States with updates this issue: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
HOUSE PASSES NRA-BACKED
“DISASTER RECOVERY PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT”
NRA and law-abiding gun owners won another major victory this week when the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass HR 5013, the NRA-backed “Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act.” This legislation, sponsored by Representative Bobby Jindal (R-La.), will amend federal emergency laws to prohibit federal, state, and local authorities from confiscating lawfully-owned firearms during emergencies or disasters. HR 5013 passed by a broad bi-partisan margin of 322-99.
“Today was an important day for the people of Louisiana,” Jindal said. “Today the House of Representatives reaffirmed that in times of disaster you cannot throw out the Constitutional amendment that guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms….In the days following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita…confiscations and prohibitions, and the means by which they were carried out, deprived law-abiding citizens of Louisiana not only of their right to keep and bear arms, but also of their rights to personal security, personal liberty, and private property, all in violation of the Constitution and laws of the United States. My legislation will prevent this from happening during future disasters.” (To view additional lawmakers’ comments on the bill, please visit www.nraila.org/CurrentLegislation/Read.aspx?ID=2351.)
“Law-abiding gun owners scored a significant victory in the House of Representatives today,” said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. “The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina confirmed a fear long-held by American gun owners: the day government bureaucrats declare our Second Amendment null and void, leaving law-abiding citizens defenseless in the midst of chaos and lawlessness.”
This is the second NRA win on this issue in less than two weeks. On July 13, Senator David Vitter’s (R-La.) amendment to prohibit the use of funds appropriated under the Homeland Security appropriations bill (H.R. 5441) for the confiscation of lawfully possessed firearms during an emergency or major disaster, passed the United States Senate with a final vote of 84-16.
“No matter what the circumstances, lawful gun owners have the right to possess their firearms in their homes,” continued Cox. “And if forced to evacuate, they have the right to transport their firearms to a safe place. Nobody has the right to disarm them. That’s what this legislation ensures.”
“On behalf of our four million NRA members nationwide, I want to thank Representative Bobby Jindal for introducing this legislation and the House Republican leadership for seeing that the ‘Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act’ received a vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives,” concluded Cox.
Additionally, late last week, at the Annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in San Francisco, the ALEC Criminal Justice Task Force unanimously approved model legislation similar in concept to Representative Jindal's H.R. 5013. The model bill, entitled the "Emergency Powers Firearm Owners' Protection Act," prohibits the seizure of lawfully-possessed firearms during a state of emergency, limits the authority of state and local officials to impose additional restrictions on firearms during a state of emergency, sets criminal penalties for violations of the act, and allows for private causes of action by gun owners harmed by violations of the act. This Act will officially become ALEC Model Legislation in 30 days if there is no objection from the ALEC Board of Directors.
NRA-ILA “MIX N’ MINGLES”
Much is at stake in this year’s elections; we will decide if we continue to move ahead on the path of pro-gun reform, or if we will revert to the dark Clinton-Gore years. In order to ensure continued success for the Second Amendment, we must elect pro-gun lawmakers to office this election season.
To ensure victory for our pro-gun candidates this election year, NRA-ILA will be hosting FREE NRA-ILA “Mix N’ Mingles” across the country. These events will provide NRA members with training on what they can do locally to propel candidates to victory this election season. The meetings also provide attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with lawmakers, candidates, and their staffs; NRA-ILA Headquarters staff, fellow NRA members—and to earn FREE NRA fraternal items such as hats, pocketknives, buttons, etc. “Mix N’ Mingles,” including materials, food, beverages, and NRA items, are FREE!
Mix N’ Mingle events are scheduled for:
- Reading, PA 08/12/06
- Libby, MT 08/15/06
- Great Falls, MT 08/17/06
- Billings, MT 08/19/06
- Seymour, IN 08/24/06
- South Bend, IN 08/26/06
- Aurora, CO 08/26/06
- Lincoln, NE 09/09/06
- Towson, MD 09/23/06
- Rock Hill, SC 09/30/06
- Dublin, OH 10/14/06
- St. Cloud, MN 10/16/06
NRA members who have access to the Internet can go to www.nraila.org/workshops/ to reserve their seats on-line. NRA members are encouraged to check this website address frequently to see if any upcoming “Mix N’ Mingles” are scheduled in their area. NRA members may also contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) for details and to reserve their seats.
