In National Parks And Wildlife Refuges
The current regulations on possession of firearms in national parks--which generally prohibit possession, carry or transportation of loaded or uncased firearms--were proposed in 1982 and finalized in 1983. Similar restrictions apply in national wildlife refuges. It is now time to amend those regulations to reflect the changed legal situation with respect to state laws on carrying firearms.
State Attorneys General And Former Senior Officials Of The DOJ File Briefs In D.C. Case: NRA-ILA is pleased to note the recent filings by a majority of state Attorneys General, and by former senior officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ) of significant amicus curiae briefs with the United States Supreme Court in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. These briefs support the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, holding that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms, and therefore 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.
Outrage of the Week—Nagin Makes A Bad Point: This week’s outrage comes to us from New Orleans.
You may have seen the picture (if not, you may click here to see it). It’s a shot of beleaguered New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, looking gleeful and appearing to point an AR15-type rifle directly at Police Superintendent Warren Riley while Riley holds a similar firearm. The picture was taken while the two were on the floor of the Superdome viewing a collection of new equipment to be used largely for the city’s SWAT team.
Support Legislation To Improve & Modernize BATFE: As we’ve recently reported, two bills considered in the last session of Congress as H.R. 5005 and H.R. 5092 have been combined, improved, and re-introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 4900 — the “Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act.” H.R. 4900 is cosponsored by Congressmen Steve King (R-Iowa) and Zack Space (D-Ohio).
STATE ROUNDUP (please click to see any updates on states not listed below.)
ALABAMA: Five Pro-Gun Bills Introduced! On Tuesday, February 5, the Alabama Legislature began its 2008 session and so far five NRA-backed measures have been introduced. House Bill 339, “Emergency Powers” legislation, will 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. Senate Bill 18 authorizes a ROTC student at a state-supported college or university to carry a firearm on campus if he or she has a permit to carry a concealed handgun, is in good standing with the institution, and has completed an approved course on “gun skills.” Senate Bill 271 would authorize professors at state-supported colleges and universities to carry a firearm on the campus of the college or university at which the professor is employed, so long as they have a permit to carry a firearm. Senate Bill 27 prohibits state-supported colleges and universities from adopting policies prohibiting professors from carrying a firearm on campus if they have a permit to carry a firearm. The last bill, Senate Bill 156, would create a special hunting license for disabled hunters available for $1 during the period of total disability.
ARIZONA: Arizona Right-to-Carry Reform Bills to be Heard in Senate Committee! Next week the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear two important right-to-carry reform measures. Senate Bill 1070 sponsored by Linda Gray (R-10), removes the time restrictions on when a concealed carry permit applicant may apply for a permit after the proper firearms training has occurred. The current Department of Safety regulations require applicants to apply for a permit within twelve months of taking an approved firearms safety course. SB1070 will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 18th. Senate Bill 1214, sponsored by Senator Karen Johnson (R-18), expands the area where Right-to-Carry permit holders may carry a concealed firearm for self-defense to carry on community college campuses, universities under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents, and private colleges or universities.Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and urge them to support both SB1070 and SB1214. Judiciary committee member contact information can be found here.
Bullet Serialization (Registration) Scheme to be Considered in Arizona! House Bill 2833 would require that all handgun and “assault weapon” ammunition manufactured or sold in Arizona to be coded with an individual serial number, and entered into a statewide database at the time of sale. Encoded (serialized) ammunition would be registered to the purchaser and would include the date of transaction, the purchaser’s name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and the serial number of the ammunition. HB2833 seeks only to harass law-abiding gun owners, as criminals are not likely to purchase their ammunition through legal channels. This scheme would also significantly add to the price of ammunition. Please take a moment to contact your State legislators and voice your opposition to House Bill 2833. Contact information for your State legislators can be found here.
Wildlife Fund Protected in Arizona! Thanks to the hard work of State Representatives Russell Pearce (R-18) and Jerry Weiers (R-10), the Arizona Game and Fish Conservation Development Fund has been protected. Some legislators were attempting to "poach" $732,700 from this fund to make up budget shortfalls in the general fund. The Conservation Development Fund is generated through hunting & fishing license surcharges and is dedicated to wildlife conservation projects. Representatives Pearce and Weiers were able to beat back a legislative effort to balance the state budget by raiding the Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Fund. By protecting the money from the proposed “sweeps” into the state general fund, the two legislators prevented the federal government from withholding $15 million in Pittman-Robertson funding, as a penalty for the “sweeps”. The $15 million would have gone to shooting ranges and wildlife management efforts in Arizona and would have been withheld until the $732,700 was paid back to the Game and Fish fund by the state. Please take the time to contact Representatives Pearce and Weiers to thank them for their diligence and commitment on behalf of Arizona’s sportsmen and gun owners.
