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NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Ban on Firearms Possession by Nonviolent Felons

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Ban on Firearms Possession by Nonviolent Felons

Today, the National Rifle Association, along with the Second Amendment Foundation, Firearms Policy Coalition, and FPC Action Foundation, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to the federal lifetime prohibition on firearms possession by nonviolent felons.

The case, Vincent v. Bondi, was brought by Melynda Vincent, who was convicted of a felony in 2008 for submitting a fraudulent check to a grocery store in the amount of $498.12. As a result, she is forever prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

Since her conviction, Ms. Vincent has earned two graduate degrees, founded a nonprofit, and become an adjunct professor. She challenged the federal lifetime ban as a violation of her Second Amendment rights, but the Tenth Circuit ruled that no one can challenge the federal law, regardless of what the felony was for or how long ago it occurred. Ms. Vincent then petitioned the Supreme Court to hear the case, and we filed a brief urging the Court to grant the petition.

Our brief provides a detailed historical analysis demonstrating that peaceable citizens—including nonviolent felons—were never disarmed throughout American history. From the earliest colonial days through the nineteenth century, the government disarmed only dangerous persons. Therefore, the government cannot prove that § 922(g)(1) is consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation, as the Supreme Court requires, and the law is unconstitutional.

Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org for future updates on NRA-ILA’s ongoing efforts to defend your constitutional rights, and please visit www.nraila.org/litigation to keep up to date on NRA-ILA’s ongoing litigation efforts.

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Chicago Woman Shot with Stolen Buyback Gun Files Suit

News  

Monday, August 11, 2025

Chicago Woman Shot with Stolen Buyback Gun Files Suit

NRA has often reported on failed “gun buyback” programs in cities across the country as being worse than useless. 

Jim Acosta Plumbs a New Low in Fake News

News  

Monday, August 11, 2025

Jim Acosta Plumbs a New Low in Fake News

Those who followed the media’s coverage of the first Trump Administration are painfully aware of former CNN personality Jim Acosta. 

Administration Issues Executive Order on Discriminatory “Debanking”

News  

Monday, August 11, 2025

Administration Issues Executive Order on Discriminatory “Debanking”

Last month, we wrote about several important developments to protect the firearms industry and America’s gun owners from discrimination in the provision of financial services.

NRA, Other Leading Second Amendment Groups File Lawsuit Challenging the Constitutionality of the National Firearms Act

News  

Friday, August 1, 2025

NRA, Other Leading Second Amendment Groups File Lawsuit Challenging the Constitutionality of the National Firearms Act

Today, the National Rifle Association (NRA), American Suppressor Association (ASA), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Prime Protection STL Tactical Boutique, and two members of the organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality ...

Smith & Wesson’s Clinton-Era Agreement Resurrected in Canadian Lawsuit

News  

Monday, August 4, 2025

Smith & Wesson’s Clinton-Era Agreement Resurrected in Canadian Lawsuit

In 2000, as part of a settlement of dozens of product liability/negligence lawsuits brought by local governments and the threat of litigation by the federal government, the then-British-owned gunmaker Smith & Wesson signed a deal brokered by ...

Armed Citizen Helps Stop Terrifying Mass Stabbing in Michigan

News  

Monday, August 4, 2025

Armed Citizen Helps Stop Terrifying Mass Stabbing in Michigan

Recent headlines continue to serve as important reminders that when seconds count, a lawfully armed citizen is often there in the interval before law enforcement can be.

North Carolina: Pro-Gun Bills Advance in Veto Override Session

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

North Carolina: Pro-Gun Bills Advance in Veto Override Session

During a veto override session on Tuesday, July 29th, both chambers passed House Bill 193 (H193) and defeated Governor Josh Stein's veto.

Oklahoma: Governor Stitt Holds Signing Ceremony For Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination Bill

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Oklahoma: Governor Stitt Holds Signing Ceremony For Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination Bill

On Monday, August 11th, Governor Kevin Stitt held a signing ceremony for Senate Bill 500, preventing discrimination against the firearms industry. NRA-ILA Oklahoma State Director Travis Couture-Lovelady was present for the ceremony.  

Florida: Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday Signed by Governor

Monday, July 7, 2025

Florida: Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday Signed by Governor

Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed the Florida Budget for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, which includes a Second Amendment sales tax holiday from September 8 through December 31, 2025. The NRA is thankful for Governor DeSantis’ strong ...

New Jersey Attorney General Platkin: Making Up Gun Control Laws as He Goes Along

News  

Monday, August 4, 2025

New Jersey Attorney General Platkin: Making Up Gun Control Laws as He Goes Along

The most fundamental requirement for a legitimate legal regime is that a person must be able to know what the law requires before being held accountable to it. 

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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.