YOUR ACTION IS REQUIRED
ON THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL LEGISLATION
There are a number of other pro-gun bills pending in Congress that require your action. With the House out for its “Summer District Work Period,” your U.S. Representative will be back home in his or her respective district. Please contact your Representative’s district offices and urge your Representative to cosponsor and support these measures, and to bring these bills up as soon as possible when they return to Washington. You may also contact your Representative at (202) 225-3121. In addition, please call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. Additional contact information can be found using the “Write Your Representatives” feature at www.NRAILA.org.
• H.R. 5092-This bill would improve BATFE’s process for punishing the few FFLs who violate the law, and it would establish guidelines for BATFE investigations. This bill was drafted in large part to address recent BATFE abuses at Richmond, VA-area gun shows highlighted in hearings before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.
• H.R. 5005-This measure will codify congressional policies, roll back restrictions, and correct errors in federal firearm laws.
• H.R. 1384-This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968.
• H.R. 1288/S. 1082-Legislation to repeal the draconian D.C. gun ban and restore the right of lawful District residents to own firearms to defend themselves and their families.
• H.R. 4547/S. 3275-Legislation that would allow any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state to carry a concealed firearm in any other state if he or she meets certain criteria. Importantly, the laws of each state governing where concealed firearms may be carried would still apply within its borders.
Again, please contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. For additional information on these bills, please visit www.NRAILA.org.
ORDER YOUR NRA-ILA YARD SIGNS NOW!
It has been estimated that well-placed campaign signs can account for four percentage points on Election Day. Think back to the 2000 presidential election, where 537 votes in Florida separated George W. Bush from Al Gore, and four points seems like a landslide! While you are focused like a laser beam on the November 7 election, some gun owners may not be aware of what’s at stake for the future of the Second Amendment on Election Day.
To help us raise gun owner awareness of the impending election, and to market NRA’s campaign efforts, we have produced two colorful, patriotic campaign yard signs featuring our “I’m the NRA & I Vote” and “Vote Freedom First!” slogans. These high quality signs are bold, durable, and easy to assemble. Everything needed to assemble the sign is contained in one compact package, and all components made in the USA.
Each sign costs a very reasonable $14.95, or you can order a combination pack of both signs for $24.95 (includes shipping and handling). A portion of the proceeds goes directly to NRA-ILA to assist our efforts to protect, preserve, and strengthen our Second Amendment rights! Hundreds have already been sold!
By proudly displaying your NRA yard sign, and showing your support for the Second Amendment, you will greatly enhance our ability to deliver victory for pro-gun candidates on November 7!
Please call (866) 869-6389 or visit www.nrailasigns.org to order your NRA yard signs TODAY!
A LOOK AT THE STATES
(***For all of the action items below, you can find contact information for your legislators by using the “Write Your Representatives” tool at www.NRAILA.org. For information on NRA-PVF candidate endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine’s mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the login page accessed by choosing your state. As always, thank you for your support.***)
States with updates this issue: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
CALIFORNIA
AB 352, sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Koretz (D-42), would require after a certain date that the make, model, and serial number be microstamped onto the interior surface or internal working parts of all handguns in such a manner that those identifiers are imprinted onto the cartridge case upon firing. Handguns that do not include their identifying information would be defined as “unsafe” and their manufacture, sale, and transfer would be a crime.
Your action is critical! This bill was defeated four bill was defeated four times last legislative session – each time by one vote! The legislature will be coming back into session on August 7, so please contact your State Legislators at (916) 651-4120 and respectfully urge them to protect your Second Amendment rights by voting “no” on AB 352.
COLORADO
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, August 8! Absentee ballots may already be requested, and early in-person voting will start 10 days prior to Election Day. For more information about voting in Colorado, please us the following link: www.elections.colorado.gov/DDefault.aspx?tid=1. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on Tuesday, August 8!
CONNECTICUT
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, August 8! For more information about voting in Connecticut, please use www.sots.ct.gov/ElectionsServices/VoterGuide/VoterGuide.htm. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on Tuesday, August 8!