COLORADO: Colorado: Mandatory Storage Bill Sent to Senate Appropriations Committee! Senate Bill 49, which requires mandatory storage of all firearms, would force adults to put all their firearms under lock and key or face an undetermined misdemeanor penalty if a firearm is later used in a suicide or crime. This dangerous bill renders homeowners defenseless and gives criminals a clear advantage in home invasions. If passed, SB49 would add to the already cumbersome bureaucracy that affects gun shops, gun shows, or anywhere else firearms are sold, by requiring them to post a sign informing gun owners that they must lock up their guns. Please contact the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and respectfully urge them to defeat this dangerous legislation. Contact information for the Senate Appropriations Committee members can be found here.
GEORGIA: The National Wild Turkey Federation will be holding its 32nd Annual Convention and Sport Show! Thursday, February 21 to Sunday, February 24 at the Georgia World Congress Center, Building A in Atlanta, GA will hold the 32nd Annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show. NRA Executive Vice-President Wayne LaPierre will be the guest speaker at the Friday breakfast sponsored by Federal Ammunition and will be speaking about the threats to our Right to Keep and Bear Arms and hunting heritage. If you are interested in attending, please call 800-THE-NWTF (800-843-6983) to register and obtain tickets. Doors will open at 7:10 a.m. and breakfast will be served promptly at 7:45 a.m. Registration is required. The NWTF Convention and Sport Show promises to be fun for the entire family and you should not miss this opportunity to hear Wayne LaPierre. For more information, please visit http://www.nwtf.org/special_events/convention.html.
HAWAII: Gun Control Package on the Move in Hawaii! Despite being defeated Tuesday, February 12, House Bill 2999, sponsored by Representative Blake Oshiro (D-51), may be revived. HB2999, would ban the sale and possession of .50 caliber BMG rifles and ammunition, require firearms dealers to include a gun lock with every firearm sold, and ammunition purchasers would have to prove they own the firearm for which the ammunition is being purchased. The bill also would include unnecessary restrictions on gun shops, and a list of other restrictions. Representative Oshiro, who is the Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Committee, plans to bring the bill back to the House Judiciary Committee after he meets with opponents of the bill later this month. Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to oppose HB2999. To find contact information for the members of the House Judiciary Committee, please click here.
Three Bullet Serialization (Registration) Bills Defeated in Hawaii! This week Senate Bill 2020 (Nishihara, 18), Senate Bill 2076 (Taniguchi, 10), and House Bill 2392 (Waters, 51) were all defeated in committee. These measures would mandate that each round of ammunition sold or possessed in Hawaii be marked with a unique serial number and registered to the purchaser at the time of sale. Records would include the date of transaction, the purchaser’s name, date of birth, drivers license number, and the serial number of the ammunition. The possession or sale of non-coded/serialized ammunition would be prohibited. These back-door registration bills were defeated because of the many calls and emails made by NRA members and pro-gun supporters. Please keep checking your emails and www.NRAILA.org for more legislative updates.
IDAHO: BLM Plan Will Affect Game Retrieval! The Bureau of Land Management has released a plan for managing off-highway vehicle use (OHV) in the Challis Field Office area. The Alternative 3 management approach will prohibit hunters from travelling the current maximum of 1/4 mile cross-country to retrieve game. The reason given is that the same exertion is already required of hunters beyond the current 1/4 mile limit and "this action would reduce ambiguity as to the legality of cross country travel." This plan could have a significant affect on hunters, particular those with impaired mobility. If you hunt on BLM lands in this area of Idaho you will want to scrutinize the entire plan to see how proposed changes to roads and trails and OHV use may affect you. The plan is on BLM's website at www.blm.gov/id under the "Challis Field Office" link. The public has until March 14 to submit comments. You may call 208-879-6200 for further information.
ILLINOIS: Anti-Gun Bills to be Heard in Illinois General Assembly Executive Committee! The Illinois General Assembly is in full swing, and many bills of interest to the pro-gun community, both good and bad have already been introduced. Numerous anti-gun bills will be heard by the General Assembly Executive Committee in the coming days, and they need to be stopped. House Bill 4269 and House Bill 4349 deal with ammunition serialization/coding. House Bill 758 would require nearly all private transfers to be subject to background checks, such as are now required at Illinois gun shows. House Bill 4393 would limit the purchase of handguns to one in a 30-day period, and House Bill 4357 would ban countless semi-automatic firearms, as well as .50 cal. rifles and ammunition. Please urge the members of the Executive Committee to oppose these bills! You can find contact information for the committee members here.
