Supreme Court to Hear Monumental
Second Amendment Case: McDonald v. Chicago
NRA applauds the Supreme Court's recent decision to hear the landmark Second Amendment case of McDonald v. Chicago. The case will address the application of the Second Amendment to the states through either the Due Process clause or the Privileges or Immunities clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The case has major implications for the legality of restrictive gun laws not only in Chicago, but also in other cities across the United States. The decision to hear the case, which will be argued early next year, gives Second Amendment advocates across America hope that this fundamental freedom will not be infringed by unreasonable state and local laws.
"The Second Amendment applies to every citizen, not just to those living in federal enclaves like Washington, D.C. In the historic Heller decision, the Supreme Court reaffirmed what most Americans have known all along—that the Second Amendment protects an individual right and that it applies to all Americans. The government should respect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens throughout our country, regardless of where they live, and NRA is determined to make sure that happens," said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.
NRA-PVF Endorses Ken Cuccinelli For Virginia Attorney General: 
NRA's Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) has announced its endorsement of Ken Cuccinelli (R) for Virginia Attorney General. Cuccinelli's unwavering support of our Second Amendment rights has earned him an "A+" rating.
"Ken Cuccinelli has been a leader in the Virginia State Senate in defending our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. He has been and will continue to be a champion of law-abiding gun owners, hunters and sportsmen," said NRA-ILA Executive Director and chairman of NRA-PVF, Chris W. Cox.
Your Help Is Needed In Support of BATFE Reform Bills S. 941 And H.R. 2296: As we reported in May, Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) have introduced S. 941, the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2009" in the U.S. Senate. Representatives Steve King (R-Iowa) and Zack Space (D-Ohio) have introduced a companion bill -- H.R. 2296 -- in the U.S. House. The bills would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. These bipartisan bills are a vital step to modernize and improve BATFE operations.
Triggering The Vote! With each election, Americans go to the polls and make decisions that affect -- for better or worse -- the future of freedom in America.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 72 percent (142 million) of the eligible voting age citizen population (197 million) were registered to vote in 2004. This means that as many as 55 million people were eligible to vote, but not registered—and therefore did not participate in the November 2004 elections. Far too many gun owners and hunters are among them.
(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.")
ARIZONA:Three New Arizona Pro-Gun Laws Effective as of Wednesday, September 30! NRA-ILA is pleased to announce that three new pro-gun laws officially went into effect September 30. The first new law, the employee protection/parking lot law, requires employers to allow the lawful storage of firearms in employees' locked motor vehicles while they are at work. Also, concealed carry permit holders can now carry a concealed firearm for self-defense while in an establishment that serves alcoholic beverages on site, as long as they do not consume alcohol. (A restaurant or bar can ban possession by posting a sign next to the liquor license.) Finally, the third new law allows for a concealed carry permit holder to "display" their weapon to head off what might otherwise be a violent altercation. Thank you to all of the NRA members who answered the call to act during the legislative session. Without you, these victories would not have been possible. For more information on these laws please click here.
CALIFORNIA: Two Anti-Gun Bills Head to Governor's Desk in California On Friday, September 11, the California Assembly passed Assembly Bill 962 by a 44 to 31 vote. AB962 now joins Senate Bill 585 on the desk of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) where they await his consideration. Please contact the Governor immediately and respectfully urge him to veto these bills. AB962 would require individuals purchasing ammunition to be fingerprinted and registered at the time of sale, and mandates that dealers keep these records and make them available for inspection by the California Department of Justice. Also, ammunition retailers would have to store ammunition in a manner that is inaccessible to purchasers. Finally, the bill would prohibit mail order ammunition sales. SB585 would prohibit the sale of firearms and ammunition on the property or inside the buildings that comprise the Cow Palace in Daly City, just outside of San Francisco. SB585 is a stepping-stone to banning gun shows on all publicly-owned property in California. Please contact Governor Schwarzenegger TODAY and respectfully urge him to veto AB962 and SB585. The Governor can be reached by phone at 916-445-2841 or via fax at 916-558-3160. To e-mail Governor Schwarzenegger, please visit http://gov.ca.gov/interact.
INDIANA: Has Your Mayor Joined a National Anti-Gun Group? Recently, three of Indiana's mayors have resigned from New York City Mayor Bloomberg's anti-gun coalition, "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" (MAIG). However, there are six remaining members in Indiana and they need to hear from you today. Bloomberg created "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" as a front group to influence Congress to oppose important pro-gun reforms and support new federal gun control restrictions. These are the positions with which several Indiana mayors have chosen to align themselves. Please contact the remaining members of this anti-gun coalition and urge them to stand up for our Second Amendment rights and resign. Also, please contact those who have resigned and thank them for disassociating themselves from Mayor Bloomberg and MAIG. For names and contact information of the mayors, please click here.
