Vice President Cheney Signs On To Congressional Amicus Curiae Brief
Affirms Unequivocal Support Of Second Amendment As An Individual Right
Today, in his capacity as President of the United States Senate, Vice President Cheney signed on to the congressional amicus curiae brief affirming the individual rights view of the Second Amendment. As Americans, we are grateful and fortunate to have a friend of freedom in the Vice President.
NRA And U.S. Lawmakers Join D.C. V. Heller Plaintiffs In Filing Briefs With U.S. Supreme Court: On Thursday, February 7, NRA and the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund submitted an amicus curiae brief to the United States Supreme Court in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. This “friend of the court” brief supports a lower federal appeals court decision holding that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms, and asserts that the D.C. bans on handguns, on carrying firearms within the home, and on possession of loaded or operable firearms for self-defense violate that fundamental right.
New Microstamping Legislation Introduced: This week, Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) introduced “microstamping” legislation titled the “National Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007.” The bill is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators Feinstein (D-CA), Menendez (D-NJ), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Durbin (D-IL), Schumer (D-NY), and Reed (D-RI).
Commonsense Move Of The Week: In last week’s “Outrage of the Week,” we reported on Pasquotank County, in North Carolina, requiring those obtaining a gun permit to stand in the same line as convicted sex offenders.
This week, we’re happy to report that Pasquotank County officials have decided to change the sign in the Public Service Building that required gun permit seekers and sex offenders to register at the same window.
Outrage of the Week--“Hypocrite Hillary” In December, we reported on the hypocrisy of Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), who, in her zeal to discredit Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) on the gun issue for her own political gain, assailed Obama for his past support of “banning all handguns,” citing his position as one reason to “raise serious questions about his electability.”
And now, with the Democratic Presidential nomination process amounting to what only a few months ago would have been an unthinkable dead heat, we continue to see the political contenders pulling out all of the rhetorical stops in an attempt to disingenuously distinguish themselves as the “candidate of choice” for their constituency. We also continue to see the candidates test the limits of credulity in the process.
Such is the case for “Hypocrite Hillary,” who is at it again.
If you see something that you feel would be a good candidate for the “Outrage of the Week!” section, please send it to: [email protected]. Please be sure to send additional background and citations where available.
STATE ROUNDUP (please click to see any updates on states not listed below.)
ARIZONA: Right-to-Carry Reform Bill to be Heard in Senate Committee! On Monday, February 11, Senate Bill 1070 will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB1070 would provide that if an applicant has ever satisfactorily completed required firearms safety training, they will have met the training requirement for a Right-to-Carry permit. Under current law, there is no time limit on when an individual must complete their permit training, however the Arizona Department of Public Safety has set arbitrary dates for training validation at twelve months from when an application was filed. The proposed language recognizes that the training has no expiration date, and aligns the initial permit requirements with the permit renewal requirements. Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and voice your strong support for Senate Bill 1070. Please click here for contact information.
COLORADO: Update on Pending Firearm Legislation On Wednesday, February 6 the House Judiciary Committee voted 5 to 4 to defeat House Bill 1066, sponsored by State Representative Cory Gardner (R-63). This “Castle Doctrine” legislation would have extended self-defense protections beyond the home to include businesses. In spite of this unfortunate loss, three anti-freedom bills were also defeated in the Colorado legislature this week thanks to the activism of NRA members. On Wednesday, February 6, the House Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee voted down two bills, House Bill 1137 and House Bill 1096. Finally, House Bill 1190 was withdrawn by its sponsor.
Mandatory Storage Bill Sent to Senate Appropriations Committee On Monday, February 4 the Senate Committee on State, Veterans & Military Affairs voted 3-2 to send Senate Bill 49 to the Senate Appropriations Committee. SB49 requires mandatory storage of all firearms. This legislation would force adults to put all their firearms under lock and key or face an undetermined misdemeanor if that firearm is later used in a suicide or crime. This dangerous bill renders homeowners defenseless and gives criminals a clear advantage in home invasions. Please contact the members of the committee and respectfully urge them to defeat this dangerous legislation. Contact information can be found here.
