Congress May Vote On D.C. Gun Ban Repeal Next Week
News reports indicate that the U.S. House of Representatives may consider legislation next week to which an amendment reforming Washington, D.C.’s restrictive gun laws would likely be offered. The bill—H.R. 157, the District of Columbia Voting Rights Act, introduced by the District’s anti-gun delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton—proposes that the city be authorized a vote in the United States House of Representatives.
NRA members recall that last year, a similar “D.C. House Voting Rights Act” bill—S. 160, introduced by Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.)—passed in the Senate after adoption of Sen. John Ensign’s (R-Nev.) amendment restoring the Second Amendment rights of residents of our nation’s capital. Supporters of H.R. 157 did not pursue it at that time, however, to perpetuate gun control in D.C.
Progress Made On Military Once-Fired Brass Issue—ATK Stops Scrapping Cartridge Cases: On Friday, April 16, Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced that ATK—the defense conglomerate that operates the Army’s Lake City ammunition plant, and that owns the Federal ammunition, RCBS reloading equipment, and Alliant smokeless gunpowder companies—is voluntarily withdrawing from contracts it made with military bases to collect and scrap once-fired small arms cartridge cases. The scrapping of the cases became an issue several weeks ago, when it was determined to be partially responsible for reducing the quantity of intact cartridge cases sold to companies that use them to produce reloaded ammunition for sale to private individuals.
Governor Bob McDonnell Signs VA Restaurant Carry Into Law: This week, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) signed into law a NRA-backed measure allowing right-to-carry permit holders to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense in restaurants that serve alcohol, providing they do not consume alcohol. State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24) and Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15) were the principal sponsors of Senate Bill 334/House Bill 505.
Campus Carry Regains Momentum in Colorado: On Thursday, April 15th, the Colorado Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision from last spring that upheld the University of Colorado’s (CU) prohibition against concealed carry on its campus. The ban imposed on students, employees and visitors also extended to storage or transportation of guns in vehicle trunks across campus property.
Trigger The Vote Chairman, Chuck Norris, Coming To Charlotte! Chuck Norris, legendary action star and the Honorary Chairman of our “Trigger the Vote” voter registration campaign, is coming to the NRA Annual Meeting in Charlotte next month. He will be a featured speaker at the Friday Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum. Chuck and his wife Gena will be Guests of Honor at the NRA-ILA Friday Dinner Auction, and they will also host a book-signing in the Exhibit Hall on Saturday. Click here to see a brief interview with Chuck about his new book, and plan to see him in Charlotte! NRA-ILA will be conducting an on-site voter registration drive at the Annual Meetings as well.
Second Amendment March On Washington Scheduled For Monday: There will be a Second Amendment March in Washington, D.C., this Monday, April 19, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendees will gather on the northeast corner of the Washington Monument grounds at 10:00 a.m., and the entire event will take place there (due to logistics, the event will be more of a “rally” than an actual march). For more information about the march in Washington, D.C., or to find out about marches in your state, please visit http://www.secondamendmentmarch.com/
ILA Dinner and Auction At Annual Meetings: The Institute for Legislative Action will hold its Fourth Annual Dinner and Auction in conjunction with the NRA Annual Meetings in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday evening, May 14th.
Plan To Attend Free Grassroots Workshop At NRA’s Upcoming Annual Meetings In Charlotte, NC! With the 2010 elections rapidly approaching there will be no better time than during NRA’s Annual Meeting to ensure we are prepared to register pro-gun voters, mobilize them for action, and turn them out to vote on ELECTION DAY!
Special NRA-ILA Seminar Planned For Charlotte! In addition to the FREE Grassroots Workshop being held in conjunction with this year’s Annual Meetings, the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division is holding a FREE “In Their Own Words” Special Seminar.
Your Help Is Needed In Support of BATFE Reform Bills S. 941 And H.R. 2296:
As we’ve been reporting for months, 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” 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.
Volunteers Needed For 2010 NRA Annual Meetings In Charlotte: The 2010 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be an exciting weekend, as thousands of NRA members will come together May 14-16, 2010, in Charlotte, NC. You can contribute to the success of our meeting by participating as an Annual Meeting Volunteer.
