March 22, 2013
House Bill 43, a measure aimed to suppress political speech by organizations such as the NRA, has received the final approval of both the Utah House and Senate and is now awaiting Governor Gary Herbert’s (R) signature. This fatally flawed bill poses a grave risk to the freedom of speech in Utah and would impose excessive regulatory burdens on the NRA and other political interests. Your action is needed immediately – please contact Governor Herbert TODAY and respectfully request that he veto HB 43 which would inhibit First Amendment rights and potentially undermine your Second Amendment rights.
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March 22, 2013
Yesterday, the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee approved Senate Bill 197 by a narrow 11 to 10 vote. This pro-hunting measure, sponsored by state Senator Scott Boulanger (R-44), passed on third reading in the state Senate by a bipartisan 30 to 15 vote last month. SB 197 makes important improvements to Montana’s hunting laws to allow new hunters to go afield with an experienced mentor, prior to the completion of a hunter education course. SB 197 needs your help to pass in the House and get to Governor Steve Bullock (D) to be signed into law.
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March 22, 2013
Yesterday, Governor Steve Beshear signed into law NRA-backed Senate Bill 150. Sponsored by state Senator Brandon Smith (R-30), SB 150 is critical to your inherent right to self-defense as it eliminates several discriminatory and arbitrary provisions in Kentucky’s current concealed carry laws that may prevent you from obtaining a Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CDWL).
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March 22, 2013
Next Friday, March 29, House Bill 1467, important “Emergency Powers” protection legislation will be heard in the Senate Government and Veteran Affairs Committee. This NRA-backed bill, introduced by state Representative Karen Karls (R-35), already passed in the House by a 76-17 vote on February 25.
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March 22, 2013
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism voted 5 to 0 last night to pass KAR 115-4-4 which will improve the state’s hunting regulations in a number of ways. Under this rule change, all hunters will be allowed the option of using crossbows during archery season starting in September. Useful technologies such as rangefinders, cameras, and new sighting devices will also be allowed.
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March 22, 2013
Two school safety bills have been placed on committee calendars for next week. Senate Bill 472 is scheduled for consideration in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, March 27, at 10:30 a.m. The House companion to SB 472, House Bill 504 sponsored by state Representative Eric Watson (R-22), is set to be heard in the House Education Subcommittee on Tuesday, March 26, at 1:30 p.m. As introduced, SB472/HB504 requires districtwide school safety plans to include a requirement that at least one school resource officer or similarly trained staff member be present at each school during school hours.
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March 22, 2013
The Idaho Senate will be voting on NRA-backed House Bill 192 soon, so please contact your state Senator and encourage his or her support of this Right to Carry improvement bill! Introduced by the House State Affairs Committee and cosponsored by state Representative Joe Palmer (R-20), HB 192 would create an enhanced concealed carry license option for those applicants who choose to undergo additional training for more carry benefits.
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March 22, 2013
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) and state legislative leaders have now publicly admitted mistakes in their rush to pass what is arguably the worst gun control law in the country – the SAFE ACT. After intense public pressure, the state’s chief executive and lawmakers discussed including amendments to the SAFE Act this week during the state budget negotiations. Specifically, much of the focus was on the seven-round magazine limit. However, the prospects for making the law more lenient disappeared when a rough budget agreement was reached this week. Many of the provisions of the SAFE Act are set to take effect April 15.
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March 22, 2013
Yesterday, the Minnesota House Public Safety Committee passed an anti-gun bill that will criminalize the private transfer of handguns and certain semi-automatic rifles at gun shows. House File 285, introduced by state Representative John Lesch (DFL-66B), passed by a 10 to 8 vote after being amended with the ban on private sales. House File 285 will be ready for final approval on the floor of the state House of Representatives after their Easter recess.
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March 22, 2013
On Wednesday, two more pieces of Governor Jack Markell’s comprehensive gun control scheme were introduced in the General Assembly. House Bill 58 is a ban on magazines having the capacity to accept more than ten rounds, while Senate Bill 16 would require any gun owner to notify police within 48 hours if a firearm was lost or stolen. HB 58 has been assigned to the House Administration Committee, but at this time no hearing has been scheduled. SB 16 will be heard on Wednesday, March 27 at 1:00 PM in the Senate Hearing Room by the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is very important that you show up to testify against this bill on Wednesday and contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in opposition to SB 16.
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March 22, 2013
Yesterday, House Bill 1819, an important protection to the Emergency Powers statute, passed in the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs with a “Do Pass” recommendation. HB 1819, introduced by state Representative Charlotte Vining Douglas (R-75), would prohibit any Arkansas Governor from imposing restrictions on the transfer or transportation of lawfully possessed firearms during a declared State of Emergency. HB 1819 could now be considered on the Senate floor at any time.
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March 22, 2013
Your presence is needed in Annapolis tomorrow morning! Join fellow Second Amendment supporters at 9:00am in a silent protest at the State House.
