THEORY OF GUN CONTROL MEETS REALITY OF CRIME
A May 15 story in The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) serves as a good reminder of how a person’s support for gun control often changes after a personal experience with crime.
State Representative Michael DeBose (D-12) of Cleveland was an opponent of Right-to-Carry, having voted against the measure twice. All that changed on the night of May 1, when he was confronted by two men, one of whom was wielding a gun. On that night, Rep. DeBose’s sense of security in his neighborhood changed, as did his view on lawful citizens being able to defend themselves.
MEMORIAL DAY: REFLECTION OF FREEDOM’S PAST AND FUTURE: While many Americans welcome this weekend as a chance to gather with family and friends, to barbeque in the great outdoors, and to miss a day of work on Monday, we must always remember exactly what we commemorate this weekend—our fallen brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom and the freedom of millions of others whose names they didn’t even know.
MAKE YOURSELF HEARD AT TOWN HALL MEETINGS! Congress will be on its Memorial Day District Work Period next week. During this time, your Senators and Representative will be back home in their states and districts.
Many lawmakers use this time to hold town hall meetings, and take questions from their constituents. These meetings offer a tremendous opportunity for you to personally voice your strong support for a number of pro-gun bills pending in Congress.
STATE ROUNDUP(please click to see any updates on states not listed below.)
ALABAMA (1): Emergency Powers Legislation Needs Your Help Today! Senate Bill 370 and House Bill 598 need your help today. These bills would prohibit the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms during a state of emergency with just a few short weeks remaining the Alabama Legislature’s session. It is critical that you contact members of the State Senate at (334) 242-7800 and urge them to support SB 370 and members of the State House at (334) 242-7600 and ask them to support HB 598.
ALABAMA (2): Update on Alabama Gun Registration Bill! House Bill 600, a bill that would have increased fees and required law-abiding citizens to register their firearms with the Department of Public Safety, is not expected to see any action in the House Judiciary Committee. Thank you for all of your hard work and support. It is because of your help and support that another anti-gun bill will likely not reach the Governor's desk.
ARIZONA: Help Improve the Southeast Regional Park Shooting Range! Please help continue improvements at the Southeast Regional Park Shooting Range. Written comments to the Chairman of the Committee can be submitted no later than Thursday, May 31, 2007. For more information as to where to mail your comments, please click here.
CALIFORNIA (1): Sacramento City Council Proposes Anti-Gun Ordinances! The Sacramento City Council is considering and could vote any day on two anti-gun ordinances. The first ordinance would require that the purchaser of ammunition be subject to unnecessary forms, fingerprinting, and a background check for each and every retail purchase. The second ordinance would dictate that a lost or stolen firearm must be reported to law enforcement within 48-hours of the discovery. Please contact Mayor Heather Fargo and the Sacramento City Council and respectfully urge them to oppose these unwarranted and unnecessary anti-gun measures. For contact information for the Mayor and the City Council, please click here.
CALIFORNIA (2): NRA Urges California Lawmakers to Vote “NO” on AB 1471 and AB 334 AB 1471 would require that the make, model, and serial number be micro-stamped onto the interior surface or working parts in such a manner as to permit the transfer of these identifiers to the cartridge case upon firing and AB 334, seeks to further burden law-abiding California gun owners by mandating the report of lost or stolen firearms to the Department of Justice and law enforcement within five days of the disappearance of the firearm or face criminal penalty and a fine. Please contact your State Legislator and urge them to vote “NO” on Assembly Bills 1471 (“Micro-stamping bill”) and 334 (“Victimizing-the-victim bill). NRA members and gun owners will be asked to contact their state representatives and senators in the coming days and highlight the many problems with both bills. Please keep checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates on these two anti-gun bills trying to move through the California legislature.
CALIFORNIA (3): Spaying and Neutering of All Hunting Dogs! AB 1634, would require every dog older than four months to be spayed or neutered, unless the dog owner possesses an “intact” permit. The cost of the annual permit is unspecified in the legislation and is to be determined by the local government. It is critical that you contact your State Assembly Member and ask that he or she oppose this overreaching and discriminatory legislation. Please ask them to vote “NO” on AB 1634. Contact information for your Assembly Member can be found by visiting www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset7text.htm.