CONNECTICUT: Anti-Gun Push Returning for 2008! The 2008 legislative session opened on Wednesday, February 6 and already gun owners, hunters and sportsmen can expect the largest number of anti-gun bills to be considered in years. The Connecticut State Police is lobbying for proposals that would lengthen the process to obtain a handgun permit, a 14-day waiting period before the sale of any long gun (without exemptions for handgun licensees or those with a current hunting license), licensing of all long guns and ban on their private sale or transfer. Connecticut Against Gun Violence will be joining the State Police in its push for a ban on the private sale of long guns as well as pushing for a ban on the sale of semiautomatic handguns not equipped with so-called "microstamping" technology. It is imperative that you call your lawmakers TODAY and tell them that you support the NRA and OPPOSE the new long gun restrictions and licensing scheme and the microstamping proposal. To contact your State Representative, please visit http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/hlist.asp. Contact information for your State Senator can be found at http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/slist.asp.
ILLINOIS: Rabid Anti-Gunner Defeated After Spending Millions! NRA is proud to announce that 71% of NRA Political Victory Fund endorsed candidates in Illinois won their Primary races. Also of interest is a race in which NRA did not get involved due to the lack of a clear pro-gun candidate in the six person race – the race to decide the Democratic candidate for Cook County State's Attorney. Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, with a long history of anti-gun activity, including serving as a board member of the rabidly anti-gun Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence since 1981, was defeated after spending an estimated one million dollars on ads attacking NRA and law-abiding gun owners. Suffredin spoke and the people of Cook County sure listened.
Gun Rights Under Assault in Cook County! As we have previously reported, Cook County is currently considering two anti-gun proposals that must be defeated! First, the Safe Streets/Weapons Registration Ordinance requires the registration of all firearms and firearm owners in the county. As written, it is an outright gun ban and prohibits the transport of a firearm in your vehicle unless the firearm is "broken down in a nonfunctioning state." The other proposed ordinance would amend the county's "Deadly Weapon Dealers Ordinance" to completely ban all gun shows within the county, and prohibits federally licensed dealers from operating within 10 miles of one another. Please contact the Cook County Board of Commissioners today and respectfully urge them to oppose these ordinances. Contact information for the Board can be found by clicking here.
Attention Gun Owners: Please Attend Illinois Gun Owners Day (IGOLD) in Springfield on Tuesday, March 11, 2008! Our Right to Keep and Bear Arms is under assault, so NRA is encouraging all law-abiding gun owners to take part in IGOLD 2008 and let your voice be heard. For more information, bus schedules, and departure times, please contact the Illinois State Rifle Association at (815) 635-3198, or go to www.IGOLD.isra.org
INDIANA: Update on SB356 and HB1046! Last week, Senate Bill 356, a proposal to allow concealed carry permit holders to carry in most public buildings was narrowly defeated in the Indiana Senate. Last minute concerns regarding the application of the proposal seemingly derailed the effort. However, we are continuing to explore what other options may be available to advance similar language during this session. We will continue to keep you informed of any developments. Also, in an ongoing effort in support of the “Families Afield Initiative,” NRA is coordinating with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, The National Wild Turkey Federation and the National Sport Shooting Foundation to further increase hunting access and opportunity across the nation. An example of this is HB1046, which would establish an “apprentice hunting license” which would allow for novice hunters to join experienced licensed hunters in the field to get a first-hand introduction to Indiana’s proud hunting heritage. HB1046 has already passed the State House of Representatives and now awaits action by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. Please contact the Committee members and respectfully urge them to support HB1046. Contact information can be found here.
KENTUCKY: Self-Defense Bill Stalled! House Bill 114, sponsored by State Representative Robert Damron (D-39), is currently stuck in the House Judiciary Committee, even though more than sixty legislators have signed on as co-sponsors. HB114 requires that universities, colleges, and postsecondary institutions comply with current law allowing law-abiding citizens to keep firearms in their locked vehicles on university property. Don’t allow anti-gun legislators to dictate your Second Amendment rights. It is important that the House Leadership hear from you. Please contact the Leadership of the Kentucky House of Representatives and respectfully ask them to support this important piece of self-defense legislation by scheduling it for a vote in the House Judiciary Committee. Contact information can be found here.
MARYLAND: Important Self-Defense Bill Introduced! Senate Bill 449, “Castle Doctrine” legislation, would restore the right of self-defense in Maryland. This “Castle Doctrine” legislation is vital to protecting law-abiding citizens from being criminally prosecuted for protecting themselves or their families. SB449 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Wednesday, February 20 at 1:00 pm in 2 East, Miller Senate Building, Annapolis. Please contact the members of the committee and respectfully urge them to support this important self-defense legislation that prevents victims from becoming criminals. Contact information can be found here.