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March 22, 2013
House Memorial 545 by Representative Neil Combee (R) was heard in the state House Local and Federal Affairs Committee on today at 8:00 am. HM-545 passed by a vote of 10 to 3 with 5 committee members absent. It now moves to the state House Judiciary Committee.HM-545 by Representative Combee is a message to the Congress of the United States and the President that reminds them uphold the Constitution and rights of the citizens it was created to protect.
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March 22, 2013
This week, the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association--with the full support of the NRA--filed a complaint challenging the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Act in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York.
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March 22, 2013
Last March, in a victory for Maryland gun owners, a federal judge ruled in the case of Woollard v. Sheridanthat a key provision of the state’s gun laws was unconstitutional. Judge Benson Everett Legg declared that Maryland's requirement for a "good and substantial reason" to obtain a concealed-carry permit violates the Second Amendment protection of the right to keep and bear arms.
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March 21, 2013
House Bill 1503, the Firearm Retailer Protection Bill, passed in the Senate today by a unanimous 35-0 vote. This legislation, introduced by state Representative Justin Harris (R-81), would protect lawful firearm retailers from illegal gun sting operations such as those orchestrated by billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Anti-gun extremist Bloomberg has sent hired agents into other states to attempt deceptive illegal firearm purchases in an effort to blame federally licensed firearm retailers for gun crime in New York City and around the country. Eighteen states have enacted similar statutes.
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March 21, 2013
The final meeting of the Public Safety and Security Committee for this legislative session was held today and no new gun control measures were discussed. Earlier this week, this committee met to consider several gun control measures.
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March 21, 2013
House Bill 2162, introduced by state Representative Eddie Armstrong (D-37), seeks to allow the destruction of any firearms that have been seized by law enforcement in Arkansas. Current law stipulates that all unclaimed seized property, with only minor exceptions, be sold at public auction. HB 2162 would not only allow for seized firearms to be destroyed (currently not part of the exceptions), but would also allow only Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders or another law enforcement agency to acquire any firearms that are not destroyed but allowed to be sold. HB 2162 passed in of the House Judiciary Committee yesterday, and could be considered on the House floor as early as Monday, March 25.
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March 21, 2013
Yesterday, Senate Bill 308, introduced by state Senator Sean Bennett (R-38), was set for Special Order for today. A critical self-defense reform that would remove the prohibition on a Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) holder carrying a concealed firearm into a restaurant licensed to serve alcohol. This critical step removes one of the major procedural obstacles to passage of this bill and will allow for it to be debated on the Senate floor. While debate started today, a vote was not taken. The discussion will continue when the Senate returns from its two-week break on April 9.
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March 21, 2013
The House Committee on Judiciary Subcommittee A heard House Bill 17 yesterday. HB 17, introduced by state Representative Justin Burr (R-67), seeks to remove the prohibition on Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders carrying a concealed firearm into any establishment licensed to serve alcohol. In addition, this legislation would make information regarding permittees -- including those who have acquired a permit to purchase a handgun -- accessible only to law enforcement. Unfortunately, this Committee amended HB 17 to remove the Restaurant Carry provisions and then passed this bill with the CHP confidentiality provisions. HB 17 remains a pro-gun bill that NRA strongly supports, and it could be considered on the House floor any day.
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March 21, 2013
House Bill 2265, sponsored by state Representative Michael Zalewski (D-23), would jeopardize the future of concealed carry in Illinois by imposing severe penalties such as three-year jail sentences for small regulatory violations. HB 2265 is gaining traction in the state House and a vote on it could occur within the next 24 hours. Your action is needed immediately!
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March 21, 2013
This Saturday, March 23, Hicklenlooper will be hosting a public event at the CMU-University Center Ballroom in Grand Junction beginning at 11:00 am.
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March 21, 2013
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) will be hosting two town hall meetings next week: one in Moorhead and the other in St. Cloud. After the Governor’s public comments (see news article here), it is very important to attend and express your opposition to banning and criminalizing the private transfers of firearms between certain family members, friends and hunting buddies.
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March 21, 2013
Several pro-gun measures that would improve Nevada firearm laws will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 25 at 9:00 a.m. Please contact Committee members using the information provided below and urge them to support Senate Bills 226, 137 and 223.
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March 21, 2013
On Tuesday, Senate Bill 108, legislation to keep confidential all information on those residents who possess a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit (HCP), was scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee, but was postponed until next week’s Committee hearing. This privacy protection legislation recently passed in the Tennessee House of Representatives by a bipartisan 84 to 10 vote.
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March 21, 2013
A list of the major gun bills that we are currently dealing on for the 2013 Florida legislative session can be found here. This list is only a partial list of bills -- there are many more that we must track and monitor.
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March 20, 2013
Today, the Arizona Senate Public Safety Committee approved two NRA-backed pro-gun reforms. House Bill 2455, which received a "Do Pass" recommendation with a 4 -1 vote, would prohibit the destruction of seized or surrendered firearms. House Bill 2326, recommended "Do Pass" with a 5-1 vote, would protect gun owner privacy. Please contact members of the Senate Public Safety Committee and thank them for their support. Since both HB 2455 and HB 2326 will now be sent to the Senate floor for consideration, please contact your state Senator today and urge him or her to vote for these important measures.
