even if the company prohibits firearms on its property.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/news-from-nra-ila/2012/r-lee-ermey-stars-in-nra’s-freedom-action-foundation.aspxFairfax, VA – The National Rifle Association’s Freedom Action Foundation (NRA-FAF) today announced the launch of its 2012 “Trigger the Vote” voter registration drive with new television and online ads.  The ads feature NRA board member R. Lee “Gunny” Ermey, an accomplished actor and veteran of the Marine Corps, best known to many for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/gunny-wants-you-to-register-to-vote!.aspxToo many Americans, for one reason or another, have chosen to sit on the sidelines by not registering to vote. Unfortunately, this includes too many American gun owners. It’s part of my job to do something about that.NRA-ILAWed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/washington-three-firearm-related-measures-move-forward.aspxLast night, House Bill 1508, legislation relating to shooting ranges, was amended and passed in the state House by a 93 to 5 vote.  This morning, House Bill 2471, a background check reform bill, passed in the state House by a 96 to 2 vote.  Additionally, Senate Bill 6123, an NRA special license plate bill, passed in the state Senate this morning by a 36 to 13 vote.NRA-ILATue, 14 Feb 2012 19:06:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/oregon-firearm-ownership-privacy-bill-heard-in-house-committee-–-chl-confidentiality-bill-headed-to-house-floor.aspxYesterday, the Oregon House Health Care Committee heard House Bill 4054, which was introduced by state Representative Jim Thompson (R-23).  Adding much-appreciated testimony in support of this bill were state Senators Ted Ferrioli (R-30), the Senate Minority Leader, and Betsey Johnson (D-16), who serves as the Senate designee on the Public Employees’ Benefit Board, a non-voting, but influential position.  It was through the efforts of these Senators that this issue was highlighted at the outset.NRA-ILATue, 14 Feb 2012 18:56:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/hunting/issues-and-alerts/2012/2/west-virginia-five-pro-gun-bills-introduced-in-the-state-house.aspxThe West Virginia House of Delegates had five pro-gun/pro-hunting bills introduced in the past week.  The following bills are companion bills that have already been introduced in the West Virginia Senate; House Bill 4495, House Bill 4501, House Bill 4502, House Bill 4505 and House Bill 4507.NRA-ILATue, 14 Feb 2012 18:43:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/west-virginia-five-pro-gun-bills-introduced-in-the-state-house.aspxThe West Virginia House of Delegates had five pro-gun/pro-hunting bills introduced in the past week.  The following bills are companion bills that have already been introduced in the West Virginia Senate; House Bill 4495, House Bill 4501, House Bill 4502, House Bill 4505 and House Bill 4507.NRA-ILATue, 14 Feb 2012 18:43:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/hunting/issues-and-alerts/2012/2/iowa-fight-over-ammunition-ban-for-dove-hunting-reaches-critical-point!.aspxThe battle over a potential lead shot ban for dove hunting continues to rage in Des Moines.  This issue is far bigger than many Second Amendment supporters in the Hawkeye state realize. This is not an attack on just the newly-established dove season, but a direct attack on both hunters and shooters. NRA-ILATue, 14 Feb 2012 18:15:00 GMThttp://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2012/02/iowa-fight-over-ammunition-ban-for-dove-hunting-reaches-critical-point!.aspxThe battle over a potential lead shot ban for dove hunting continues to rage in Des Moines.  This issue is far bigger than many Second Amendment supporters in the Hawkeye state realize. This is not an attack on just the newly-established dove season, but a direct attack on both hunters and shooters. NRA-ILATue, 14 Feb 2012 18:15:00 GMT