"Lost or Stolen" Bill Scheduled for Hearing! Senate Bill 585, introduced by State Senator Lisa Gladden (D-41) at the request of the Baltimore City Administration, would require the owner of a regulated firearm to report its loss or theft to a local law enforcement agency within 72 hours after the owner discovers the firearm is missing. House Bill 880, sponsored by State Delegate Curt Anderson (D-43), is the companion bill in the House of Delegates. SB585 is scheduled for a hearing in the State Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Thursday, March 6 at 1:00 pm. Please contact the members of the committee and respectfully urge them to oppose this dangerous legislation. Contact information can be found here.
Hunting the Focus for the House Committee on Environmental Matters Anti-hunting bills House Bill 655 and House Bill 657, sponsored by State Delegate Barbara Frush (D-21), were introduced in the House Committee on Environmental Matters on Friday, February 1. HB655 sets minimum age restrictions for those seeking to apply for a hunting license. HB657 would ban the tradition of black bear hunting in Maryland. Hunting is the best means of maintaining a healthy population of any species. Both bills have been assigned to the House Committee on Environmental Matters and are scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, February 27 at 1:00 pm. Please contact the members of the committee and respectfully urge them to protect your hunting heritage in Maryland.
However, one pro-hunting bill has also been introduced to the House Committee on Environmental Matters. HB840 would authorize specified Sundays in October and November to be open to deer hunting with a bow and arrow in Washington County on private property. This bill has been introduced to the committee, but no hearing has been set as this time. Please contact the members of the House Committee on Environmental Matters and respectfully urge them to oppose HB655 and HB657 and to support HB840. Contact information can be found here.
MASSACHUSETTS: Lead Ammunition Ban Heads to House Last week, S.2481, “An Act Providing for Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals", sponsored by State Senator Steven Tolman (D-2nd Suffolk & Middlesex), was referred to the House Committee on Ways & Means. While, a number of improvements have been made to address our concerns regarding this bill, please contact your State Representative and members of the House Committee on Ways & Means to respectfully urge them to ask that additional safeguards be included in S.2481. Contact information for your State Representative can be found here. Contact information for the Committee can be found by clicking here.
MISSISSIPPI: Two Bills Introduced to Protect Ranges! Earlier this week, two bills were proposed in the Mississippi Legislature that would expand the scope of protection for shooting ranges and gun club facilities within the state. Senate Bill 2466 and House Bill 346 would prohibit local governments from placing restrictions on existing shooting ranges by prohibiting any new laws or ordinances from being enacted. Please contact your State Legislators and respectfully urge them to support both SB 2466 and HB 346 once they are assigned hearing dates within their referred committees. Contact information can be found here.
NEBRASKA: Governor to Consider Youth Mentored Hunting Bill!
On Friday, February 1, LB 690, authored by State Senator Deb Fischer (District 43), passed the Nebraska Legislature by a margin of 46-1, with 2 members not voting. LB 690 now moves to Governor Dave Heineman (R) for his consideration. This important piece of pro-hunting legislation will create a mentor-hunting program and will lower the hunting age to twelve in Nebraska. LB690 is part of the Families Afield Initiative that is a cooperative effort between NRA, the National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and National Shooting Sports Foundation. Please contact the Governor’s office and respectfully urge him to sign this important hunting legislation into law. The Governor’s office can be reached by phone at 402-471-2244 or by e-mail by clicking here.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Anti-Gun Legislation Stays in Committee! House Bill 1354 was not voted on this week. Sponsored by State Representative Eleanor GlynnKjellman (D-Merrimack 5), HB1354 would prohibit law-abiding citizens from carrying firearms and/or other weapons as defined in RSA 625:11 V in the State House or Legislative Office Buildings. Since this legislation remains before the committee for consideration, please contact members of the House Legislative Administration Committee today and urge them to oppose HB 1354. Contact information can be found here.
NEW JERSEY: Bill Introduced to Increase Accessibility to the Outdoors for Our Armed Forces Personnel! Senate Bill 865, sponsored by State Senator Christopher Connors (R-9), adds more individuals with certain types of military service to the list for free admission to State parks and free hunting and fishing licenses. The new exemptions include members of the organized reserve of the Armed Forces of the United States which is located in New Jersey; an active duty member of any branch or department of the Armed Forces of the United States who are residents of the State or based or stationed in the State regardless of residency; disabled veterans; and retired members of the New Jersey National Guard. S865 has been referred to the Senate Environment Committee, with no hearing set at this time. Please continue to check your email and www.NRAILA.org for any updates on this important pro-hunting legislation.