CONNECTICUT: Anti-Gun Bill Heading to Connecticut House for Consideration! Senate Bill 938 would make it a crime for gun owners to not report the loss or theft of a firearm with 72 hours of when you “discover or should have discovered” it missing. Reporting the loss or theft of a handgun to police, would immediately trigger an investigation into the whether he "should have discovered" the missing gun(s) and exposes himself to criminal prosecution. Under this bill, which now applies only to handguns, police and prosecutors retain total discretion for what constitutes “should have discovered.” Please call your State Representative TODAY at (860) 240-0400 and urge him or her to OPPOSE Senate Bill 938.
ILLINOIS: Illinois Bill Seeks to Ban Commonly Used Magazines and Rifles! Senate Bill 1007, introduced by former gun-ban lobbyist and current Senator, Dan Kotowski (D-33), is headed to the House, which could take it up at any time. SB 1007, which bans the manufacture, possession, delivery, sale, and purchase of standard capacity ammunition magazines capable of holding more than ten (10) cartridges. This bill is worded so broadly that it would also ban certain firearms, such as some Henry rifles, which have attached tubular magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. It is critical that you call your State Representative at (217) 782-8223 immediately and urge him or her to oppose SB 1007.
INDIANA: Discharge Ban Advancing in Indianapolis-Marion County, Indiana! By just one vote, the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council’s Rules and Public Safety Committee approved a measure crippling the lawful discharge of firearms within the consolidated city-county boundary. Specifically, Proposal 174 arbitrarily establishes that private property owners must have a minimum of five acres, zoned for agriculture, in order to lawfully hunt and/or target practice. Proposal 174 now goes before the full City-County Council for consideration – possibly as soon as Monday, June 11! Please contact your City-County Councillor and strongly encourage him or her to reject Proposal 174, and rather, focus on enforcing existing state law that addresses the reckless use or dangerous discharge for firearms. Contact information and District maps can be found at www.indygov.org.
IOWA: LeClaire City Council Unanimously Approves Land For Les Baer Custom, Inc! Thanks for all your hard work and effort in contacting the LeClaire City Council. In a victory for the town of LeClaire and for the Second Amendment, the LeClaire City Council unanimously approved the sale of city land to firearms manufacturer Les Baer Custom, Inc. Les Baer decided to relocate from Illinois due to a state proposal to ban the distribution, sale, and manufacture of many of Les Baer’s products.
LOUISIANA: Gun-Ban Proposal to be Considered! House Bill 869, an anti-gun bill, which would establish far-reaching restrictions on semi-automatic firearms (dubbing them “assault weapons”) and ammunition magazines will be up for consideration on Wednesday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m. in HCR-6, the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee. Please make plans to attend this important hearing! Also, please contact the members of the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee and urge them to vote “NO” on HB 869. For contact information for the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee, please click here.
MASSACHUSETTS: One-Gun-A-Month Bill Still Looming In Massachusetts! House Bill 3991, filed by Governor Deval Patrick (D) is still pending in the Judiciary Committee. This proposal would limit law-abiding Massachusetts gun buyers from purchasing more than one firearm per month. Please contact the Judiciary Committee members today and respectfully urge them to oppose H 3991 and any other proposal that limits the rights of lawful gun owners. Also, please contact Governor Patrick and politely ask him to withdraw this anti-gun legislation. Contact information can be found by clicking here.
MAINE (1): Maine’s Hunting Heritage Still at Stake! On Wednesday, May 23, the Maine State House voted 82-60 to accept a report recommending that Legislative Document 1635 be defeated. The vote essentially “kills” Legislative Document 1635, "An Act To Prohibit Recreational Bear Trapping." Please contact your State Senator today at (207) 287-1583 and ask him or her to accept the “ought not to pass” committee report.
MAINE (2): Bill to Establish Waiting Periods in Maine! Legislative Document 361 would mandate a 10-day waiting period for certain individuals who purchase firearms in Maine. The bill has been placed on the House calendar for a possible vote. Please contact your State Representative at (207) 287-4469 and ask them to vote to accept the “ought not to pass” committee report.