Get Your Copy of Stephen Halbrook’s Freedmen, the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Right to Bear Arms, 1866-1876: Does the Second Amendment apply to the states? The Supreme Court will soon decide that critical question. As that historic day approaches, there’s no better time for all Americans to learn more about this issue.
Grassroots News Minute Video: We recently debuted a new and improved format for the “Grassroots News Minute” video! To view the current video in its new format, please click here:
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: Bill to Repeal Ban on Short Barreled Rifles and Shotguns Headed to the Governor! On Wednesday, April 14, the State Senate unanimously passed House Bill 2 by a vote of 31-0. HB2 now heads to the desk of Governor Bob Riley (R) for his consideration. HB2 would repeal the section of the Alabama statute that prohibits the possession, sale, receipt, or use of short barreled rifles and shotguns. These firearms are already legal under federal law when properly registered. A special thank you to State Senator Lowell Barron (D-8) for shepherding the passage of this important piece of legislation during the final days of the legislative session. Please contact Governor Riley TODAY and respectfully urge him to sign HB2 into law. The Governor can be reached by phone at (334) 242-7100 or click here to send an e-mail.
ARIZONA: Constitutional Carry Passes Arizona House, Awaits Governor’s Signature Last week, Senate Bill 1108 passed the Arizona State House by a vote of 36 to 19 with five absent votes. The bill is now on Governor Jan Brewer’s (R) desk for her consideration. As of now, the effective date for this bill has yet to be determined. SB 1108 would generally allow law-abiding persons to carry a firearm openly or concealed for self-defense without a permit. Under Arizona law it is generally legal to carry a firearm openly as long as you are 18 years of age and not prohibited from possessing a firearm. However, if the firearm becomes covered, say with a coat, or if you are a woman and prefer to carry your firearm in your purse, you need to possess a concealed carry permit. The intent of this legislation is to give people the greatest possible freedom to choose the best method of carry for them. Of course, you should always be mindful of, and obey, state and local laws. Please contact Governor Brewer and respectfully urge her to support this important piece of legislation. You can contact the Governor by phone, at (602) 542-4331; or you can click here to e-mail her.
Knife Preemption Bill Pending Consideration--Knife Rights is currently lobbying in support of a bill that may be of interest to you. This bill, HB 1153, sponsored by Senator Chuck Gray, would eliminate the patchwork of laws governing knives that are being enacted in some Arizona cities and towns. It will also repeal obsolete local knife ordinances already on the books in some jurisdictions in Arizona.
Knives are routinely carried and used in the field by hunters and sportsmen, and are a common possession for gun owners concerned with personal protection.
If you are interested in this legislation, call and email your Representative today and ask them to vote yes on SB1153.
CALIFORNIA: Two Anti-Gun Bills Awaiting Action in Sacramento Two very serious threats to the rights of California’s law-abiding gun owners are currently pending consideration. They must be stopped at all costs. The Assembly Public Safety Committee will consider Assembly Bill 1934, a blatant attack on the self-defense rights of law-abiding Californians, on Tuesday, April 20. Simply put, this legislation would outlaw the open carrying of a handgun for self-defense. Also, earlier this week, the Assembly Public Safety Committee passed Assembly Bill 1810, legislation that would establish a registration system, similar to the one currently in place for handguns, for all newly-acquired long guns. AB1810 will now head to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. No hearing date has been scheduled. Please click here to learn more about these bills and how you can stand up in opposition to them.
COLORADO: House Considering “Deny-On-Arrest” Legislation On Monday, April 12, the House Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 1391 by a vote of 6 to 5. This legislation, which solidifies an unconstitutional provision in the state’s background check system, will now be heard on the House floor. House Bill 1391 would deny gun purchases to those with an arrest on their record, even if they were never convicted. This deny-on-arrest provision would remove a constitutional right to own a firearm based on an arrest (an accusation), NOT a conviction. Please call your State Representative and urge him or her to vote AGAINST HB1391 and this unconstitutional attack on the Second Amendment rights of Colorado citizens. Contact information for your Representative can be found here.
