Obama To Push Gun Control Soon
To the dismay of the Brady Campaign and other gun ban groups, President Barack Obama didn't address gun control during his State of the Union address on January 25th. However, Newsweek reports that "in the next two weeks, the White House will unveil a new gun-control effort," and that the White House confirms, "Obama will address the gun issue in a separate speech, likely early next month." According to Newsweek, Obama believes that gun laws have been "too loose for much longer than just the past few weeks" following the murders in Tucson, Arizona.
Precisely what President Obama might have in mind is uncertain. His post-election transition website advocated reimposing the expired federal "assault weapon" ban, but that ban would clearly be irrelevant in the wake of a shooting that involved a firearm not covered by the old ban.
Proposed Shotgun Import Ban Shows Need To Change Law: On Thursday, Jan. 27, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released a Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns, which proposes that "military shotguns, or shotguns with common military features that are unsuitable for traditional shotgun sports" be prohibited from importation. This would apply to all shotguns -- not just semi-automatics. As in previous "working group" studies on rifles, the study fails to give proper credit to the widespread use of these guns in newer shooting sports, or to their adaptability to hunting.
Reps. Rehberg And Boswell Introduce H.R. 420 -- "Veterans Heritage Firearms Act"--This week, U.S. Representatives Denny Rehberg (R-MT) and Leonard Boswell (D-IA) introduced H.R. 420 -- the "Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act." The legislation would provide a limited amnesty period for veterans who served overseas before 1968. During the amnesty period, the veterans would be able to register war relic firearms without fear of prosecution. This amnesty would also extend to a veteran's lawful heirs who inherit these firearms.
Teacher's Union Boycotts Day Of Reading At New Hampshire Statehouse: A policy reversal in the Granite State that now allows for the lawful carrying of firearms in the State Capitol has a state teachers' union up in arms.
Second Amendment Weekend At Cabela's: Join NRA-ILA staff on Saturday, February 5th, 2011, for a day of important grassroots education. With what will no doubt be a very busy 2011, we must redouble our efforts to ensure we're prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges we will face. Please make plans to attend NRA-ILA's FREE Grassroots Workshop and NRA University to learn what you can do to become a better activist in the fight to protect and promote the Second Amendment!
Volunteers Needed For 2011 NRA Annual Meetings In Pittsburgh: The 2011 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be an exciting weekend, as thousands of NRA members will come together April 27--May 1, 2011, in Pittsburgh, PA. You can contribute to the success of our meeting by participating as an Annual Meetings Volunteer.
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.)
ARIZONA:Lake Havasu Travel Management Plan Will Affect Motorized Access for Hunters The Bureau of Land Management is developing a Travel Management Plan (TMP) to designate the routes that will remain open to the use of motorized vehicles by the public. The Federal lands involved in the TMP are located below I-40 in Arizona and California, north, east, and south of Lake Havasu City, including parts of the California shoreline and south within 5-7 miles of the Bill Williams River. The public comment period on this TMP closes February 28th. Comments may be e-mailed to [email protected] or by completing the comment form on BLM's Arizona State website at www.blm.gov/az. Click on Lake Havasu. For further information you may call Myron McCoy at 928-505-1216 or write to [email protected].
The TMP provides four alternatives for motorized access:
Alternative A: No Action. Alternative A describes the current management of BLM-administered public lands in the planning area. The current management would continue to occur if no new decisions are made to alter it.
Alternative B: Protection. Alternative B emphasizes minimal human use and influence, and enhanced protection of remoteness and primitive recreation.
Alternative C: Proposed. Alternative C would provide an optimal balance between authorized resource use and the protection and long-term sustainability of sensitive resources within the planning area.
Alternative D: Access. Alternative D places an emphasis on maximum resource use and a more flexible, permissive resource management approach.
In addition to the effects this TMP will have on recreational access, the BLM does not intend to allow the use of vehicles for game retrieval off designated routes. If you hunt or enjoy other recreational activities on these lands, it is important that you review the maps and comment on how these alternatives will affect your access and ability to retrieve downed game.
ARKANSAS:Open Carry Legislation Expected to be Heard this Tuesday, February 1!
House Bill 1051, an open carry bill introduced by state Representative Denny Altes (R-63) is tentatively scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, February 1. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, in Room 149 of the State Capitol in Little Rock, although it is possible the bill will not be heard until the following week. While the NRA supports this legislation, which would remove the current restriction on openly carrying a handgun for personal protection, we are also working with Rep. Altes to make this bill even better. Please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to support HB 1051, and to also support any NRA-supported amendments that would make improvements to this bill. For a listing of members of the House Committee on Judiciary, go to http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/2011R/pages/CommitteeDetail.aspx?committeecode=820. For contact information, simply click on the name of the member you wish to contact.
CALIFORNIA:AB 962 Formal Injunction Order Issued
Recently, the Fresno Superior Court issued an Order of Permanent Injunction in the NRA-CRPA Foundation funded legal challenge to AB 962, Parker v. California.