MICHIGAN: Michigan “No-Net-Loss” Bill Still Pending in Committee! Important “No-Net-Loss” legislation, House Bill 4597, is still pending in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs. A vote could come as early as next week. Please contact the members of the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs and respectfully urge them to send HB4597 on to the full State Senate for a vote. Please click here for contact information for the Committee.
MISSOURI: Missouri General Assembly Closes Out Successful Session! On Friday, May 18, the Missouri General Assembly closed out one of the most successful sessions in recent memory. Among the many advances made during this session was the passage of: Senate Bill 225, Senate Bill 257, and Senate Bill 62. Additional information, including roll call votes for all of the above-mentioned bills, can be found at www.moga.state.mo.us. If your Senator and/or Representative voted for the NRA-backed bills above, please contact them and thank them for their support of Missouri’s law-abiding firearm owners, hunters and sportsmen!
NEBRASKA: Nebraska Ban On Internet Hunting Heads to Governor’s Desk After passing the Assembly by a 45 to 0 vote, Legislative Bill 504 is now heading to the desk of Governor Dave Heineman (R) for his expected signature. LB504 would prohibit hunting via the internet as well as the hosting of websites that facilitate internet hunting.
NEVADA (1): Right-to-Carry Reform Bill Passes House! Senate Bill 237, which would allow Nevada to negotiate Right-to-Carry reciprocity agreements with states whose training standards match Nevada's has passed the House of Representatives and is now heading back to the Senate for its expected concurrence. Please continue checking www.NRAILA.orgfor updates on this important issue.
NEVADA (2): Nye County Commissioner Circulates Anti-Gun Petition! County Commissioner Peter Liakopoulos has begun to circulate petitions asking county employees to agree that a “NO FIREARMS” policy should be adopted in the Bob Ruud Community Center in order to ban the carrying of firearms into public meetings. Please take the time to contact the County Commissioners and politely ask that they NOT change their firearms policy in the Bob Ruud Community Center. Contact information for the Nye County Commissioners can be found by clicking here.
NEW JERSEY: Tabernacle Township, New Jersey Seeking Anti-Gun Ordinance! A measure which would prohibit the use or discharge of firearms within 450 feet of a structure on someone else’s property, even where it is safe to do so, has been introduced in Tabernacle Township. If enacted, gun owners would be required to seek written permission from newcomers to Tabernacle Township in order to target shoot on their own private property! Please make plans to attend the Tabernacle Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 29, at 8:00 p.m., at the Tabernacle Town Hall. If you are unable to attend, please contact the Committee at (609) 268-1220 and urge them to oppose this proposal.
NEW YORK (1): Join NRA President John Sigler at the 2007 New York State Rifle and Pistol Association Annual Meeting! The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association (NYSRPA) annual meeting is coming soon! Register early, this event sells out fast! Here’s your chance to meet keynote speaker, NRA’s new President John Sigler, as well as enjoy a day of fun with the family at the range! The meeting it to be held Saturday, June 9 at the Wallkill Rod & Gun Club, 316 Bruyn Turnpike, Wallkill, NY 12589. This event is open to the public and the cost is only $10.00! Tickets must be purchased in advance by June 1. For tickets please contact the NYSRPA office toll-free at 800-469-7772 and for more information visit http://www.nysrpa.org/.
NEW YORK (2): Anti-Gun Package Still Looming in New York Legislature! A broad package of anti-gun legislation that was approved by the New York State Assembly is still pending action in the Senate. Each bill poses a very real threat to our Right to Keep and Bear Arms in the Empire State, so it is critical that you contact your State Senators at (518) 455-2800 and urge them to vote “NO” on A06525, A00829, A02772, A03447, A07331, and A00076!
NORTH CAROLINA (1): Anti-Gun Measure Fails! House Bill 1847, which would have required law-abiding gun owners to report the loss or theft of a firearm to police or face criminal prosecution, failed to pass the House of Representatives. Thank you for your hard work and support in helping defend the Second Amendment by opposing this attack on our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
NORTH CAROLINA (2): Two Vital Pro-Gun Bills Fail to Beat Deadline House Bill 310, "Emergency Powers" legislation, and House Bill 476, “Castle Doctrine” failed to pass out of the House Judiciary II Committee prior to the crossover deadline. These bills are now considered “dead” until the next legislative session.
