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Firearm Preemption Laws

Gun control supporters demand that state legislatures impose a wide variety of gun control restrictions within their borders. However, they hypocritically cry foul when legislatures use their power to limit gun control. Frustrated at their inability to convince state legislatures to adopt the restrictive firearm laws they propose, gun control supporters say that local jurisdictions should be able to adopt those restrictions independently.

Aside from gun control supporters’ hypocrisy, there are multiple arguments against local restrictions on basic firearm rights. Historically, some local jurisdictions have imposed clearly unconstitutional restrictions on gun ownership—the District of Columbia’s and Chicago’s since-overturned handgun bans being two recent examples. It also creates confusion when laws vary widely within a state, potentially placing otherwise law-abiding citizens at risk of violating an ordinance of which they were not previously aware, as they travel within their states, and more so when they travel outside their state of residence.

As a result, almost all states today have a law prohibiting local jurisdictions from imposing gun control restrictions that are more severe than state law.

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Three NRA-Backed Bills Take Effect on September 1 in Texas

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Three NRA-Backed Bills Take Effect on September 1 in Texas

The Texas Legislature passed three NRA-supported measures during the 2023 Regular Session and Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed ...

Indianapolis City Council Attempts to Enact Gun Control

Friday, June 16, 2023

Indianapolis City Council Attempts to Enact Gun Control

In a blatant attempt to violate preemption, the Indianapolis City Council has advanced an “unenforceable” gun control package.

Governor Abbott Signs Key Pro-Second Amendment Bills into Law!

Monday, June 12, 2023

Governor Abbott Signs Key Pro-Second Amendment Bills into Law!

Over the weekend, Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed important legislation protecting the privacy rights of lawful firearms purchasers ...

Texas Legislature Ends Regular Session After Passing a Trio of Pro-Second Amendment Bills & Rejecting Gun Control Measures

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Texas Legislature Ends Regular Session After Passing a Trio of Pro-Second Amendment Bills & Rejecting Gun Control Measures

The Texas Legislature adjourned from the 2023 Regular Session on Memorial Day and was immediately called back into special session on ...

Oregon: Anti-Gun Omnibus Bill Heads Directly to the Second Chamber Floor

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Oregon: Anti-Gun Omnibus Bill Heads Directly to the Second Chamber Floor

Yesterday, the House voted 35-24 (with 1 excused), along party lines, to pass House Bill 2005 B, the anti-gun package ...

Oregon: House Vote Scheduled for Anti-Gun Omnibus Bill

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Oregon: House Vote Scheduled for Anti-Gun Omnibus Bill

On May 2nd, the House will hold a floor vote on House Bill 2005 B, the anti-gun package ...

Oregon: Anti-Gun Omnibus Bill Going to House Floor

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Oregon: Anti-Gun Omnibus Bill Going to House Floor

Today, the House Ways and Means committee voted to approve House Bill 2005 A, the anti-gun package requested ...

Arizona: House Judiciary Committee Hearing Gun Show Protection Bill

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Arizona: House Judiciary Committee Hearing Gun Show Protection Bill

Tomorrow, the House Judiciary Committee will hear Senate Bill 1428, to prevent localities from prohibiting gun shows.

Wyoming: Senate’s Preemption Bill Passes House, Signed into Law by Governor

Monday, February 27, 2023

Wyoming: Senate’s Preemption Bill Passes House, Signed into Law by Governor

The Wyoming House voted 61-0 to pass SF 148, a bill that enhances the current firearm preemption laws. SF 148 ensures the ...

Wyoming: Preemption Bill Up for a House Floor Vote

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Wyoming: Preemption Bill Up for a House Floor Vote

The Wyoming House will vote soon on a pro-Second Amendment bill, SF 148, that enhances the current firearm preemption laws. In other words, SF ...

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NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.