The order permanently prevents the state and its agents from enforcing the provisions of AB 962 (Penal Code sections 12060, 12061, and 12318). A copy of the Order is available here. This Order follows a dramatic ruling giving gun owners a win in a National Rifle Association-California Rifle and Pistol (CRPA) Foundation lawsuit. On January 18th, Fresno Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Hamilton ruled that AB 962, the hotly contested statute that would have banned mail order ammunition sales and required all purchases of so called "handgun ammunition" to be registered, was unconstitutionally vague on its face. By enjoining enforcement of these statutes, mail order ammunition sales to California can continue unabated, and ammunition sales need not be registered under the law. A formal written ruling from the court will be issued soon. For more information on the court's ruling please click here.
California Legislator Introduces Open Carry Ban!
State Assemblyman Anthony J. Portantino (D-Los Angeles) introduced legislation that would change the state's gun laws and restrict the right of law-abiding citizens to carry an unloaded handgun openly. It is currently legal to carry an unloaded handgun into most public places in the state. If enacted, AB 144 would make it a misdemeanor to carry an unloaded handgun in public under most circumstances. A committee hearing date has not been set for AB 144 at this time. Please call your state Assemblyman today and urge him or her to oppose AB 144. You can find their contact information by clicking here.
FLORIDA: Public Comment Sought on New Refuge Proposed in Central Florida
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing the creation of a new national wildlife refuge that would encompass more than 150,000 acres in portions of Polk, Osceola, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Highlands counties in Central Florida. The proposed Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area is billed as a partnership between federal, tribal, state, and local governments, along with ranchers and other landowners and private organizations. The Service has stated that it will work with willing landowners to acquire the land in a variety of ways, including direct purchase, conservation easements, leases, and cooperative agreements.
It is unknown at this time how this proposal will affect hunting and other public recreation on lands to be acquired. Four public meetings have been scheduled to provide the public an opportunity to hear a presentation about the proposal, to ask questions and to submit comments, ideas, and concerns. The remaining meeting dates and locations are as follows:
2/04/11 Sebring Civic Center at 355 West Center Avenue in Sebring, (6-9 p.m.)
2/09/11 Okeechobee High School at 2800 Highway 441 North in Okeechobee, (6-9 p.m.)
2/10/11 Vero Beach High School Main Campus Cafeteria at 1701 16th Street in Vero Beach, (6-9 p.m.)
The Service will use public comments in the development of the refuge plan. Information about the proposal can be found at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/greatereverglades/. Comments can be e-mailed to [email protected]. The comment period closes February 28th.
MICHIGAN: Future of Gun Hunting at Risk in Huron-Manistee National Forest
A recent court ruling could result in the closure to gun hunting in all Semiprimitive Nonmotorized Management Areas and of the Nordhouse Dunes Primitive Area of the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
As a result of a lawsuit filed against the management plan for the Huron-Manistee, the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that the U.S. Forest Service should have considered banning gun hunting in the semiprimitive and wilderness areas of the Huron-Manistee because it could impair the "quality recreation experience" of non-hunters. In addition, the court ruled that the Forest Service violated its own planning regulations that call for reducing the duplication of recreational activities.
The Service published a Notice of Intent asking for public comment on the two proposed alternatives it has under consideration in preparing the SEIS: the No Action Alternative and the Modified Closure Alternative. Information about the SEIS can be found at www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf. Click on "Land and Resources Management" and then "Forest Land and Resource Management Plan."
Public comment is being accepted on the Notice of Intent until February 11, 2011. Comments can be e-mailed to [email protected]. Please put "Forest Plan SEIS" in the subject line.
Nothing short of the future of hunting on all forest lands is at stake if the Forest Service buckles under the court's interpretation of its planning regulations and closes all or portions of the Huron-Manistee to hunting. It is vitally important that hunters attend the public meetings and send comments to the Forest Service in support of the "No Action Alternative." A list of meeting dates, times, and locations can be found here.
MISSISSIPPI:NRA-Backed Right-to-Carry Reform Bill Advancing to Senate Floor!
This week, the Senate Judiciary A Committee reported out Senate Bill 2469, a comprehensive bill authored by state Senator Joey Fillingane (R-Sumrall), would reverse or roll back many of the restrictions on where concealed pistol permit holders can lawfully carry. The measure now moves to the full Senate for a vote. Please contact your state Senators at their capitol offices next week and urge them to support SB 2469. Contact information can be found at http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/. For a summary of the bill's provisions, click here.
NEBRASKA:"Castle Doctrine" Reintroduced!
State Senator Mark Christensen (44) once again introduced a version of "Castle Doctrine" self-defense legislation as LB 298. The NRA was very pleased to see a renewed attempt to get this critical legislation passed after coming up just short last session. We will be working very closely with Sen. Christensen to make sure that we get the strongest possible protections for all Nebraska residents. LB 298 has not been placed on the schedule at this time, but is expected to be heard by the Judiciary Committee in the near future. In the meantime, please begin contacting members of this committee and urge them to support your right to self-defense and support LB 298 when it comes up for a vote. Their contact information can be found here.
