HOUSE DEMOCRATS URGE PRESIDENT
TO END STONEWALLING ON "GUNRUNNER"
Today, 31 U.S. House members -- all Democrats -- wrote to President Barack Obama, urging him to end Administration stonewalling on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' "Project Gunrunner," and the "Fast and Furious" program under which border state dealers were encouraged to sell thousands of guns to suspicious buyers.
In the letter, spearheaded by Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pa., the lawmakers called the investigative tactics "extremely troubling" and found the Justice Department's failure to provide information to congressional investigators "equally troubling." Saying that Americans deserve "prompt and complete answers," the letter concluded with a call for the administration to help "get to the bottom of this serious allegation of federal law enforcement misconduct."
To read the letter, click here -- and if your representative signed it, please be sure to thank him for taking this stand for strong congressional oversight of this disastrous program.
SEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS HOLDS NRA ENTITLED TO ATTORNEYS' FEES IN LAWSUITS AGAINST CHICAGO AND OAK PARK, ILLINOIS:Yesterday, the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals conclusively and forcefully held, without need for oral argument, that the National Rifle Association has the right to recover attorneys' fees in its lawsuits against the city of Chicago's and the village of Oak Park's unconstitutional gun bans. The court held that the NRA was a prevailing party in the case of National Rifle Association v. City of Chicago and Village of Oak Park.
SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2010 NRA-ILA VOLUNTEER AWARDS: The NRA-ILA "Jay M. Littlefield Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award" is an annual honor that recognizes an NRA member who demonstrates exceptionally meritorious activism in defense of our Second Amendment rights. Similarly, the "NRA-ILA Volunteer Organization of the Year Award" is bestowed upon a group that has gone above and beyond in defending and promoting our rights over the past year. Nominations for these honors for last year (2010) should be submitted to: NRA-ILA Volunteer Awards, c/o Krista Cupp, NRA-ILA Grassroots Division, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030. Nominations may also be faxed to Krista at (703) 267-3918, or e-mailed to [email protected]. All nominations must be submitted by NRA members in good standing and be accompanied by a one-page description of why the nominee is deserving. Winners will be selected by NRA-ILA staff and will be acknowledged at this Fall's NRA Board of Directors Meeting. The deadline for submissions is July 1, 2011.
DYNAMIC ACTIVIST DUO: GRASSROOTS ALERT AND "FREEDOM'S VOICE": In the past, we have requested that you help us promote our other Grassroots publication -- our monthly "Freedom's Voice" newsletter -- to your fellow pro-gun activists. Receiving the Grassroots Alert and "Freedom's Voice" provides pro-gun activists with the one-two punch they will need to increase their effectiveness as grassroots activists. Oh, and by the way, both publications are free!
H.R. 1865, THE RECREATIONAL LANDS SELF-DEFENSE ACT: Urge your Member of Congress to Cosponsor this Important Legislation -- As we previously reported, on May 12, Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) introduced H.R. 1865, the Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act, which is designed to protect the rights of gun owners on lands owned or managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR H.R. 822, THE NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2011: Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR AND SUPPORT H.R. 1093--The "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform Act": In March, Reps. Steve King (R-Iowa) and Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) introduced H.R. 1093, the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform Act." The bill would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. This bipartisan bill is a vital step to modernize and improve BATFE operations.
A SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS: NRA-ILA asks that you take a couple of minutes to watch the following salute to our troops. The special thank you message is brought to you by NRA Life of Duty, a network that serves and supports those who go to work each day to protect, defend and fight for the safety of the American people. You can watch the video tribute by clicking here.
NRA JOINS AMERICA IN THANKING OUR NAVY SEALS!!! There are certain points in American history when time stops and everyone remembers where they were. Some of these are due to tragic event; others to extraordinary achievements.
ANOTHER WAY TO GET INVOLVED--JOIN NRA'S FACEBOOK AND TWITTER GROUPS: Internet social networking has exploded in recent years, and websites such as Facebook and Twitter attract millions of users. This on-line community fosters a connection between its users, and allows distribution of user-generated content (like pictures, profiles, music, video, and text).
GRASSROOTS NEWS MINUTE VIDEO: To view this week's "Grassroots News Minute" video, 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.)
