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
DOJ Determines 1927 Prohibition on Mailing Handguns Violates Second Amendment

News  

Monday, January 19, 2026

DOJ Determines 1927 Prohibition on Mailing Handguns Violates Second Amendment

In a monumental development for gun owners, the Department of Justice has acknowledged that one of the oldest federal gun control laws on the books is unconstitutional.

Virginia: More Gun Control Introduced in General Assembly

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Virginia: More Gun Control Introduced in General Assembly

The 2026 Virginia legislative session is underway, and lawmakers are continuing their assault on your Second Amendment rights.

Mixed Results in Massachusetts Show the Promise of and Need for Vigilant Advocacy

News  

Monday, January 19, 2026

Mixed Results in Massachusetts Show the Promise of and Need for Vigilant Advocacy

The fundamental right to travel has garnered increased attention over the past decade with the United States Supreme Court expanding and confirming that United States citizens have a protected right to travel from state to ...

Australia’s Wretched Bargain, Trading Liberty for Safety and Having Neither

News  

Monday, January 19, 2026

Australia’s Wretched Bargain, Trading Liberty for Safety and Having Neither

Last week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the federal parliament would be recalled to debate sweeping new laws on guns and hate crimes, including the establishment of a new national gun buyback program.

North Carolina: Permitless Carry Veto Override Vote Postponed

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

North Carolina: Permitless Carry Veto Override Vote Postponed

Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives rescheduled this morning’s veto override on Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, to February 9, 2026.

Virginia: Legislative Session Convenes Tomorrow With Onslaught of Gun Control Bills

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Virginia: Legislative Session Convenes Tomorrow With Onslaught of Gun Control Bills

On Wednesday, January 14th, the Virginia General Assembly begins the 2026 legislative session, and lawmakers are once again expected to pursue an aggressive anti-gun agenda.

NRA Urges Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Illinois Public Transit Carry Ban

Friday, January 16, 2026

NRA Urges Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Illinois Public Transit Carry Ban

The National Rifle Association—along with the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, Gun Owners’ Action League, New Jersey Firearms Owners Syndicate, and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association—has filed an amicus brief urging the ...

Secretary of the Interior Issues Order Expanding Hunting Access Nationwide

News  

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Secretary of the Interior Issues Order Expanding Hunting Access Nationwide

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has issued Secretarial Order 3447 – Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across the Department of Interior Lands and Waters. This sets a department wide ...

Fourth Circuit Strikes Down Maryland’s “Vampire Rule,” but Upholds Other Carry Restrictions in NRA Case

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Fourth Circuit Strikes Down Maryland’s “Vampire Rule,” but Upholds Other Carry Restrictions in NRA Case

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision today in Kipke v. Moore, an NRA-supported case challenging Maryland’s sweeping carry restrictions enacted as part of the Gun Safety Act of 2023.

Virginia: Gun Bills in Committee This Thursday

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Virginia: Gun Bills in Committee This Thursday

On Thursday, January 23rd, the House Public Safety Subcommittee – Firearms will hold a hearing on several pro-gun measures.

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.