February 22, 2013
Last night, the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee voted to table House Bill 402 by state Representative Stephen Easley (D-Eldorado), which would ban the future possession and restrict the transport and storage of so-called “assault weapons” or “large-capacity ammunition-feeding devices.” Thanks to the NRA members who showed up in opposition to this measure and waited for about six hours for it to be heard in Committee. Members of this Committee who voted to table HB 402 are listed below, and we need to thank them for their support:
FULL STORY
February 22, 2013
Late last night, Governor O’Malley’s gun control package, Senate Bill 281, was passed by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee by a 7-4 vote. This all-out assault on your right to self-defense now goes to the Senate Floor where it will likely be heard and voted on next week. Several amendments listed below were added to this bill, but it remains an affront to law-abiding citizens throughout the state of Maryland, and must be strongly opposed in its current state.
FULL STORY
February 22, 2013
House Bill 240 and House Bill 358 passed in the House Judiciary Committee and are on the second reading calendar in the Montana House of Representatives TODAY.
FULL STORY
February 22, 2013
On February 22, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued an opinion, which refused Illinois' request for a rehearing of Shepard v. Madigan before the entire court. The previous decision in the case, by a three-judge panel of the court, struck down Illinois' complete ban on carrying firearms outside one's home or business for self-defense. Today's decision lets stand the strong interpretation of the Second Amendment offered in Judge Richard Posner's December 11 opinion, and brings Illinois one step closer to the rest of the country in respecting the Right to Carry.
FULL STORY
February 22, 2013
Do you currently legally own a Ruger 10-22, Mini 14, Marlin Camp Carbine, Remington 742 and/or any other semi-automatic,rimfire and/or centerfire rifle that accepts an ammunition magazine? If you do, then the anti-gun Senate Democrats think you are a criminal and believe you should have to register that rifle or surrender it. On Wednesday, Senate Bill 374 was introduced by state Senate President Darryl Steinberg, Senator Loni Hancock and Senator Leland Yee. This is one of the most sweeping anti-gun bills that has been introduced in California. SB 374 changes the definition of assault weapon to include VIRTUALLY ALL semi-automatic rimfire and centerfire rifles that do not have a fixed magazine as an "assault weapon" and it does not stop there.
FULL STORY
February 21, 2013
On Tuesday, House Bill 1467, important “Emergency Powers” legislation, was heard by the House Judiciary Committee. This NRA-backed bill was introduced by state Representative Karen Karls (R-35). HB 1467 was reported by this committee by a 10-3 vote and will be eligible for a final vote at 1:00 p.m. on Monday.
FULL STORY
February 21, 2013
Both bills listed below are currently on the House third reading calendar and could be voted on tomorrow. It is imperative that you contact your state Representative immediately.
FULL STORY
February 21, 2013
The Arizona House Public Safety, Military and Regulatory Affairs Committee passed two NRA-backed reforms yesterday afternoon. In a 6 to 1 vote, this Committee approved House Bill 2234, introduced by Representative David Stevens (R-14), which would revise the definition of “firearm” to conform to federal law. Also, House Bill 2554, introduced by Representative John Kavanagh (R-23), received a “Do-Pass” recommendation with a 5 to 2 vote. This bill would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense in any public buildings that lack adequate security. HB 2554 is now eligible for a final vote in the House of Representatives while HB 2234 must be approved next by the House Judiciary Committee.
FULL STORY
February 21, 2013
Last month, as reported by NRA-ILA, Governor Jack Markell (D) unleashed a five-point plan to subject Delaware to sweeping gun control measures. Yesterday, he unveiled the first draft in what is expected to be a series of anti-gun legislation. The bill printed yesterday - which has yet to be assigned a bill number - would require any gun owner to notify police within 48 hours if a firearm was lost or stolen. This bill does nothing to solve an existing crime problem, but is an ideological attack on gun ownership. It institutes policies to criminalize victims of crime, and subjects anyone who does not follow these arbitrary laws to heavy fines or felony charges that would take away their right to possess a firearm legally.
FULL STORY
February 21, 2013
Yesterday, the Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4 to 1 to approve House Bill 103, an important pro-gun reform that would prohibit localities and municipalities from enacting gun laws of their own and creating a confusing patchwork of regulations and ordinances. However, the committee adopted several crippling amendments to HB 103 which would negate the bill’s purpose altogether. These last-minute unnecessary changes were introduced by Senator Bruce Burns (R-21) and have completely altered the bill. Now that HB 103 is eligible for final action, the state Senate is threatening to adjourn for the year without taking a vote. This procedural tactic would kill the bill entirely before it even has a chance to be considered.