For additional information, please click on the links provided.
ALABAMA:Pro-Gun Bills on the Move as 2011 Session Winds Down
As the end of the 2011 legislative session quickly approaches, a number of pro-gun bills are seeing action. Senate Bill 369, reauthorization of the Forever Wild Land trust, passed in the state House by a wide margin and will now be placed on the 2012 ballot. Also, House Bill 450, the Fraudulent Firearms Purchase Prevention legislation, passed unanimously in the Alabama Senate and goes to the Governor for his consideration. Finally, House Bill 445, the Firearms Destruction Prevention legislation is scheduled to be considered on the Senate floor on June 9, so please be sure to contact your state Senator in support of this legislation.
FLORIDA: Florida Governor Rick Scott Signs Three Pro-Gun Bills into Law
On June 1, Governor Rick Scott signed into law two priority Second Amendment bills. House Bill 155, preventing physicians from invading privacy rights of gun owners and bringing anti-gun politics into medical examining rooms, and will take effect immediately. House Bill 45, preventing local politicians and governments from violating Florida firearm preemption law by providing penalties for willful violations, will go into effect on October 1. Governor Scott also signed into law House Bill 7161, retaining the privacy rights of gun owners.
DELAWARE: Legislation Attacking Gun Shows Could Soon be Sent to the Senate Floor!
While not officially released from the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday, Senate Bill 39 could be approved individually by committee members and sent to the Senate floor at any time. If enacted into law, Senate Bill 39 would ban all private sales at Delaware gun shows. It is important that you continue to contact your state Senator and urge him or her to vote against Senate Bill 39 should it be approved in committee and sent to the Senate floor for consideration!
Gun Rights Restoration Bill Goes to the Governor!
After passing in the state Senate on May 31, House Bill 48 was returned to the House of Representatives for concurrence due to a slight technical amendment adopted in the Senate. On June 2, the state House suspended its rules, brought HB 48 to the House floor, and passed it by a wide margin. With the House’s concurrence, HB 48 will now be sent to the Governor for his approval. This legislation updates Delaware state law to meet the requirements set forth in the federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act and repeals the state instant check.
US Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Comments on Improving Hunting at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is developing a new plan that will guide management of the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. The 10,000-acre Refuge located in Sussex County was established in 1963 expressly for the protection of migratory birds. The Service has identified preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities that it will address in the plan and is inviting the public to comment, and to notify them of any additional issues of concern.
ILLINOIS: Senate Passes Firearm Owners Identification Card FOIA Exemption Bill!
On May 20, the state Senate passed House Bill 3500, which would ensure that the personal information of those who have applied for or received a Firearm Owners Identification Card shall not be disclosed. HB 3500 now goes to Governor Pat Quinn for his consideration. Please call and e-mail Governor Pat Quinn and urge him to sign HB 3500 into law.
LOUISIANA: Hunting Included in Plan for Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has released a plan that will direct the management of the Atchafalaya Refuge for the next 15 years. The 44,000-acre Refuge is one of 8 refuges managed as part of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Three options for managing the refuge are addressed in the plan. Alternative A is the current management plan and serves as the basis for comparing Alternatives B and C. In all three options, hunting opportunities will continue and be managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as part of the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area.
The public comment period for the plan is open until June 23rd and comments may be emailed to [email protected]. The plan is posted online at: http://southeast.fws.gov/planning under “Draft Documents.” For further information, you may call Ms. Chouinard at 731-432-0981.
MISSOURI: Firearm Reform Bill Goes to Governor Jay Nixon
On May 13, House Bill 294 was passed in the Missouri General Assembly and sent to Governor Jay Nixon for his signature. House Bill 294 is a comprehensive firearm reform bill that would address a number of Right-to-Carry issues important to Missouri’s law-abiding gun owners. Please contact Governor Jay Nixon and ask him to sign HB 294 into law!
NRA License Plates May Soon be Available in the Show-Me State!
On May 13, the Missouri General Assembly gave final approval to a transportation bill that includes provisions for a new National Rifle Association license plate. House Bill 430 will soon go to the Governor for his consideration. Should the Governor sign this legislation, NRA members will finally have a personalized license plate in the Show-Me State! The NRA will keep you informed as to when the NRA license plates may become available.
