Interior Department To Propose
New Rules Regarding Right-to-Carry In National Parks
After nearly five years of effort by NRA-ILA, the U.S. Department of the Interior has finally responded to the many requests for a change in its policy on carrying and transporting firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. In a letter hand-delivered today to the U.S. Senators who wrote him asking for this policy change, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne has directed Lyle Laverty, Assistant Secretary for Fish, Game and Parks, to “develop and propose for public comment by April 30, Federal regulations that will update firearms policies on these lands to reflect existing Federal laws (such as those prohibiting weapons in Federal buildings) and the laws by which the host States govern transporting and carrying of firearms on their analogous public lands.”
Following The Playbook To A “T”: One week after the shootings at Northern Illinois University, the Violence Policy Center (VPC) reverted to its playbook by exploiting this tragedy to advance its anti-gun political agenda.
Kennedy Introduces A Handgun Ban In Congress…Again: In 1974, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) said that the “manufacture and sale of handguns should be terminated. Existing handguns should be acquired by the states.” Since then, Kennedy has been the most anti-handgun member of the Senate, having introduced legislation to ban handguns, register handguns, license handgun owners, ban ammunition, authorize the Consumer Products Safety Commission to prohibit the manufacture of firearms and ammunition, and impose waiting periods on handgun purchases.
Grassroots Minute Video: To view this week’s “Grassroots Minute” video, please click here: mms://media.streamtoyou.com/nra/2008/ilamin022208.wmv
STATE ROUNDUP (please click to see any updates on states not listed below.)
ALABAMA: Update on Pending Firearms Legislation! On Tuesday, February 5, the Alabama Legislature began its 2008 session and so far numerous 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. House Bill 512, “Workplace Protection” legislation, would ensure that employees are able to protect themselves as they travel to and from work by allowing them to store their firearms in their locked vehicles while at work. 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. Please contact your legislator and respectfully ask him or her to support this important NRA-backed legislation. The State Senate can be reached by calling (334) 242-7800 and members of the State House of Representatives can be reached by calling (334) 242-7600.
ARIZONA/PENNSYLVANIA: Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Agreement Reached Between Arizona and Pennsylvania! This week, the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Tom Corbett (R), reached a reciprocity agreement with the State of Arizona. Arizona and Pennsylvania will now recognize each other’s Right-to-Carry permits. Permit holders must comply with the laws of the state in which they are traveling.
ARIZONA: 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.
Important Gun Bills to be Heard in Arizona House! On Thursday, February 21, two bills that further protect Arizonans’ Right to Keep and Bear Arms passed the Arizona House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 2629, sponsored by State Representative Russell Pearce (R-18), clarifies that a defensive display of a firearm is justified when a person feels that they are in physical danger and there is a need to protect themselves. House Bill 2634, introduced by State Representative Rick Murphy (R-9), allows for a person whose civil rights have been restored to obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Both bills now move to the full House for a floor vote. Please take the time to contact your State Representative and ask for their support. To find your State Representative please click here.
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.
HAWAII: Anti-Gun Measure Defeated by Overwhelming Opposition! After being defeated in the House Judiciary Committee earlier this month, State Representative Blake Oshiro (D-51), author of House Bill 2999, had stated that he would bring the bill back to the Judiciary Committee after he gathered more support for the bill. HB2999 would have banned the sale and possession of .50 caliber BMG rifles and ammunition, required firearms dealers to include a gun lock with every firearm sold, and required ammunition purchasers to prove they own the firearm for which the ammunition is being purchased. The bill also would have included unnecessary restrictions on gun shops, and a list of other restrictions. This week, after overwhelming opposition from both NRA and Hawaii Rifle Association members, the House Judiciary Committee has deferred HB2999 and Representative Oshiro has said that he will not be bringing the bill back up for a vote. Thank you for contacting the members of the committee and voicing your strong opinions in defense of our Second Amendment rights.
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 traveling 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 effect 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 available 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.