OREGON: Youth Hunter Mentor Bill Heading To Governor’s Desk! On Monday, May 21, Senate Bill 892 passed the House of Representatives and is now heading to Governor Ted Kulongoski’s (D) desk for his consideration. SB 892 establishes a program whereby a youth between the ages of nine and 14 may hunt for big game with a mentor, who is a licensed hunter and over 21 years of age. Thanks to all who testified at the several hearings, sent emails, and made phone calls in support of SB 892.
TENNESSEE (1): Governor Signs Vital “Castle Doctrine” Legislation! On Tuesday, May 22, Governor Phil Bredesen (D) signed House Bill 1907, the “Castle Doctrine” self-defense bill, into law. HB 1907 will allow an individual to use deadly force to protect him or herself wherever he or she have a legal right to be. The bill also provides civil immunity for those who defend themselves from criminal attack. Please contact the Governor’s office at (615) 741-2001 and your State Legislator at (615) 741-3511 and thank him or her for defending our Second Amendment right to self-defense.
TENNESSEE (2): Right-to-Carry Reform Legislation Needs Our Help! House Bill 132 and House Bill 2184 are scheduled to be heard by the House Budget Sub-Committee on Wednesday, May 30. HB 132 would allow a person with a Right-to-Carry permit to possess a firearm in all public hunting areas, refuges, wildlife management areas, and national forests managed by the state, HB 2184 would allow any resident who has a Right-to-Carry permit to possess his or her handgun while within the boundaries of any state park and all areas for recreational purposes. Please contact the House Budget Sub-Committee at (615) 741-2031 and ask members to support HB 2184, as amended, but to remove the signage requirement and to vote “YES” to HB 132.
TEXAS (1): Governor Perry Signs Vital Right-to-Carry Confidentiality Bill! House Bill 991, the Concealed Handgun License confidentiality (CHL) bill sponsored by State Representative Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs) and State Senator Bob Deuell (R-Greenville) was signed this week by Governor Rick Perry (R). This bill will keep CHL permit data private. Thank you for all your calls and emails in support HB 991, which ensured strong, bi-partisan support of the measure.
TEXAS (2): The Latest Update on Firearms Legislation! Another NRA-supported measure is heading to Governor Perry’s desk. House Bill 1815 will clarify that it is legal to transport a handgun in your motor vehicle for personal protection without a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). Unfortunately, one NRA-supported measure did not make it past the last day for floor consideration, SB 534, which would have allowed CHLs to transport and store their handguns in locked motor vehicles while parked on their employers’ property. This measure will be returning next year, so please continue to check www.NRAILA.org for updates on important firearms legislation for the rest of 2007 and future legislation in 2008.
VIRGINIA: Goochland County Delays Action on Anti-Shooting Ordinance! On Thursday, May 17, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors and the county Planning Commission declined to take action on the proposed ordinance, and has sent the measure back for “further study.” The ordinance under consideration would have dramatically revised county land use standards in an attempt to prohibit recreational shooting on private property. Please contact your Supervisor to thank him for sending the land use proposal back for further study. Also, politely remind him that lawful recreational shooting poses no threat in Goochland County and that the Board of Supervisors should continue to respect the rights of private property owners by opposing any ordinance that seeks to restrict lawful recreational shooting. For contact information for the Goochland County Board of Supervisors, please click here.
WISCONSIN: Bill to Ban Private Sales Expanded! On Tuesday, May 29, the Senate Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on legislation to ban private firearms sales. Senate Bill 104 would prevent anyone who is not an FFL from “transfering” a firearm to anyone else, including family members, anywhere in the state. Please show your support for the Second Amendment by attending a public hearing on SB 104 in Milwaukee, and help prevent this anti-gun legislation from reaching the Senate floor! The hearing will be held in the Milwaukee DNR Building, located at 2300 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212 on Tuesday, May 29, at 3:00 p.m. If you cannot attend, please contact the Senate Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Committee. For contact information for the Senate Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Committee, please click here.
Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day weekend, and please remember those who have paid the ultimate price to protect our freedom! In observation of Memorial Day, NRA will be closed on Monday, May 28.