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March 20, 2013
Despite overwhelming opposition to his extreme gun control scheme contained in Senate Bill 281, Governor Martin O’Malley is desperately using arm-twisting politics and deceptive procedural maneuvers to try and ram through this deeply flawed legislation. Multiple amendments to Senate Bill 281 are to be considered SOON and could be supported by your state Delegate(s). It is important that you contact your state Delegate(s) TODAY and urge them to say NO to O’Malley’s political bullying and OPPOSE Senate Bill 281 and all anti-gun amendments.
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March 20, 2013
House Memorial 545 by Representative Neil Combee (R) has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Local and Federal Affairs Committee on Friday Morning, March 22, at 8:00am. HM-545 relating to Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a Memorial declaring to the President of the United States and the United States Congress, the intent of the Florida House to use all of its authority and power to protect the citizens of the State of Florida against any federal gun control measure that violates the right of the people of Florida to keep and bear arms.
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March 20, 2013
Anti-gun state Representative Michael Paymar’s (DFL-64B) stalled gun control package, House File 237, was tabled last night in the House Public Safety Committee without a roll call vote. While this bill itself might be dead for this legislative session, expect to see similar provisions offered as amendments on other legislation on the House floor in the coming weeks.
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March 20, 2013
We need your help to stop the assault on law-abiding gun owners in Dover! Your state Representative will soon be voting on House Bill 35, the latest of Governor Jack Markell’s gun control proposals that will criminalize private transfers of firearms between law-abiding citizens. HB 35 was heard today by the House Judiciary Committee where it received approval and is now eligible for a vote on the House floor. This bill was originally scheduled to be heard last week, but the overwhelming opposition to HB 35 by Delawareans prompted another hearing to be held today. It is very important that you keep contacting your state Representative. Your voice is making the difference, and you must keep fighting ALL attempts to deprive law-abiding gun owners of our rights.
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March 20, 2013
Today, Governor John Hickenlooper (D) sent a message to the citizens of Colorado that he cares more about pleasing New York City’s mayor than he does about the constitutional rights of Coloradoans when he signed into law the most sweeping anti-gun legislation in the history of the Centennial State. Despite overwhelming opposition to this legislation, and despite the rich hunting heritage and deep respect for the right to self-defense by all Coloradoans, Governor Hickenlooper proved that he is only interested in pleasing Mayor Bloomberg and playing New York City politics.
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March 20, 2013
Earlier this month, we reported that Charleston Mayor Danny Jones seems to be doing the bidding for anti-gun extremist New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg by actively opposing House Bill 2760 that overwhelmingly passed in the state House by a 94-4 vote on March 11. Do not fall victim to his misleading rhetoric. HB 2760 is an important pro-gun reform.
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March 20, 2013
Yesterday, Senate Bill 101 passed by voice vote in the state House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee but only after the removal of some important pro-gun provisions included in SB 101, as passed in the state Senate.
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March 20, 2013
House Bill 1282, sponsored by state Representative Joe Heilman (R-45), would allow hunters in North Dakota to use lawfully possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms while hunting. This legislation passed in the state House by a 90-2 vote on January 31 and in the state Senate by a 29-17 vote on March 18. HB 1282 will now go to Governor Jack Dalrymple (R) for his signature.
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March 20, 2013
House Bill 1819, an important reform to the Governor's Emergency Powers, passed in the state House of Representatives yesterday by a 78-9 vote. HB 1819, introduced by state Representative Charlotte Vining Douglas (R-75), would prohibit any Arkansas Governor from imposing restrictions on the transfer or transportation of lawfully possessed firearms during a declared State of Emergency. HB 1819 has been referred to the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs for its consideration.
FULL STORY
March 19, 2013
House Bill 35, the latest of Governor Jack Markell’s gun control proposals will be heard TOMORROW by the House Judiciary Committee. Originally scheduled to be heard last week, the overwhelming opposition to HB 35 at that time prompted another hearing tomorrow at 11:30 am in Legislative Hall. There will be a sign-up sheet for those who wish to testify and speaking time will be limited to two minutes per person. Please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee IMMEDIATELY and attend this hearing to speak against HB 35.
FULL STORY
March 19, 2013
An important pro-gun measure that would protect law-abiding gun owners in Idaho from any potential federal gun ban is on the move in the Idaho State Legislature. House Bill 219, introduced by the House State Affairs Committee, has already passed in the state House of Representatives by a 55 to 13 vote and is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate State Affairs Committee.
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March 19, 2013
Senate Bill 396 was introduced last night by anti-gun Senator Tick Segerblom (D-3), while another anti-gun measure, Assembly Bill 234, has been introduced by Assemblyman William Horne (D-34). Contact your state legislators IMMEDIATELY and urge them to oppose these assaults on your fundamental right to self-defense.
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March 19, 2013
One of the most comprehensive violations of our Right to Keep and Bear Arms in recent memory has been reassigned to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.
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