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 would prohibit 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 Youth Hunting Bill Heads to Senate for Vote! House Bill 1046, establishes 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. This legislation is part of 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. HB1046 already passed the State House of Representatives and earlier this week the Senate Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the bill in a vote of 6 to 0. HB1046 now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Please contact your Senator and strongly encourage him or her to promote Indiana’s proud hunting and sporting heritage by voting for HB1046! You can find their contact information by clicking here.
IOWA: “Shall-Issue” Legislation Re-Introduced! As previously reported, State Representative Clel Baudler (R-58) and 40 bi-partisan cosponsors have re-introduced legislation that would reform Iowa’s concealed handgun statute and make Iowa a “shall-issue” state. Under House File 2092, any law-abiding persons 21 years of age or older would be eligible for a permit to carry a concealed handgun if they pass a training and marksmanship course. HF2092 also has a reciprocity provision that allows a person possessing a valid out-of-state permit to carry a handgun in Iowa subject to the restrictions of Iowa law and provided that the state that issued the license has requirements that are equal to or greater than Iowa’s requirements. The Department of Public Safety would be required to determine which states qualify as reciprocal states. HF2092 has been sent to the House Committee on Public Safety, however no hearing has been scheduled. Please check your email and www.NRAILA.org for any updates on this and other Second Amendment related legislation in Iowa.
KANSAS: Emergency Powers Legislation Introduced in Kansas! House Bill 2811 was introduced on Monday, February 11. HB2811 would prevent the State of Kansas from confiscating or registering any lawfully owned firearms during a declared state of emergency. This important legislation will prevent the type of firearm confiscation seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. NRA-ILA will continue to monitor this important legislation and alert NRA members in Kansas as to when to expect a hearing and vote. Please check your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates.
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: Ammunition Registration (Bullet Serialization) Scheme Proposed! On Tuesday, February 26, the House Judiciary Committee and the House Ways & Means Committee will consider House Bill 517. HB517 would require ammunition manufacturers to encode a serial number on all ammunition for regulated firearms (handguns and “assault weapons”) sold in the state. Shotgun ammunition is exempted. The bill would also create an intrusive database of ammunition purchasers, including the name, date of birth, driver’s license number, serial number of ammunition purchased, and “any other information the Secretary (of State Police) considers necessary” would be compiled. Please contact the members of the House Judiciary and House Ways & Means Committee and respectfully urge them to oppose this onerous attack on our privacy and Second Amendment rights. Contact information for both committees can be found here.
House of Delegates to Consider Four Pro-Gun Bills! Four pro-gun bills were recently introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates. Three of these bills are “Castle Doctrine” bills that provide immunity from prosecution and civil liability to law-abiding citizens who lawfully exercise their right of self-defense. The fourth requires the Secretary of Police to refund the application fee for a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun to an applicant whose application is denied. The legislature is finally starting to take notice that Marylanders are tired of being treated as second-class citizens to the criminals on the streets. House Bill 1060, House Bill 1071, House Bill 1075, and House Bill 1061 have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. HB1060 will receive a hearing on Wednesday, March 5 at 1:00 pm. HB1071 and HB1075 are both scheduled for Tuesday, March 4 at 1:00 pm. HB1061 will be heard on Tuesday, March 11 at 1:00 pm. Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to support all of these important bills that expand your right to self-defense. Please click here for contact information.
Maryland Senate to Consider 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, would require the owner of a regulated firearm (handgun or “assault weapon”) 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, 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 Two anti-hunting bills (House Bill 655 and House Bill 657), 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 black bear hunting in Maryland. Hunting is the best means of maintaining a healthy population of any species, and banning of black bear hunting will result in increased conflict between people and bears. 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.
One pro-hunting bill, however, has also been introduced and will be considered by the House Committee on Environmental Matters. HB840 would permit hunting on 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 referred 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! S.2481, “An Act Providing for Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals", was referred to the House Committee on Ways & Means after passing the Senate earlier this month. While, a number of improvements have been made to address our concerns regarding this bill, further improvements are still needed. 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.
MINNESOTA: Minnesota “Castle Doctrine” to be Heard in House Committee! House File 498, will be heard any day in the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee. HF 498, “Castle Doctrine” legislation, restores the right to self-defense in Minnesota by removing the duty to retreat when outside the home. HF 498 would also provide that a person who uses force against an attacker shall be immune from criminal prosecution. Please contact your State Representative at (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550 and respectfully urge him or her to support your right to self-defense. To find your State Representative, please click here.
