North Dakota: House to Consider Important Self-Defense Reforms

On Tuesday, House Bill 1467, important “Emergency Powers” legislation, was heard by the House Judiciary Committee.  This NRA-backed bill was introduced by state Representative Karen Karls (R-35).  HB 1467 was reported by this committee by a 10-3 vote and will be eligible for a final vote at 1:00 p.m. on Monday.

HB 1467 would prohibit the state or any government agency, during a declared state of emergency, from prohibiting or restricting the otherwise lawful possession, use, carrying, transfer, transportation, storage, or display of a firearm or ammunition; seizure or confiscation of a lawfully possessed firearm; or requiring registration of a firearm or ammunition for which registration is not otherwise required by law.

This legislation would protect law-abiding citizens of North Dakota from experiencing a violation of their constitutional rights reminiscent of what occurred in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, where law-abiding citizens were stripped of their lawfully owned firearms by overzealous government officials leaving them defenseless and unable to protect their families and property.

House Bill 1366, legislation that expands the locations where a concealed weapons license (CWL) holder can lawfully carry, was also considered by the House Judiciary Committee.  This pro-gun legislation was introduced by state Representative Rick Becker (R-7).  HB 1366 was reported unfavorably by this committee by a 7-6 vote and will also be eligible for a final vote at 1:00 p.m. this Monday.

Specifically, HB 1366 would amend current law to allow individuals possessing a valid CWL to possess a firearm at public gatherings including athletic events, political rallies, musical concerts, in publically owned parks and buildings, and in churches or schools with permission from the appropriate authority.  Currently possession by a CWL holder at these events is a class B misdemeanor.   Passage of this legislation is essential to your inherent right to self-defense.

HB 1467 and HB 1366 will provide important protections for law-abiding gun owners in the Peace Garden State.  Please call AND e-mail your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to SUPPORT HB 1467 and HB 1366.  Contact information for your state Representative can be found here.

Stay tuned to www.nraila.org for updates on this important legislation.