Attention Gun Owners: Please Attend Illinois Gun Owners Lobby 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 http://www.igold.isra.org/
INDIANA: Youth Hunting Bill Passes Senate, Moves to Governor! House Bill 1046, a bill to establish an “apprentice hunting license” which would allow novice hunters to join experienced licensed hunters in the field to get a first-hand introduction to Indiana’s proud hunting heritage passed the Senate by a 40-6 margin on Monday, February 18. Sponsored by State Representative Larry Bischoff (D-68), HB1046 is part 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. Please contact your State Senator and your State Representative and thank them for promoting Indiana’s proud hunting and sporting heritage by supporting 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 Assigned to Committee On Monday, February 11, House Bill 2811 was introduced by the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs, and it has been assigned to the House Committee on Elections and Governmental Organization. The bill is awaiting a hearing. 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. HB2811 will allow citizens of Kansas to maintain their right to self-defense even during a declared state of emergency. NRA-ILA will continue to monitor this important legislation and alert NRA members in Kansas about when to expect a hearing and vote. Please check your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates.
KENTUCKY: Critical Self-Defense Bill Needs Immediate Action! House Bill 114, sponsored by State Representative Robert Damron (D-39), is currently stalled 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 obstruct your Second Amendment rights. It is important that the House Leadership hear from you. Please contact the House Judiciary Committee and request that HB114 be heard at the next House Judiciary Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 27. Contact information can be found here.
MARYLAND: Ammunition Registration (Bullet Serialization) Scheme to be Heard Soon! 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.
"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.
Bear Hunting Ban on Committee Agenda! 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.
Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Hears “Castle Doctrine” Bill As we have reported, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee heard Senate Bill 449 on Wednesday, February 20. No vote was taken, but there was a discussion by the committee regarding the bill. A vote has not been scheduled. Introduced by State Senators E. J. Pipkin (R-36) and David Brinkley (R-4), SB449 would restore the right of self-defense in Maryland and eliminate the requirement that a victim retreat from a violent attacker. Please continue checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for any updates on SB449 and other Second Amendment related issues.
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.
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.
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.
MISSISSIPPI: Shooting Range Protection Legislation Moving Forward! Last 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 Senate Bill 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, the House approved House Bill 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: Possible “Assault Weapons” Ban Bill Heads to Legislature! LB 958, sponsored by State Senator Brad Ashford (District 20), was gutted from its original form and amended to ban “assault weapons.” The bill passed the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, February 20 by a 6-0 margin and now heads to the full Legislature. In its current form, LB 958 will create “The Assault Weapons Commission” which will be charged with making a list of firearms they believe should be banned in the state of Nebraska. The list will be sent to the Legislature for approval. This bill will do nothing to curb crime or keep criminals from obtaining firearms illegally. It is a systematic gun ban scheme that will only punish law-abiding citizens. It is urgent that you contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to defeat this gun-ban legislation and protect your Second Amendment rights. To find contact information for your State Senator click 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. 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.
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.
NORTH CAROLINA: Lincoln County Board Rejects Discharge Ban! Thanks to the efforts of pro-Second Amendment citizens, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners has soundly rejected the proposed ordinance that sought to restrict the discharge of firearms. As we reported last week, this proposal would have prohibited the discharge of firearms within 500 feet of a dwelling or other building or structure that is "designed to be occupied by human beings." NRA members and other pro-gun citizens responded to the call to action to oppose this measure by contacting the Commissioners, and by attending the meeting of the Board this past Monday to voice their concerns. The commission voted 4-1 to reject the ordinance. If you have not done so already, please make an effort to contact Commissioners to thank them for rejecting this ordinance. Contact information can be found by clicking 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 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: General Assembly Attacking Your Political Voice! The South Carolina Senate has been 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 Bill Moves to Senate Floor! On Thursday, February 21, the Senate Agriculture Committee passed House Bill 1263 by a 7-2 margin. HB1263 now heads to the Senate floor. Introduced by State Representative Mike Buckingham (R-33), this important legislation 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. The current minimum hunting age in South Dakota is 12. 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 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, a cooperative effort between NRA, 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.