NEVADA: Campus Protection Act Needs Your Immediate Action
On June 1, the Assembly Judiciary Committee held a three-and-a-half-hour hearing on the Nevada Campus Protection Act (Senate Bill 231). It is imperative that this committee acts quickly on this bill so that it can move to the full Assembly for a vote before the legislative session ends on Monday, June 6. Please contact members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee TODAY, especially Chairman William Horne (D-34) and Vice Chairman James Ohrenschall (D-12), and request that they bring up SB 231.
Concealed Carry Legislation Advances
On May 30, Senate Bill 126 passed in the Assembly and once engrossed will be transmitted to Governor Brian Sandoval for his approval. SB 126 would streamline the CCW permit application and qualification process to allow a permit applicant to qualify with any semi-automatic pistol. Please contact Governor Sandoval and ask that he sign SB 126 into law.
NEW YORK:Microstamping Legislation Passes New York Assembly
On May 24, Assembly Bill 1157 passed in the New York Assembly and will now be considered in the Senate Codes Committee. A1157 would require all current semi-automatic pistols in production and all newly designed semi-automatic pistols delivered to any licensed firearms dealer in New York to mechanically stamp an alpha-numeric or geometric code onto the cartridge case when the gun is discharged. Please contact your state Senator and respectfully urge him or her to OPPOSE A1157.
NORTH CAROLINA:Castle Doctrine Language and Parking Lot Provision in NRA-Backed Omnibus Bill Threatened!
As reported earlier, the North Carolina House Judiciary Subcommittee C sent House Bill 650, the NRA–backed omnibus gun bill, to the House floor for a vote. However, there is now a strong effort by the anti-gun lobby to add amendments that would weaken both the current Castle Doctrine language and Parking Lot/Employee Protection provision contained in this bill. It is vital that you let your state Representative know that he or she needs to support HB 650 in its current form and oppose all amendments, especially those that would weaken Castle Doctrine and Parking Lot language.
OKLAHOMA:Legislature Passes, Governor Signs “Parking Lot” Protection Expansions! On May 24, Governor Mary Fallin signed into law House Bill 1652 expanding “Parking Lot” firearm storage protections to vehicles parked at professional sporting events, local, state and federal governmental entities and on vocational-technology center campuses. Please be sure to thank Governor Mary Fallin, the bill’s sponsors, and your legislators who voted to expand your Parking Lot protections!
OREGON: Senate Democrats add "Poison Pill" to HB 2797 Amendments
On May 26, House Bill 2797 A-Engrossed passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 3 to 2 vote bearing no resemblance to the original bill. Ignoring your requests to pass the bill unamended, the Senate Judiciary Committee amended it with language unacceptable to the NRA. In response, a Minority Report has been prepared that includes language very supportive of our Second Amendment rights. This bill should be going to the Senate floor early next week. Please contact your state Senator today and ask him or her to support the pro-gun Senate Minority Report amendments to HB 2797.
TENNESSEE: 2011 Legislative Wrap-Up
The 2011 session of the 107th General Assembly adjourned May 21. Several pro-gun bills received no action and were left in their respective committees to be taken up when the 2012 session reconvenes on January 10. On March 31, Governor Bill Haslam signed Senate Bill 519 into law. SB 519 recognizes that any employer permitting a person to legally carry a firearm on the employer's property does not constitute an “occupational safety and health hazard” to the employees. Thank you to all of the NRA members who took the time to contact their Tennessee legislators this session.
TEXAS: NRA-Backed Employee Protection/Parking Lot Legislation Goes to Governor Perry for His Signature as Session Closes!
Over Memorial Day weekend, the Texas House and Senate approved the conference committee report on Senate Bill 321. SB 321 now goes to Governor Rick Perry for his signature! This NRA-backed employee protection/parking lot legislation would prevent employers from enacting and enforcing policies prohibiting employees from storing firearms in their locked private motor vehicles while parked at work. Please contact Governor Perry’s office to thank him for his past support and urge him to sign SB 321 into law.
