Bi-Partisan Congressional Majority
Moves to Restore Second Amendment in National Parks
On Wednesday, NRA-backed legislation to restore the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens in national parks and wildlife refuges passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 279-147. Today, the measure was signed into law and, as specified in the legislation, will take effect in nine months, on February 22, 2010. This was a major repudiation of the gun control community's anti self-defense agenda.
The current Department of Interior (DOI) regulations were amended by the Bush Administration in 2008, allowing law-abiding citizens to defend themselves by carrying a concealed firearm in national parks and wildlife refuges. However, early this year, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. granted anti-gun plaintiffs a preliminary injunction against implementation of the new rule. NRA has been working for the past several years in the regulatory, legal, and legislative arenas to achieve this policy change.
Round-Up Of Grassroots Activities In Phoenix: As noted in last week's report on the record-setting attendance at the May 15 Grassroots Workshop held in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings in Phoenix, Ariz., we wanted to update you on the second event hosted by the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division— the third annual "In Their Own Words" special session.
Celebrating Memorial Day: 
This weekend, our country will celebrate Memorial Day. We'll cookout, relax, and visit with friends and family. But this holiday weekend is about more than barbeques, swimming pools, and family get-togethers. As we celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend, let us keep in mind what we are "celebrating" -- those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that Americans, and people around the world, would be able to reap the benefits of freedom. We should remember, too, the one freedom that we as Americans enjoy -- the one that protects all our other freedoms -- the Second Amendment. Those who fought and died on the battlefield did so to protect our country, our way of life, and our freedom. It is now our calling, and our responsibility, to ensure that future generations never fail to realize how blessed we are to live in the United States, a country whose Constitution guarantees its citizens' freedom, including our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
2009-2010 Hunting Regulations for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is planning to change existing regulations for migratory game birds, upland game, and big game. These changes will implement portions of the Refuge's management plan, approved in 2006. The Refuge encompasses 240,000 acres in a mostly continuous 261-mile stretch of Mississippi River floodplain in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Approximately 187,000 acres of the area are open to hunting. The regulations will be changed to affect zones closed to waterfowl, or all hunting, and require the immediate retrieval of waterfowl taken during hunting.
You may view the proposed rule at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/uppermississippiriver. Clicking on "current topics" will take you to a press release, fact sheets, and the proposed rule. Public comments must be received by May 28, and can be sent electronically to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Or, you may mail comments to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: RIN 1018-AW48; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. For further information, you may call 507-452-4232. If you hunt in this expansive refuge, you are encouraged to review the proposed changes and send your comments to the FWS.
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STATE ROUNDUP (Please note the only items listed below are those that have had recent action. For other updates on state legislation, please go to the state legislation section at www.NRAILA.org, and check each week's issue of the Grassroots Alert.")
ALABAMA: Emergency Powers Bill Signed by the Governor, Permit Confidentiality Legislation Awaits Approval Governor Bob Riley (R) recently signed Emergency Powers legislation, but the permit confidentiality bill still awaits his consideration. For more information on these two bills, please click here. Please continue to contact Governor Riley and respectfully urge him to sign HB 432 into law and thank him for signing HB 225. You can reach Governor Riley by calling (334) 242- 7100 or via email by clicking here.
COLORADO: Governor Vetoes Pro-Gun Reform On Friday, May 15, Governor Bill Ritter (D) vetoed House Bill 1180. HB1180 would have exempted Colorado concealed handgun permit holders from the background check requirement for the transfer of a firearm. Please contact Governor Ritter at (303) 866-2471 and express your disappointment in his veto of House Bill 1180. Thank you to all those who contacted their legislators during this process.
LOUISIANA: Two Second Amendment Weekend Tax Holiday Bills Progressing in Baton Rouge! Senate Bill 52, a bill that would recognize the importance of the Second Amendment by authorizing a 'sales tax holiday' on purchased firearms during the annual Second Amendment weekend, was passed unanimously by the State Senate on Thursday, May 21. Its companion bill, House Bill 128, has been scheduled for debate in the House on Wednesday, May 27. Please contact your State Representative and State Senator and respectfully urge them to support HB 128 and SB 52. To find the contact information for your lawmakers, please click here.
Hunting Opportunities in Management Plan for Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has released a management plan for the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. The 24,000 acre refuge is contained within the corporate limits of New Orleans, and is the largest refuge in an urban area in the United States. It is one of the last remaining marsh areas adjacent to the south shores of Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne. Three management alternatives have been presented to the public for review and comment. The preferred management approach preferred by FWS, Alternative B, would open the refuge to some hunting opportunities. Comments must be submitted by May 26th to Mr. Pon Dixson, Deputy Project Leader, Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 61389 Highway 434, Lacombe, LA 70445 or to [email protected]. A copy of the plan is available at http://southeast.fws.gov/planning/ It is important for the FWS to receive public support for opening the refuge to hunting, so please take a few minutes to send comments to Mr. Dixson.
NEBRASKA: 
Governor Heineman Signs Right-to-Carry Reform Bill! On Tuesday, May 19, Governor Dave Heineman (R) signed LB 430. This comprehensive reform package will make numerous changes to Nebraska's firearm regulations. On Wednesday, another pro-gun reform, LB 503, was transmitted to the Governor's desk for his consideration. LB 503 will help protect Nebraska's shooting ranges from local zoning regulations. Please contact Governor Heineman and thank him for signing LB 430 into law, and also encourage him to sign LB 503 to help protect Nebraska's shooting ranges. You can contact Governor Heineman by calling (402) 471-2244 or via email by clicking here.