MISSOURI: Numerous Pro-Gun Bills Need Your Help! There are currently several pro-gun bills awaiting action in the Missouri Legislature. House Bill 1651, House Bill 1975, and House Bill 1982 are all right-to-carry reform measures. House Bill 2034, Senate Bill 860, and Senate Bill 1076 all work to reform range protection in the state. House Bill 1765 works to protect Right-to-Carry permit holders personal records and information. Finally, House Bill 1798, establishes a Landowner Liability Protection Act. Please contact your State legislators and respectfully urge them to support all of these important measures. Please click here for contact information.
MISSISSIPPI: Shooting Range Protection Legislation Progressing in Mississippi Legislature! This week, two important range protection bills moved forward in both House and Senate committees. Both the Senate Municipalities Committee and the Senate County Affairs Committee approved SB 2466, NRA-backed shooting range protection legislation sponsored by Senator Walter Michel (R-25). The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration as early as next week. Also this week, the House approved
HB 346, the House companion shooting range protection bill sponsored by Representative Warner McBride (D-10). That bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. We'll keep you posted as these two bills continue to move through the legislative process! Please contact your State Senators and urge them to support SB 2466. To find contact information for your State Senator click here.
NEBRASKA: Emergency Powers Bill Slated for Hearing! On Thursday, February 21, the Judiciary Committee will hear LB1076, legislation to prevent restrictions by the state on the legal possession, transfer, sale, transport, storage, display, or use of firearms and ammunition. Please contact the members of the Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to support your Second Amendment rights and rights to self-defense during a declared state of emergency. Contact information can be found by clicking here.
Governor signs Youth/Mentored Hunting Legislation into Law! Governor Dave Heineman (R) signed LB 690 into law on Thursday, February 7. This important piece of pro-hunting legislation will create a mentor-hunting program and will lower the hunting age to twelve in Nebraska. A special thanks to all the NRA members and hunting enthusiasts of the Cornhusker State for their activism on getting this important legislation enacted into law to help ensure the future of hunting in Nebraska.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Anti-Gun Legislation Stays in Committee! House Bill 1354 was not heard this week before the House Legislative Administration Committee. 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: 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 www.fws.gov/northeast/wallkillriver, by e-mail at [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.”
NEW YORK: On Tuesday, February 26, there will be a Special Election in State Senate District 48. Please be sure to go to the polls and vote Freedom First. Chris Cox, NRA-ILA Executive Director and Chairman of NRA-PVF has said, “This election is of top importance to hunters and sportsmen in New York, as this seat is essential to maintaining a solid pro-gun majority in the Senate. This is necessary to continue positive pro-gun and pro-hunting movements. Gun-owners and NRA members must continue to vote for candidates who support our Second Amendment at all levels of local, state and federal government.” For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). For more information about voting in New York, please click here. Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, February 26!
New York Anti-Gun Bills Still Pending A number of anti-gun bills are still awaiting action on the Assembly floor: A7331, expanding the ban on so-called “assault weapons”; A3451, expanding the ballistic imaging program; A2772, banning .50 caliber firearms; A829, requiring "childproof" firearms; A76, requiring mandatory storage; A6525, creating new requirements and liability for gun dealers; and A3447, banning frangible ammunition, may all see floor action soon. Additionally, the Assembly may soon consider A6052, which could put New York on the path to prohibiting lead ammunition. Still pending in the Codes Committee is A9543, a measure that would require black powder guns to be licensed as firearms.
Please call your State Legislators today at 518-455-4100, and urge them to oppose the bills listed above. Many of these bills have not shown any movement in several weeks, but please keep checking www.NRAILA.org and your email for any upcoming hearings or votes.
NORTH CAROLINA: Lincoln County to Consider Restriction on Firearm Discharge! Lincoln County is considering an ordinance restricting the discharge of firearms. This proposal, dubbed the "Lincoln County Firearm Safety Ordinance," would prohibit the discharge of firearms within 500 feet of a dwelling or other building or structure that is "designed to be occupied by human beings." An article at LincolnTribune.com states, "The ordinance would effectively prevent the discharge of a gun in most areas of the county." While the ordinance includes certain exemptions, it is unnecessary, as truly reckless behavior is already considered illegal or otherwise already adequately regulated under state law. There will be a Regular Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners this Monday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held at 115 West Main Street, Lincolnton. Please make an effort to attend, in case this ordinance is brought up for discussion, and voice your opposition to this unnecessary regulation. You can also contact Commissioners to voice your opposition before the meeting. Contact information can be found at the County Commissioners website.