FULL STORY
February 20, 2013
As the first month of the 2013 legislative session in Idaho comes to a close, an important Right to Carry reform bill has been introduced in the state House. House Bill 192, by the House State Affairs Committee, would create an enhanced concealed carry license option for those applicants who choose to undergo additional training for more carry benefits.
FULL STORY
February 20, 2013
Today, the Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4 to 1 to approve House Bill 103, an important pro-gun reform that would prohibit localities and municipalities from enacting gun laws of their own and creating a confusing patchwork of regulations and ordinances. However, this committee adopted several crippling amendments to HB 103 which would negate its purpose altogether. These last-minute unnecessary changes were offered by Senator Bruce Burns (R-21) and have completely altered HB 103.
FULL STORY
February 20, 2013
Yesterday, the New Mexico House Republican Caucus sent this letter to state House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee Chairman Eliseo Alcon and Democratic committee members, outlining their firm opposition to House Bill 402.
FULL STORY
February 20, 2013
Tomorrow, the Oklahoma Senate Public Safety Committee will hear Senate Bill 934, sponsored by Senator Anthony Sykes (D-24). This NRA-backed legislation will make meaningful improvements to Oklahoma’s gun laws.
FULL STORY
February 20, 2013
Tomorrow, House Bill 24, important self-defense legislation introduced by state Representative Mark Neuman (R-10), will be heard by the House Finance Committee. This hearing will take place at 1:30 p.m. in room 519 of the state Capitol and will also be teleconferenced at local Legislative Information Offices. For more information, click here. Testimony at this hearing is by invitation only; however, it is important that members of the House Finance Committee hear from you supporting this common sense reform.
FULL STORY
February 20, 2013
Senate Bill 131, the concealed handgun carry license (CHCL) confidentiality bill, passed in the Arkansas House yesterday by an overwhelming bi-partisan vote of 84-3, with 13 not voting.
FULL STORY
February 20, 2013
NRA-backed Senate Bill 150, sponsored by state Senator Brandon Smith (R-30), will be considered by the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee tomorrow at 9 a.m. This bill is critical to your inherent right to self-defense as it eliminates several discriminatory and arbitrary provisions in Kentucky’s current concealed carry laws that may prevent you or your loved ones from obtaining a Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CDWL).
FULL STORY
February 20, 2013
Tomorrow, the San Francisco Board of Supervisor's City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee is scheduled to hear two anti-gun ordinances of serious concern to law-abiding gun owners. This hearing will take place at City Hall in room 263 at 10:00 am. Please attend this important committee hearing to express your opposition to these anti-gun ordinances. File 130040 bans " the possession and sale of certain ammunition, including black talon ammunition and ammunition intended exclusively for law enforcement and military purposes." File 130039 requires the reporting of ammunition sales of 500 or more rounds. These ordinances will also do nothing to stop criminal activities.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
Today, House Bill 1588, legislation that could criminalize private sales of firearms and lead to handgun registration, was amended and reported by the House Judiciary Committee by a 7-6 vote. HB 1588 is now headed to the House Rules Committee before going to the floor of the state House of Representatives.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead (R) signed into law Senate File 132, legislation introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01) that allows the use of suppressors for hunting all game in the Cowboy State starting on July 1, 2013. Thanks to passionate input from gun owners and sportsmen, the Wyoming House of Representatives voted 44 to 14 in favor of this pro-hunting reform while the state Senate voted 23 to 7.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
This Thursday, February 21 at noon, the Senate Judiciary Committee will begin hearings in Room 15 of the state Capitol on dangerous anti-gun measures that would infringe on our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. This committee will also meet from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Thursday evening for public testimony on all firearm bills currently under consideration by this committee, and also on Friday, February 22 at noon where they will hear the majority of these anti-gun bills.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
Senate Bill 69 started off as a Gun "Buyback” bill, but has evolved into a “Gun Safety and Education” bill, and by further amendments has morphed into a gun owner harassment/mental interrogation bill. SB 69 will be heard tomorrow, February 20, by the Senate Ways and Means Committee (WAM) at 9:45 AM. This bill, in its current state, will require fingerprinting and NICS checks in addition to the already existing registration requirement on ALL firearms brought into the state, and will allocate $200,000 to police departments to be used at their discretion for safety and training, gun "buybacks" or extensive background checks for mental health. Please contact members of the Senate WAM Committee TODAY and respectfully express your opposition to SB 69.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
Previously, we reported on approximately six NRA-backed issues filed so far in the 2013 Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. A few more bear mentioning with several weeks left until the bill filing deadline the first week of March. The NRA-ILA will keep you posted as to which committees these bills are referred and if and when a public hearing is scheduled on any of them.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
Legislative Document 576, temporary emergency Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) confidentiality legislation, was enacted in Augusta today. LD 576, sponsored by state Senator Troy Jackson (D-35), passed overwhelmingly by a 33-0 vote in the state Senate and by a 129-11 vote in the state House of Representatives. Shortly thereafter, Governor Paul LePage (R) signed LD 576 into law, effectively granting immediate privacy protection for all CHP holders. This measure is effective until April 30, 2013.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
Tomorrow, the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear House Bill 76, sponsored by state Representative John Mathis (R-55). HB 76 would allow any person, 21 years of age or older who can lawfully own and possess a firearm, to carry it concealed without a permit. This hearing is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. in House Hearing Room 20.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
This Thursday, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is set to vote on Senate Bill 281 (more information on this bill can be found here). It is likely that this sweeping anti-gun legislation will be reported out by this Committee and voted on by the entire Maryland Senate at the end of this week. SB 281 has drawn much criticism and protest from Maryland citizens. Evident from the huge turnout at the February 6th rally of thousands of Second Amendment supporters in Annapolis, this legislation is strongly opposed by law-abiding Marylanders. Now is your LAST CHANCE to express your opposition, and it is extremely important that you do so IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT let them ban your guns and make YOU a criminal.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill 402 this Thursday, February 21, at 1:30 pm (or upon adjournment of the House) in Room 315 of the State Capitol. Please attend this hearing and voice your opposition to HB 402. If this measure advances from this committee, it will go to the House Judiciary Committee. Please also call AND e-mail committee members and urge them to oppose HB 402. (See listing below for committee member contact information.)