NEVADA: Apprentice Hunting Bill Advancing in Nevada! Last Friday, the Nevada House passed Assembly Bill 246. The bill now heads to the Senate where it will be considered by the Senate Natural Resources Committee. AB246 would establish an apprentice hunting license that would allow prospective hunters 12 years old and older to try their hand at hunting before completing a hunter education course. Apprentice hunters would be required to be directly supervised in the field by a mentor who is at least 18 years old and who holds a valid Nevada hunting license. Please contact the members of the Senate Natural Resources Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to support AB246. Contact information can be found here.
NEW YORK: Anti-Gun Bills Advance in New York! In their annual attack on the gun rights of New Yorkers, anti-gun Assemblymen came out in full force and passed numerous anti-gun bills. All of these bills will now head to the State Senate. It is critical that you contact your State Senators and urge them to oppose these restrictive and unnecessary measures. For more information on these bills and how to take action, please click here.
NORTH CAROLINA: Legislative Update for North Carolina The North Carolina General Assembly hit its Crossover Deadline on Thursday, May 14, after a flurry of legislative activity. This deadline basically means that any bill that had not passed one chamber (either the House or Senate) by Thursday is likely dead for this session. Many pro-gun reforms failed to meet the deadline, but several did pass. To view the bills that will continue to move in the North Carolina legislature, please click here.
OKLAHOMA: Employee Privacy Reform Bill Sent to Governor Henry! On Monday, May 18, House Bill 1025 was sent to Governor Brad Henry (D) for his consideration. HB 1025 would prohibit private employers, public employers, and public officials from inquiring about a job applicant's firearm ownership. Please contact Governor Henry and respectfully urge him to sign HB 1025. To contact the Governor's office please call (405) 521-2342.
PENNSYLVANIA: "Lost or Stolen" Ordinance Revived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania! 
Earlier this week, Mayor Richard Gray (D) reintroduced a proposal that would require gun owners to report a lost or stolen firearm within a 72-hour period, or face fines and possible imprisonment. If enacted, Gray's proposal would violate Pennsylvania's state preemption law and turn innocent law-abiding victims into criminals. The proposal will be considered by the Lancaster City Council on Tuesday, May 26. A vote by the city council is expected on Tuesday, June 9. Please attend the May 26 City Council meeting to show your support for the Second Amendment and, if possible, voice your opposition to this illegal and unwarranted proposal. For more information on the City Council meeting and additional contact information, please click here.
TENNESSEE: Castle Doctrine Reform Bill Signed into Law! On Wednesday, May 13 Governor Phil Bredesen (D) signed House Bill 70 into law. HB 70 will remove the prohibition against using deadly force in protection of personal property. It will also expand your right to self-defense to include a place of business. Thank you to all those who contacted their legislators during this process. Please continue checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates on further legislation in Tennessee.
Restaurant Carry Bill Passes Senate, Heads to Governor's Desk! The Tennessee Senate approved the General Assembly Conference Committee report of House Bill 962. The report removed all arbitrary restricting amendments. HB 962 now heads to Governor Phil Bredesen's (D) desk for his consideration. We would like to thank all of the NRA members who took the time to contact their state legislators in support of this important pro-gun measure. We would also like to thank the sponsors and co-sponsors of HB 962 for their continued support of this important Right-to-Carry reform bill. Please contact Governor Bredesen TODAY and respectfully urge him to sign HB 962. The Governor can be reached by phone at (615)741-2001 or email [email protected].
Show Your Pride With an NRA License Plate! A special NRA license plate provides an ideal opportunity to showcase your pride as an NRA member and your steadfast dedication to preserving Second Amendment rights. Your support of this program will help ensure hunting and shooting traditions in the Volunteer State for generations to come. The NRA is collecting applications for NRA license plates in Tennessee, but the deadline to apply is fast approaching. For more information, please click here.
WEST VIRGINIA: Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Reform Bill Becomes Law in West Virginia On May 8, Governor Joe Manchin, III (D) signed House Bill 3314 into law. This important bill makes significant changes to the concealed carry statutes in West Virginia. Please contact the Governor's office and thank him for signing this important pro-gun legislation. Also, please contact your legislators and thank them for all their hard work this session. You can find your legislator's contact information here. To contact Governor Manchin, please call toll-free at 1-(800) 438-2731 or email him at [email protected]
WISCONSIN: Micro-Stamping and Castle Doctrine Bills to be Heard on Thursday, May 28 On Thursday, May 28, at 10:00 A.M., the Committee on Criminal Justice will be holding a hearing on Assembly Bill 221, which would require all newly manufactured handguns sold in Wisconsin 
to incorporate "micro-stamping" technology. This dangerous legislation needs to be stopped. Micro-stamping is flawed, unreliable, and unproven technology that will burden not only law abiding citizens, but law enforcement agencies as well. Your attendance at this hearing is crucial. Please also contact the committee members on the Criminal Justice committee and respectfully urge them to oppose this micro-stamping legislation (AB 221). The Committee on Personal Privacy will hear Assembly Bill 193, the Castle Doctrine self-defense legislation on May 28 at 10:00 A.M. Currently there are inconsistencies with Wisconsin's state statute in regard to an individual's self-defense rights. Please contact the members of the Personal Privacy Committee and respectfully urge them to support the Castle Doctrine legislation (AB 193) when it is presented to them on Thursday, May 28. Contact information for both committees can be found here.
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend, and please remember
those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom!
In observation of Memorial Day, NRA will be closed on Monday, May 25.