Critical Self-Defense Bill Needs Your Help to Succeed! A small group of Senators derailed an important Second Amendment bill that was passed by the House by a 63-3 margin. House Bill 1261 was narrowly defeated in the Senate 14-17, but a procedural move is likely to resurrect the issue under a different bill number. HB1261 would prevent universities from passing regulations that infringe on a law-abiding citizen’s Right-to-Carry if a person is complying with existing state laws. Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to support the right of concealed carry permit holders to carry a firearm for self-defense while on state university property. Contact information for your State Senator can be found here. Only one week remains in the 2008 legislative session – Please make your voice heard TODAY!
TENNESSEE: Legislative Update! Numerous bills affecting various aspects of our Right to Keep and Bear Arms are making their way through the legislature. Legislation seeking to improve your right to self-defense, preserve your privacy, and ensure that the Volunteer State’s rich hunting heritage lives on for generations to come are all pending action. For more information on these bills and how to take action, please click here.
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 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. For contact information for your State Senator please click here, and to contact your State Representative please click here.
VIRGINIA: House of Delegates Passes Critical Right-to-Carry Reform Legislation! On Thursday, February 21, the House of Delegates passed two critically important self-defense measures by overwhelmingly bipartisan majorities. Senate Bill 436 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. Senate Bill 476 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. SB436 and SB476 now head to the desk of Governor Tim Kaine (D) for his consideration. Please call and thank your Delegate if he or she voted for these important self-defense bills, and also please contact Governor Kaine and strongly encourage him to sign both of these measures into law! To contact your State Delegate click here, and to contact Governor Kaine please call (804) 786-2211 orclick here to send email.
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: “Castle Doctrine” Bill Passes Senate, Heads to House! The Senate passed Senate Bill 145 unanimously on Tuesday, February 19. The bill now heads to the House Judiciary Committee for its consideration. This bill authorizes the use of deadly force by law-abiding citizens against an attacker in their homes and any places outside of their homes where they have a legal right to be. It is clearly stated that there is no “duty to retreat” from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground to protect themselves and their family. SB145 also protects individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used. Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to pass SB145 to bolster West Virginians’ right to self-defense. Please click here for contact information.
Pro-Gun, Pro-Hunting Bill Passes Senate! On Monday, February 18 the State Senate passed Senate Bill 9, introduced by State Senator Billy Wayne Bailey (D-9), by a 29-3 margin. SB9 would mandate firearm and hunter safety education programs be offered in public schools for students in the eighth through twelfth grades. However, it would not be mandatory that students take the course. 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, while participating in sport competitions, or at home. Completion of the course will enable students to obtain their hunting licenses. SB9 has been assigned to the House Education Committee. Please contact the members of the committee and respectfully urge them to support this important hunter/firearm education legislation. Please click here for contact information.
WISCONSIN: 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.
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 program to 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. SB472 has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Please contact the members of the committee and respectfully urge them to amend SB472 to lower the hunting age from twelve to ten and to pass the bill to the State Senate. For contact information, please click here.
WYOMING: Pro-Gun Bills Need Your Help! The Wyoming State House will soon be discussing two pieces of legislation that would further protect our Right to Keep and Bear Arms here in Wyoming. House Bill 57 would prohibit state and local authorities from confiscating firearms during a declared state of emergency, such as occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Wyoming House version of the “Castle Doctrine,” House Bill 137, was heavily amended in the House Judiciary Committee late Tuesday evening at the request of the Wyoming Prosecutors Association. As amended, the bill would continue to recognize common law which leaves decisions about whether to prosecute individuals who defend themselves in their homes in the hands of prosecutors and judges. The committee did not change the provision that residents who used deadly force against intruders would be immune from civil liability. While an important provision of the Castle Doctrine was removed, it is very important that we continue to support civil immunity. Please contact your State Representative and encourage him or her to support both HB57 and HB137. To find your State Representative, please click here.