NEW MEXICO:NRA-Backed Bills Filed in New Mexico Legislature!
Two NRA-backed bills have been filed in the New Mexico Legislature. Senate Bill 220, sponsored by state Senator George Munoz (D-Gallup), is a NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" self-defense bill. SB 220, would allow lawful occupants of a dwelling to use any degree of physical force against an intruder. House Bill 140, filed by state Representative Nate Gentry (R-ABQ), would eliminate the mid-term firearms refresher training course requirement for Concealed Handgun Licensees. Please contact your state Senator and respectfully urge him or her to support SB 220. Also, please call and e-mail your state Representative and urge him or her to support HB 140. Contact information for state lawmakers can be found at www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislatorsearch.aspx.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Right-to-Carry Reform to be Heard on Thursday, February 3!
House Bill 3292, the comprehensive Right-to-Carry reform bill introduced by state Representative Mike Pitts (R-14) has been scheduled to be heard on Thursday, February 3, in the House Judiciary Committee's General Laws Subcommittee. The meeting is scheduled at 9:00 AM, and will be held in room 515-A of the Blatt Building in Columbia. H. 3292 seeks to reform current law to remove certain restrictions on where one may lawfully carry a concealed firearm, establish that property owners may not set policies or rules that would prohibit the transportation or storage of legally-possessed firearms or ammunition if it is locked, out of sight, within a privately-owned motor vehicle, and create a straight recognition standard for valid permits issued by other states. Please take a moment to contact members of that subcommittee and urge them to support H 3292. For a listing of subcommittee members, go to www.scstatehouse.gov/html-pages/housecommlst.html#jud, then click on the "Subcommittee Assignments" link. Once you have the list of Subcommittee members, you can go to www.scstatehouse.gov/html-pages/housemembers.html to find contact information for each member.
SOUTH DAKOTA:Legislation Introduced to Remove Outdated Gun Control Provisions
Some confusion has arisen over House Bill 1079, introduced by state Representative Brian Gosch (R-32). The intent of this provision is to clean up South Dakota's firearm code and to remove provisions that became obsolete with the passage of the federal Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) in 1986. Originally, the federal Gun Control Act banned interstate sales of firearms but contained an exception for long gun transactions occurring between federally licensed dealers (FFLs) and residents of contiguous states. Such sales could occur only if "the purchaser's State of residence permit[ted] such sale or delivery by law." FOPA, however, removed both the contiguous states limitation and the requirement that the purchaser's state of residence specifically authorize the purchase. Now, interstate sales of rifles and shotguns can occur between FFLs and residents of any state, as long as "the sale, delivery, and receipt fully comply with the legal conditions of sale in both such States." The existence of these laws has confused some firearm dealers, some who mistakenly think the laws restrict legal interstate sales. South Dakota has enacted no barriers to interstate sales, so HB 1079 would not change the current law under which South Dakota FFLs can sell long guns to residents of other states that don't limit their residents' right to purchase, and South Dakota residents can buy long guns from FFLs in other states that do not discriminate against non-residents.
TENNESSEE:Clarksville City Council to Consider Repealing Ban on Firearms in Parks
On Thursday, February 3, the Clarksville City Council will meet to consider Resolution 37-2010-11, a repeal of the 2009 ban on firearms in locally-owned or operated parks. 
The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers located at 106 Public Square. A public comment period will start at 6:30 p.m., where each person will be allowed a maximum of five minutes to speak. Supporters of the repeal wishing to address the city council need to first make a request to the City Clerk by noon on Wednesday, February 2. When submitting your request, please include your name and Resolution 37-2010-11. To contact the City Clerk, please call (931) 645-7497 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. If you are unable to attend, please contact the members of the Clarksville City Council and respectfully urge them to support Resolution 37-2010-11 and our right to self-defense in Clarksville. Contact information for city council members can be found at http://www.cityofclarksville.com/citycouncil/index.php. Please contact Mayor Kim McMillan in support of the repeal at (931) 645-7444 or by e-mail at [email protected].
TEXAS:Urge Your State Representative to Co-Author NRA-Backed Employee/Parking Lot & Campus Carry Legislation! Last week, we reported to you that two NRA-backed bills had been filed in the Texas House: House Bill 681 by state Representative Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington), legislation prohibiting employers from enforcing policies against the storage of lawfully-owned firearms in employees' private motor vehicles parked at work, and House Bill 750 by state Representative Joe Driver (R-Garland), a bill to allow Concealed Handgun Licenses to protect themselves on public college and university campuses. Thanks to your phone calls and emails, each bill has picked up more than 30 co-authors so far!
To see if your state Representative has signed onto these bills, visit www.house.state.tx.us/research and insert the bill number. If your House member has signed onto both bills, please be sure to thank him or her for doing so. If not, please contact them next week and urge them to sign on as a co-author to both HB 681 and HB 750. Contact information for House members can be found at www.house.state.tx.us/members.