CONNECTICUT: Hunting Fee Reduction Signed into Law! On Thursday, April 15, Governor Jodi Rell (R) signed House Bill 5545 into law. HB5545, one of several bills introduced to aid gun owners, will impose a modest reduction to the recent fee increases associated with hunting and fishing licenses approved during last year’s legislative session. With many families struggling to afford basic necessities in this difficult economy, it’s important that we keep hunting accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic status. In addition, there have been recent experiences in other states that show lower license fees generate more revenue for conservation and the state by giving lower-income earners the opportunity to buy a license they might not otherwise afford, thereby broadening the base of hunters. Because of declining numbers of hunters, overpopulation of species like the whitetail deer, and decreased revenue for conservation projects, it simply makes sense to lower hunting license fees. Thank you to all of the NRA members who took action in support of HB5545. Without you, this victory would not have been possible.
GEORGIA: Two Pro-Gun Bills to be Heard Soon in Georgia! Two important pro-gun bills (Senate Bill 291 and Senate Bill 308) could be considered as early as next week. SB291, sponsored by State Senator David Shafer (R-48), has been assigned to the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. This bill would allow a person lawfully licensed to carry a concealed firearm the right to carry in all non-secure areas and while dropping off or picking up passengers at an airport or airport facility. Also included in the bill is a provision that would make the license renewal process much easier by basically creating an automatic renewal. Instead of the licensee having to remember to renew, the probate court will be required to send out renewals 90 days before expiration. SB308, introduced by State Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-28), has been assigned to the House Committee on Judiciary Non-Civil. This bill would reform Georgia’s concealed carry laws so that the concealed carry license would enable the person to carry any weapon, openly or concealed. SB 308 would also allow concealed carry license holders to carry in more places by repealing the broad and vague “public gathering ban.” No action is needed at this time, but please continue to check www.NRAILA.org for updates on this important legislation.
IOWA: Governor Culver’s Signature Still Needed to Make Iowa a “Shall Issue” State! With just two weeks left for Governor Culver (D) to sign Senate File 2379, anti-gun forces are actively urging Governor Culver to VETO the bill. Senate File 2379 would make Iowa a “shall issue” concealed carry state and would require sheriffs to issue a permit to carry a concealed weapon to all applicants, unless they are subject to certain specific disqualifiers. Senate File 2379 was a huge victory for gun owners in the Hawkeye State but it won’t become law without the Governor’s support. Please contact Governor Culver TODAY at (515) 281- 5211 and respectfully urge him to sign this important pro-gun legislation into law.
MARYLAND: 2010 Legislative Session Comes to an End! The General Assembly has adjourned for the 2010 session and Maryland’s firearm owners were able to defeat three tyrannical gun bills while gaining a major victory for gun-owners with the passage of Senate Bill 411. SB 516 would have designated certain firearms as "assault weapons" and would have prohibited the possession, transfer or receipt of these firearms by law-abiding Maryland residents. SB 645 and HB 820 would have required anyone wanting to purchase a handgun to possess a “Handgun Permit to Purchase”. The permits, which could be denied by the Maryland State Police, would be required before a federally licensed dealer could transfer a handgun to a purchaser. After gun owners packed the Committee rooms, the House Judiciary Committee defeated HB 820 and the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee never brought SB 645 up for a vote. The General Assembly did however pass one pro-gun bill, Senate Bill 411. SB411 provides civil immunity from damages when force, including deadly force, is used and reasonable under the circumstances to repel an attack in the person’s dwelling or place of business. SB411 is currently awaiting the Governor O’Malley’s signature so please contact him by phone at 1-800-811-8336 and respectfully urge him to sign SB 411.
NEBRASKA: Preemption Clean Up Bill Becomes Law The Cornhusker State’s preemption clean-up bill, LB 817, was signed into law on Tuesday, April 13 by Governor Dave Heineman (R). This legislation will prohibit cities, counties and any other municipalities from passing any sort of ordinance relating to registration of handguns for concealed carry permit holders. Please contact Governor Heineman and thank him for supporting Nebraskans’ Second Amendment rights and for signing LB 817 into law. The Governor can be reached by phone at (402) 471-2244 or click here to send an e-mail.