LOUISIANA: New Orleans Ordinance Would Require Spaying and Neutering for All Dogs! A proposed city ordinance in New Orleans (scheduled for a vote on October 15), is being pushed by radical animal "rights" and anti-hunting organizations in an effort to end dog ownership as we know it. This measure requires every dog older than six months to be spayed or neutered. Owners hoping to breed their dogs at some point during their lives would be required to apply annually to the Louisiana SPCA for an "intact" permit, which would cost $50 for the first year alone. The proposal would prevent hunters from continuing the tradition of occasionally breeding their favorite dogs in order to provide other hunters with good dogs, while defraying some of the costs associated with caring for their animals. It is critical that you attend the hearing scheduled for October 15 at City Hall (1300 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112). It is equally important that you contact your Council Members and urge them to oppose this overreaching and discriminatory legislation. For more information on this ordinance and contact information for the Council members please click here.
Louisiana Attorney General Issues Opinion on State Parking Lot Law: This week, 
Attorney General Buddy Caldwell (D) issued an opinion upholding the validity and enforceability of state law allowing employees and customers to transport and store lawfully-possessed firearms in their locked, private motor vehicles in parking areas controlled by employers or businesses. Employers, companies and facilities that have been refusing to comply with the 2008 statute can no longer claim that current OSHA or Department of Homeland Security regulations allow them to ignore state law and completely ban firearms from vehicles in their parking lots. (Note: state law does provide that firearms may be restricted if the parking area is secure and the property owner provides facilities for the temporary storage of firearms or provides an alternative parking area where firearms are allowed to be stored in private vehicles.) You can read the opinion by clicking here.
MICHIGAN: Workplace Protection and Campus Carry Introduced in Michigan! In an effort to strengthen workers' rights in Michigan, a number of pro-gun bills (HB5302, HB5303, SB792, and SB793) were introduced that would protect workers' rights to lawfully store their personally-owned firearms in their vehicles, while prohibiting an employer from retaliating against an employee who exercises his or her rights. Also introduced was Senate Bill 747. This legislation would allow permit holders who are at least 21 years old to carry a concealed firearm on college and university campuses by removing these locations from the list of prohibited places. At this time no action is required.
MISSISSIPPI: NRA License Plates Now Available! Support your NRA by purchasing a specialized tag today! NRA license plates are now available through your county tax collector's office. The cost is $31, with $24 of that going to the NRA Foundation State Account to promote firearms training, youth hunter education, shooting range development and other programs specifically in Mississippi.
For a list of county tax collectors and office locations, please visit
http://www.mstc.state.ms.us/info/offices/mvlinfo.htm.
MISSOURI: Warren County Approves Youth Shooting Range! At their meeting on Monday, September 21, the Warren County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve plans for a new outdoor youth facility in southern Warren County. The purpose of this range, which will be operated by Youth Enjoying Shooting Sports Inc., will be for young shooters of all experience levels to learn proper firearm safety and to hone those new skills. Please contact Warren County Commissioners Arden Engelage, Hubert Kluesner, and Dan Hampson at (636) 456-3045 and thank them for approving the Youth Enjoying Shooting Sports Inc. range permit. For the Commissioner contact information, as well as the ranges hours of operation, please click here.
NORTH CAROLINA: Tar Heel State to Start Producing NRA License Plates! In 2005, North Carolina established an NRA license plate, but we needed 300 North Carolinians to commit to purchasing them before they could be issued. We have finally reached the magic number! The applications, along with the necessary payments, have been submitted to the North Carolina DMV, and we thank everyone who has been patiently waiting for their chance to show support for NRA on their vehicle -- especially those who applied in the beginning. It has been a long road, but your patience will soon pay off. We will be sure to post further updates as soon as we can, to let you know when to expect your NRA license plate. Again, thank you for your patience! Our special thanks go out to NRA Western North Carolina Field Representative Doug Merrill, who has been handling all of the submitted applications, and fielding anxious calls looking for updates.
OREGON: Opportunity to Expand Hunting Programs in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that it will begin to draft a plan for the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge that will guide refuge management for the next 15 years. The 187,000-acre refuge located in Harney County is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the country. Waterfowl hunting is available on approximately half of Malheur Lake and upland bird hunting is available on approximately one quarter of the refuge. One of the issues that the Service will be addressing is the adequacy of access and facilities for all of the wildlife dependent uses, like hunting and fishing, and opportunities to expand these programs. The Service is inviting comments from the public to gather suggestions and information on the scope of the issues to consider during the planning process. Comments are due by October 15, and can be e-mailed to [email protected]. Include "Malheur CCP" in the subject line of the message. Public meetings will be held and announced on the refuge's website at http://www.fws.gov/malheur. For further information you may call 541-493-2612. It is important that those who hunt and fish in the refuge become active participants in the planning process to ensure that sportsmen's interests are well represented in the plan that will be drafted.