Hunting Recommended For Expansion On A New Jersey Wildlife Refuge: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to open the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge to bear hunting. The refuge is currently open for deer and resident goose hunting. The bear hunt is part of “Alternative B,” the agency's preferred management plan for the refuge. The public comment period is open until March 10th. There will be an open house and public hearing on February 20th in Augusta; and February 21st in Wantage. Further Information can be found at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/wallkillriver, by e-mail to [email protected], and by phone at (973) 702-7266. To ensure the future of hunting on the refuge, public involvement is crucial. Please submit comments and/or attend one of the public hearings in support of “Alternative B.”
OHIO: Senate Judiciary – Criminal Justice Committee Intends to Reschedule Hearing on “Castle Doctrine” Legislation! Due to scheduling conflicts with Governor Ted Strickland’s (D) State of the State address, the Senate Judiciary – Criminal Justice Committee took Senate Bill 184, Ohio’s “Castle Doctrine” bill off of the agenda for its Wednesday, February 6 meeting. The Senate committee has announced its intent to reschedule a hearing. SB 184 would help restore the fundamental right of self-defense. This legislation would restore the right of individuals to respond with force in defense of their lives and family, and immunize the victim from civil lawsuits by criminals or the criminal’s family. Please continue checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for further updates on the rescheduling of the hearing, and please continue to contact members of the Senate Judiciary - Criminal Justice Committee and urge them to support SB 184. Contact information for the Senate Judiciary - Criminal Justice Committee can be found here.
PENNSYLVANIA: Bullet Serialization (Registration) Bill Referred to House Judiciary Committee! House Bill 2228, legislation that would require all handgun ammunition manufactured or sold in Pennsylvania to be coded with a serialization number, and entered into a statewide database at the time of sale, was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. If passed, this legislation would have dire consequences for our Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Pennsylvania. Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to protect the Second Amendment rights of Pennsylvania’s law-abiding gun owners by opposing HB 2228. Contact information can be found by clicking here.
Emergency Powers Bill Passes Out of Committee and Heads to Senate Floor! Emergency Powers legislation, Senate Bill 1172, passed out of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. SB 1172 would protect our Second Amendment rights by prohibiting any government agency from confiscating or regulating the lawful sale, possession, transfer, transport and carry of firearms during a state of emergency, such as occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Please contact your State Senator today at (717) 787-5920 and urge them to protect your Second Amendment rights by supporting SB1172.
SOUTH CAROLINA: South Carolina General Assembly Attacking Your Political Voice! This week, the South Carolina Senate began working on S 714, legislation that seeks to silence your political voice in Columbia. The right to speak freely and publicly on the wisdom of legislation and government policies is at the very core of democracy and the right protected by the First Amendment. S 714 is clearly an attempt to infringe on that right. Not only does it infringe on the right to free speech, but a reporting requirement is a clear invasion of the privacy of those who wish to contribute to NRA. S 714 must be defeated. Please contact your Senator and urge him to oppose S 714. You can find all the necessary contact information by clicking here.
Pro-Gun Bills Need Your Help! Besides S 714, there are some positive bills pending action in the South Carolina General Assembly. H 3528 would allow personal information regarding the holder of a concealable weapons permit (CWP) to be released only to a law enforcement agency to aid in an official investigation, or to comply with a subpoena or court order. This will help protect the privacy of CWP holders, and prevent, for example, newspapers from publishing a list of permit holders. This legislation is pending action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Finally, H 3212 would require South Carolina to recognize valid Right-to-Carry permits issued by other states. NRA has been working for several years to improve the current reciprocity standard for permits, which are rather restrictive, and this bill would establish a straight recognition standard. H 3212 is currently on the Senate Calendar, and could be taken up by the full Senate in the near future. Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and your State Senator and respectfully urge their support of H 3528 and H 3212. Contact information can be found by clicking here.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Campus Right-to-Carry Legislation on the Move House Bill 1261, legislation that would prevent universities from passing regulations that infringe on the right to carry if a person is complying with existing state laws, passed the South Dakota House on Monday, February 4 by a 63-3 vote. HB1261 is now scheduled to be heard in the State Senate State Affairs Committee on Monday, February 11 at 7:45 am in Room 412 of the State Capitol. Please contact the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee and respectfully urge them to support this important right-to-carry legislation. Contact information can be found here.