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
Yesterday, NRA-supported House Bill 2471, sponsored by House Speaker Rick Thompson (D-19), was reported with a substitute by the House Judiciary Committee by a unanimous voice vote. HB 2471 seeks to prohibit the restriction of the lawful possession, use, carrying, transfer, transportation, storage or display of a firearm or ammunition during a declared state of emergency. An amendment, offered by Delegate Eric Householder (R-64), strengthening HB 2471 was adopted in committee by a voice vote and would provide the same protection during a federal state of emergency.
FULL STORY
February 19, 2013
Anti-gun lawmakers on the Insurance and Real Estate Committee voted to draft a bill on February 14 to mandate liability insurance for firearms owners. While no specific language has been offered yet, a public hearing could come as early this week.
FULL STORY
February 18, 2013
In the face of tens of thousands of gun owners, sportsmen and shooting enthusiasts, anti-gun zealots leading the rights-infringing charge in Denver passed a package of anti-gun bills in the state House seeking to undermine the Second Amendment in Colorado.
FULL STORY
February 16, 2013
Yesterday, four anti-gun measures passed their second reading in the Colorado House of Representatives and are now eligible for a final vote this Monday at 10:00 a.m. Your firearms freedoms could be stolen away soon if you do not act now.
FULL STORY
February 16, 2013
Due to recent Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) requests by the Bangor Daily News and other unspecified outlets to obtain personal information—including the names, addresses and birthdates—of all Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders in Maine, Governor Paul LePage (R) has put forward emergency legislation to grant immediate protection for all CHP holders. This emergency legislation is vital to ensure the protection and safety of law-abiding gun owners.
FULL STORY
February 15, 2013
Several firearm-related bills are scheduled for a hearing in the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Thursday, February 21 in Representative Hall.
FULL STORY
February 15, 2013
House Bill 1284, an anti-gun bill designed to completely neutralize the intent of the recently-enacted Senate Bill 71, is on the agenda of the House Judiciary Committee and could be heard the next time this committee meets. SB 71, signed into law on February 11, removes the absolute prohibition on concealed handgun carry license (CHCL) holders from carrying a concealed firearm for personal protection into any church or other place of worship. Churches and other places of worship can now decide if CHCL holders will be allowed to carry concealed firearms on their property.
FULL STORY
February 15, 2013
Senate Bill 28, introduced by state Senator Stan Bingham (R-33), has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary II Committee and could be voted on in the near future. This legislation would make information on Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders accessible only to law enforcement, and provide critical privacy protection for law-abiding gun owners.
FULL STORY
February 15, 2013
Emergency: Last Chance to Demand Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and Your Senator to Oppose All Aspects of SB 281
FULL STORY
February 15, 2013
NRA President David Keene to Speak at NYSRPA Lobby Day and Rally on February 28th in Albany!
FULL STORY
February 15, 2013
The Illinois Sheriffs' Association has come out in opposition to the state's proposed "assault weapons" ban according to a recent WJBC.com article.
FULL STORY
February 14, 2013
Today, state Senate and House Republican leadership held a press conference to challenge recent requests by the Bangor Daily News to obtain personal information on all Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders in Maine.
FULL STORY
February 14, 2013
Taking a page from the Obama Administration’s playbook, anti-gun legislators in the Pennsylvania General Assembly have introduced a plethora of legislation that, if passed and enacted, will strip you of your Second Amendment rights.
FULL STORY