Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act Introduced

Friday, January 30, 2015

Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act Introduced

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and U.S. Representative Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) recently introduced S. 263 and H.R. 578, which are designed to protect the rights of gun owners on lands owned or managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps).  This legislation would help end the patchwork of firearm laws and regulations that govern different federal lands managed by different federal agencies.

On May 12, 2009, legislation was passed that greatly reduced restrictions on the possession of firearms for self-defense on National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System lands. Under this legislation, rules governing carry on those federal lands incorporate the laws of the state in which the lands are located. This greatly expanded the places where law-abiding Americans can legally carry firearms for self-defense. However, that change in the law did not include millions of acres of recreational land managed by the Corps. The Corps owns or manages over 11.7 million acres, including 400 lakes and river projects, 90,000 campsites and 4,000 miles of trails. This legislation would reverse the Corps' policy and restore the right of law-abiding Americans to possess firearms on Corps lands.

The NRA fully supports S. 263 and H.R. 578 and appreciates Sen. Crapo and Rep. Gibbs’ leadership on this important issue.

Please sign Senators Crapo’s petition in support of S. 263.  The petition can be found here.

In addition, please contact your U.S. Senators and ask them to cosponsor and support S. 263, and please contact your U.S. Representative and ask him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 578.

You can contact your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative about this important legislation by using the "Write Your Lawmakers" tool at www.NRAILA.org, or by phone at (202) 225-3121.

TRENDING NOW
North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

Monday, November 17, 2025

North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

Last week the North Carolina General Assembly briefly returned from recess and re-referred Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, to the House Rules Committee.

Gun Control Advocates Hope to Create Patchwork of Peril to Suppress Civil Rights

News  

Monday, November 24, 2025

Gun Control Advocates Hope to Create Patchwork of Peril to Suppress Civil Rights

Preemption laws offer legal protection for gun owners, but only when they are enforced.

Ruger Next Target in Threat-Based Gun Control

News  

Monday, November 17, 2025

Ruger Next Target in Threat-Based Gun Control

The inch was seemingly given, so it is not surprising to see pursuit of the mile.

California: Governor Newsom Signs Gun Control Bills Into Law

Monday, October 13, 2025

California: Governor Newsom Signs Gun Control Bills Into Law

For someone who has claimed to be"...deeply mindful and respectful of the Second Amendment and people’s Constitutional rights,” Governor Gavin Newsom has once again proven that actions speak louder than words.

Stemming the Criminal Tide in Chicago—Feds Step Up Enforcement

News  

Monday, November 24, 2025

Stemming the Criminal Tide in Chicago—Feds Step Up Enforcement

In August, the Trump White House released an article titled, Yes, Chicago Has a Crime Problem — Just Ask its Residents, which pointedly noted that for “13 consecutive years, Chicago has had the most murders of ...

Argentina Continues to Move Towards Freedom

News  

Monday, November 17, 2025

Argentina Continues to Move Towards Freedom

Here in America, we are blessed with the Second Amendment.  Anti-gun extremists have long tried to eliminate it with the proverbial death by a thousand cuts, chipping away at it with countless laws designed to impose ...

U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Bill, Removing Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

News  

Second Amendment  

Thursday, May 22, 2025

U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Bill, Removing Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

Earlier today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.1 the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included Section 2 of the Hearing Protection Act, completely removing suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Florida: Age Discrimination Bill Passes First Committee Hurdle

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Florida: Age Discrimination Bill Passes First Committee Hurdle

Yesterday, the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee voted 11-5 to favorably report pro-gun House Bill 133, which restores the ability for young adults to lawfully purchase firearms. HB 133 is expected to receive a hearing in the ...

President Trump Signs the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into Law

News  

Friday, July 4, 2025

President Trump Signs the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into Law

Earlier today, on the 4th of July, a day on which our Founding Fathers declared their intent for a free nation, the President of the United State of America, Donald Trump, signed the “One Big ...

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging California’s Glock Ban

Monday, October 13, 2025

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging California’s Glock Ban

Today, the National Rifle Association—along with Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, Poway Weapons & Gear, and two NRA members—filed a lawsuit challenging California’s Glock ban.

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.