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.
Pennsylvania: Emergency Powers Bill Heads to the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee! After passing the Senate unanimously, Senate Bill 1172, Pennsylvania’s “Emergency Powers” legislation, will now be heard in the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. 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.
SOUTH CAROLINA: South Carolina General Assembly Attacking Your Political Voice! Last 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 several pro-gun bills pending action in the South Carolina General Assembly. H 3528 would restrict the release of personal information regarding the holder of a concealable weapons permit (CWP) to law enforcement 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: Youth Hunting Passes House, Heads to Senate! On Wednesday, February 13, House Bill 1263, passed the South Dakota House of Representatives with a vote of 41 to 28 and now heads for the State Senate. HB1263 would help preserve South Dakota’s proud hunting heritage by granting the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks rulemaking authority to establish a youth mentored hunting program for children between ages 10 and 16. While licensed youth hunters would still need to take a Hunt Safe course, HB 1263 would establish a “try before you buy” program allowing younger children 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, a cooperative effort between NRA, the National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and National Shooting Sports Foundation. Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to support this important legislation to help preserve the future of hunting in South Dakota. Contact information for your State Senator can be found here.
TENNESSEE: 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 and HB3245, poses a serious threat to our Right to Keep and Bear Arms and needs 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. For contact information for your State Senator please click here, and to contact your State Representative please click here.
VIRGINIA: Important Pro-Second Amendment Bills Need Your Help Today! SB436 will allow a law-abiding person who does not possess a Right-to-Carry permit, to store a handgun in a locked compartment or container in their personal vehicles or boats. SB476 will allow restaurant owners to decide if they will allow Right-to-Carry permit holders to carry in their restaurants. Both of these bills represent significant advances in an ongoing effort to protect and enhance Virginia’s self-defense statutes. Also this week, the full Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1175, which would establish an “apprentice hunting license” that would allow for novice hunters to join experienced licensed hunters in the field to get a first-hand introduction to Virginia’s proud hunting heritage. Please click here for contact information.
WASHINGTON: Ammo Serialization (Registration) Bill Proposed! House Bill 3359, would require that all handgun ammunition manufactured or sold in Washington to be coded with an individual 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 transaction, the purchaser’s name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and the serial number of the ammunition. This dangerous bill needs to be stopped now. Please contact your State Senator and your State Representative today and respectfully urge them to oppose HB3359. Contact information for your State Legislators can be found by visiting http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/statewide.aspx.
WEST VIRGINIA: Self-Defense and Pro-Hunting Bills on the Move! The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed a Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 145, “Castle Doctrine” legislation. This bill now heads to the Senate floor where every member of the West Virginia Senate is a co-sponsor of the bill. Also, Senate Bill 9 passed out of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, February 13. SB9 would mandate firearm and hunter safety education programs be offered in public schools for students in the eighth through twelfth grades. Please contact your State Senator at (304) 357-7800 and respectfully urge him or her to pass both of these important bills.
WISCONSIN: Youth Hunting Bill to be Heard in Wisconsin Senate Committee! Senate Bill 472, which is similar to Assembly Bill 672, would establish Youth/Mentored hunting programto provide first-time hunters a “try before you buy” opportunity to get the full experience of hunting before committing to a hunter education course. These bills would require a new hunter to be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 18 years of age, and who is always within arms reach, with only one gun allowed between the two of them. Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to support an amended version of SB472. To find your State Senator click here.
Emergency Powers Bill Heading to Senate! Assembly Bill 581 passed the Senate Committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Workforce Development, Technical Colleges and Consumer Protection unanimously, 5 to 0, on Wednesday, February 13. This bill would prevent the state of Wisconsin from restricting the possession, transfer, sale, transport, storage, display, or use of firearms or ammunition during a declared state of emergency. Please contact your State Senator at (800) 362-9472 and respectively urge him or her to vote “yes” on this important legislation that could come up in the coming weeks.
WYOMING: Two Important Second Amendment Bills to be Heard in Wyoming House! House Bill 137, (“Castle Doctrine”) would provide immunity from prosecution and civil liability to law-abiding citizens who exercise their right of self-defense. HB137 will be scheduled for hearing in a House committee in the coming days. House Bill 57 (Emergency Powers), would prevent the state of Wyoming from restricting the possession, transfer, sale, transport, storage, display, or use of firearms or ammunition during a declared state of emergency. HB57 will be heard by the House Judiciary Committee, but no hearing date has been set. Please keep checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates on committee hearings and dates.