PENNSYLVANIA: Please Attend the 5th Annual Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally! Please join NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, and other Second Amendment activists and patriots to voice your support for our cherished firearm freedoms. On Tuesday, April 27, at 10 a.m., at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, Second Amendment supporters will gather in solidarity for our gun rights. Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet with legislators and urge them to stand up for and support the Second Amendment by passing pro-gun measures currently pending action in the legislature. For more information and to register, please visit www.2ARally.com. Note: attendees must pre-register.
RHODE ISLAND: Anti-Gun Proposal Stopped in South Kingstown Thanks to the activism of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen, the South Kingstown Town Council defeated a proposal that would have amended the Zoning Ordinance. These amendments would have placed limitations and extra burdens on firearm retailers by limiting the locations where the businesses could operate, as well as requiring a special permit process in order to have the establishment in certain areas. This proposal was defeated by a vote of 4 to 1. Thank you to all of the NRA members who answered the call in opposition to this attack on our rights. Without you, this victory would not have been possible. Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org and your email for updates on Second Amendment issues throughout the year.
TENNESSEE: House Bill 3125 Stuck in Committee Until Tuesday, April 20 On Tuesday, April 13, the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee rolled House Bill 3125. This legislation will now be heard on Tuesday, April 20. HB3125 would enable a person who has a valid Right-to-Carry permit to carry a firearm for self-defense in restaurants where alcohol may be served, as long as the permit holder is not consuming alcohol or is not otherwise prohibited by posting provisions. Please contact members of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and urge them to stop playing politics and support HB3125 without any additional amendments. Contact information for the committee can be found here.
VERMONT: Mentored Hunting Bill Advancing in Vermont! House Bill 243 was passed out of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee by a vote of 4-1. The bill now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration. H. 243 would establish a mentored hunting license that would allow prospective hunters to try their hand at hunting before completing a hunter education course. Please contact the members of the Senate Finance Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to support H. 243. Contact information for the committee can be found here.
VIRGINIA: Governor Bob McDonnell Signs VA Restaurant Carry into Law! Governor Bob McDonnell has signed into law a NRA-backed measure allowing right-to-carry permit holders to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense in restaurants, providing they do not consume alcohol. The measure passed the State Senate in February by a margin of 22-18 and passed the House of Delegates in early March with a vote of 72-27. Virginia is the 42nd state to extend self-defense rights to permit holders in restaurants. Virginians can thank Governor Bob McDonnell for his Second Amendment support at (804) 786-2211 or click here to thank him via email. For a list of other bills signed by Governor McDonnell please click here.
Favorable Amendments Added to Two Pro-Gun Bills In addition to signing a number of pro-gun bills yesterday, Governor McDonnell has favorably amended two NRA-supported bills, HB1217 and HB885; both amendments are supported by the NRA. HB1217 and HB885 will be taken up by the Virginia General Assembly during next weeks veto session on Wednesday April 21. House Bill 1217 would allow local school boards to offer firearm safety education programs in the elementary grades. House Bill 885 would allow any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun while in a personal, private vehicle or vessel to keep the firearm locked in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel. Please contact both your Delegate and Senator and respectfully urge them to sustain the Governor’s amendments on HB1217 and HB885.
Wythe Shooting Range in Need of Volunteers The Wythe Shooting Range near Wytheville in the Jefferson National Forest was closed earlier this year. The unsupervised shooting range was the victim of sufficient vandalism that the Forest Service took action to close it. A meeting about the closure will be held in the Wythe County Sheriff's Office on Monday, April 26. The meeting is open to all those with an interest in having the range reopened and in volunteering support to assist the Forest Service with maintenance and oversight of the range. If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer, your attendance at the meeting would be most welcomed. The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at 245 South 4th Street in Wytheville. NRA Eastern Regional Director Brian Hyder will be in attendance as well as representatives of Virginia's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The NRA and the Department provided the funding and technical assistance for the construction of the range. If you can attend or for further information, please contact Mr. Hyder at 276-579-9828.