TENNESSEE: Bartlett Will Soon Vote on Whether to Opt Out of New Park Carry law! The Bartlett Aldermen will soon be voting on an ordinance which would ban the possession of firearms in local parks, even by those who possess Right-to-Carry permits. If passed, this resolution would strip gun owners of their right to carry a firearm for self-defense in all Bartlett parks. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m. in Bartlett City Hall, located at 6400 Stage Road. Please continue to contact Mayor Keith McDonald at (901) 385-6444, and the City Aldermen at (901) 385-6444, and voice your opposition to this ordinance that would eliminate your right to self-defense in local parks.
VIRGINIA: The Next NRA-ILA Grassroots organized Phone Bank event will be Tuesday, October 6th at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, VA. Calls on behalf of NRA-PVF-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell will be made from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and dinner will be provided for everyone who participates. If you are able to join us in this effort please contact Brent Gardner at 703-267-1384 or by email at [email protected].
This election is an all-hands on deck effort to find and activate every pro-gun voter in Virginia. We encourage all of you to join us in doing our part to protect the Second Amendment today and preserving it for the future!
Event Details:
October 6th, 2009
5:00-7:00 p.m.
NRA Headquarters
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
(800) 392-8683
Remember! The more people we have the faster we can be done, so invite your friends and family!
Please join your fellow Virginia freedom-lovers at "An American Event", to be held Saturday, October 17th, at Ritchie Lake Pavilion in Bealeton. Gates open at 11:00 a.m., with events commencing at 1:00 p.m. The event will include activities for all age groups, including Colonial and World War II military encampments, vintage military air show, pony rides, moon bounce, monster trucks, live music, free food, surprise speakers and more. If you are interested in donating food, time or energy, please contact the organizers at 703-537-5445 or [email protected]. Monetary donations will be given to aid wounded soldiers. With Virginia being one of only two states holding elections this year, your NRA-ILA Campaign Field Representative, Greg Mortensen, will be in attendance working NRA-ILA's voter registration kiosk and discussing how you can get more involved in our efforts to elect pro-gun candidates to office this year. Greg can be reached at: [email protected] or 571-292-4796.
Get Your Bumper Stickers and Meet your CFRs! This November, Virginia's elections will be ground zero for the enemies of freedom to try and turn the tide against our gun rights in the Commonwealth, serving as a launching pad for their national gun ban crusade. Our opponents will be pulling out all the stops as a run-up to the 2010 elections. All eyes will be on us!
In light of the importance of this year's elections, NRA-ILA has Campaign Field Representatives (CFRs) in place throughout the Commonwealth, who are coordinating our grassroots election activities.
In addition to working to turn out the pro-gun vote on Election Day, each Campaign Field Representative has been supplied with thousands of bumper stickers.
If you wish to get a free bumper sticker for your vehicle, as well as the vehicles of your family and friends, please contact the Campaign Field Representative nearest you (to see a listing of CFR regions and contact information, please click here).
In addition to claiming your free sticker(s), please volunteer whatever time you are able to assist your Campaign Field Representative as he/she works to ensure Virginia's gun owners and sportsmen "Vote Freedom First!" on November 3rd!
Reloading Clinics: Are you looking for a way to beat the high prices of ammo or are you having trouble finding your favorite ammo in stock at your local gun shop? The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA), the Official State Affiliate Association of NRA, has the answer. VSSA will be hosting reloading clinics around the Commonwealth starting in September. There will be clinics for both metallic shell reloading and shotgun shell reloading. The courses are designed to enable shooters with little or no prior experience in reloading to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and ability to produce safe, consistent, and accurate reloaded ammunition. The clinics will be held at the Gander Mountain stores in Fredericksburg, Richmond, Roanoke, and Winchester. For more information on cost and dates, go to http://www.myvssa.org/reloading.htm, or e-mail Dave Myers at [email protected]. Class sizes are limited so register today!
WASHINGTON:Seattle Seeking Public Comment on Proposed Firearms Ban
The City of Seattle is once again seeking to erode our Second Amendment freedoms and right to self-defense and it is vital that you make your voice heard. Public comment will be accepted until Sunday, October 4 on a proposed parks and recreation administrative rule/policy that would outlaw firearms at parks, community centers, and other city-owned buildings. Please take the time to respectfully voice your opposition to this illegal and unwarranted proposal TODAY. There is little doubt that anti-gun forces will be active in making their voices heard so it is vital that gun owners speak loudly. To send comments and to view the proposal, please visit www.seattle.gov/firearmsrule/.
WISCONSIN:City of Milwaukee Plans to Push Numerous Anti-Gun Provisions
Milwaukee's Mayor, with the support of the Chief of Police, is at it once again. He is pushing several new proposals in an effort to further erode the Second Amendment rights of Milwaukee's citizens. These provisions include mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms, banning prohibited persons from being within 1000 feet of a business that sells firearms, mandatory background checks for anyone who enters a business that sells firearms, and even mandatory background checks to use shooting ranges. Please contact the Mayor and urge him to stop pushing these frivolous laws. Mayor Tom Barrett can be contacted by calling (414) 286-2200 or email at [email protected].
