The House Health, Insurance and Environment Committee will hear House Bill 1341 on Thursday, April 14, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 0107. Sponsored by state Representative Joann Ginal (D-52), HB 1341 would punish law-abiding citizens who collect and trade ordinary items, including antiques, artwork, jewelry, knives, firearms and accessories, furniture and many other lawfully owned and obtained items that contain ivory or any other “covered animal species part or product.” The purported goal of HB 1341 is to prevent poaching and trafficking of animals threatened with extinction, however, it encompasses hundreds of animals in the family classes of elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine turtles, sharks and rays that are not all under threat in the wild. While the NRA supports efforts to stop poaching and the illegal trade of animal products, HB 1341 would not materially contribute to that goal.
While this bill contains limited exceptions, it would harm those who have no part in illegal activities; firearm owners, sportsmen, hunters, recreational shooters and gun collectors who have legally purchased or acquired firearms (as well as knives, jewelry, antiques and other items) that have incorporated ivory features for decades. These include some of America’s most historically-significant and collectible guns. Furthermore, shark skin—a very common material used in belt and shoulder holster construction because of its high abrasion resistance—would be a prohibited product under House Bill 1341. The NRA is opposed to HB 1341 because, if implemented, it would amount to the taking of property that had been acquired legally and in good faith.
Please click the “Take Action” button above to contact members of the House Health, Insurance and Environment Committee and politely urge them to OPPOSE House Bill 1341.
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