Vote for Youth Mentored Hunting Bill Scheduled for Tuesday, February 12 State Representative Mike Buckingham (R-33) has introduced legislation to create a mentored hunting program for children between ages 10 and 16. The current minimum hunting age in South Dakota is 12. While licensed youth hunters still need to take a HuntSafe course, House Bill 1263 would establish a “try before you buy” program allowing younger kids to experience their first hunts without a license under the direct supervision of a licensed adult. This bill is part of the Families Afield Initiative that is a cooperative effort between NRA, the National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and National Shooting Sports Foundation. HB1263 will be voted on by the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, February 12. Please contact the members of the committee today and urge them to protect South Dakota’s rich and proud hunting heritage. Contact information can be found here.
TENNESSEE: Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment Passes Unanimously in the Senate Judiciary Committee! On Tuesday, February 5, Tennessee’s Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed House Joint Resolution 108. Sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (D-25), this critical legislation will amend the Tennessee Constitution by protecting the right to hunt and fish. This legislation must be passed with Senator Jackson’s amendments. Passage of this meaningful legislation will preserve hunting and fishing in Tennessee for generations to come. HJR108 was referred to the Senate Calendar Committee where it will be assigned a floor date. Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and thank them for supporting our Second Amendment rights. Contact information can be found here. THE FUTURE OF TENNESSEE’S HONORABLE HUNTING AND FISHING HERITAGE DEPEND ON IT!
Ammo Serialization (Registration) Bill Filed in House and Senate! On Thursday, January 17, legislation was filed in both the Tennessee House and Senate that would require all handgun ammunition manufactured or sold in Tennessee to be coded with a serial number, and entered into a statewide database at the time of sale. Encoded ammunition would be registered to the purchaser and would include the date of the transaction, the purchaser’s name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and the serial number of the ammunition. SB3395, sponsored by State Senator Reginald Tate (District 33) and HB3245, sponsored by State Representative Larry Miller (District 88) pose a serious threat to our Right to Keep and Bear Arms and need to be stopped immediately. Please contact your State Legislators and respectfully urge them to protect the Second Amendment rights of Tennessee’s law-abiding gun owners by opposing SB3395 and HB3245. Please visit http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/senate/members/smembers.htm#Find for contact information for your State Senator, and http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/house/members/hmembers.htm#Find for contact information for your State Representative.
WEST VIRGINIA: Pro-Hunting Bill Moving Through Senate! Senate Bill 9, introduced by State Senator Billy Wayne Bailey (D-9), is legislation to mandate firearm and hunter safety education programs be offered in public schools for students in the eighth through twelfth grades. SB9 passed unanimously by the Senate Education Committee and now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for its consideration. This is important legislation that will teach children to hunt safely and ethically from an early age. They will also learn how to handle firearms safely while hunting, in sport competitions, or at home. Please contact the members of the Senate Finance Committee and respectively urge them to vote “yes” on SB9 so that children are able to learn firearm and hunting safety. Contact information can be found here.
“Castle Doctrine” Bill Being Assembled by Senate! Vital self-defense legislation is currently being worked on in the West Virginia State Senate. This “Castle Doctrine” legislation will give law-abiding citizens the right to protect themselves without a “duty to retreat” from an attacker. Every member of the Senate cosponsored the original bill, however, the language was not drafted clearly enough to be passed through. The NRA has been working closely with the bill’s drafters to get the best possible language and the full support of the West Virginia legislature. A hearing will be held by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, February 12 to introduce the new language. Please continue checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates on this and other Second Amendment-related legislation in West Virginia.
Senate Resolution 14, sponsored State Senator Shirley Love (D-11), is a resolution requesting the National Park Service not to ban hunting in the New River Gorge National River. This resolution was sent to the Senate Natural Resources Committee. The House of Delegates is working on a similar resolution to maintain the tradition of hunting in the New River Gorge National River area. Hunting has been permitted there since 1978 and serves as an economic boost to the surrounding areas. Hunting in the New River Gorge National River area also maintains a healthy wildlife population and allows more people the opportunity to hunt in West Virginia.
WISCONSIN: Youth/Mentored Hunting to be Heard by Full Assembly! Assembly Bill 672, legislation that would establish a Youth/Mentored hunting program in the Badger State, passed the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources by an 11-2 vote on Wednesday, January 30. Sponsored by Assemblyman Scott Gunderson (R-83), AB672 would provide first-time hunters a “try before you buy” opportunity to get the full experience of hunting before committing to a hunter education course and also lower the hunting age in Wisconsin from 12 to 10 for youth participating in the mentored hunting program. Please contact your State Assembly member toll-free today at 1-800-362-9472 and respectfully urge him or her to support AB672 to ensure Wisconsin’s hunting heritage.