KANSAS
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, August 1! Advance voting started July 12, and ends July 31! For more information about advance voting please to go the following website: www.kssos.org/elections/elections_registration_voting.html or call 1-800-262-VOTE (8683). Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on Tuesday, August 1!
MASSACHUSETTS
On July 26, Governor Mitt Romney (R) signed H. 4552, which makes exemptions for the makers of customized target pistols, who, due to a provision within state law, have found it increasingly difficult to do business in Massachusetts. Prior to the signing of H. 4552, the law required firearm makers to test at least five examples of all new products “until destruction” in order to prevent accidental discharges. Since specialty target pistols typically sell in small numbers and at higher costs than regular firearms, manufacturers have found it cost prohibitive to sell them in Massachusetts. This common-sense change to the law will enable target pistol manufacturers to do business in the state and allow enthusiasts to practice their sport.
MICHIGAN
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, August 8! For more information about voting in Michigan, please use the following link: www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633_8716---,00.html. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on Tuesday, August 8!
MISSOURI
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, August 8! For more information about voting in Missouri, please use the following link: www.sos.mo.gov/elections/s_default.asp?id=voters. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on Tuesday, August 8!
NEBRASKA
On July 24, in a surprise move, the Lincoln City Council voted 5-2 to withdraw Mayor Coleen Seng’s (D) proposal (06-107) to ban concealed handguns within city limits. The 5-2 vote makes it unlikely that it will come back up at a later time. Unfortunately, Mayor Seng has not given up! At the next city council meeting Mayor Seng will be discussing another proposal that would make it illegal for a Nebraska RTC permit holder to conceal his or her firearm within the city limits by re-classifying certain offenses to prohibit concealed carry. Mayor Seng seems to have the support of Councilman Svoboda, and Councilman Cook. The position of the other 5 members is not known at this time. It is critical that all NRA members contact the Lincoln City Council to voice their opposition to any proposed ordinance that goes beyond the new concealed carry law. Members should voice their support for the right of law-abiding citizens, who possess a RTC permit to carry a concealed firearm in the city of Lincoln within the framework of the new state law. If passed, the ordinance could create a patchwork system of laws and regulations in each city and town throughout Nebraska regulating who is qualified to carry or possess a firearm and whether or not RTC is even allowed within the city limits. It is important that Council members recognize the importance of a uniform statewide system of concealed carry. Please contact the City Council members at (401) 441-7515 and thank them for withdrawing anti-gun proposal 06-107 and ask them to continue to oppose any attempt to infringe on their citizen’s Right-to-Carry. For further contact information on each of the council members, please use the following link: www.ci.lincoln.ne.us/city/council/lista.htm. To view the minutes from the July 24 meeting and to see who voted against the withdrawal, please use the following link: www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/council/agenda/2006/072406/a072406.htm.
NEW YORK
Thanks to your efforts, the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range finally reopened on July 15. Please show your support by visiting the range located at 165 Gerard Road in Yaphank, New York 11980, (631) 924-5600. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m., to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Unfortunately, this fight is far from over! Introductory Resolution – 1738-2006 is on the agenda in the Suffolk County Parks and Recreation committee for Wednesday, August 2! Legislator Kate Browning has not given up her fight to permanently close down the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet range. We must persuade the committee and/or the County legislature to do the right thing and keep the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range open. The August 2 meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m., at the Suffolk County Legislative Building, Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788, (631) 853-4000. Please call your Legislator and plan to attend this meeting and urge the Committee members to oppose IR-1738-2006. The Suffolk County Legislature can be reached at (631) 853-4074 or at the following link http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/legis/.
Additionally, The Sportsmen’s Association for Firearms Education Inc. (S.A.F.E.) will be hosting its “2006 Right-to-Carry Conference & Second Amendment Rally” on Sunday, October 1, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:00 noon). The event will be held at the Sheraton, Long Island, 110 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, Smithtown, NY, (631) 231-1100, (on Motor Parkway on the North side of LIE between exits 53 & 55). In attendance at the event will be: Wayne R. LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President; Bob Barr, Former Member, U.S. House of Representatives and NRA Board Member; Jim Fotis, Executive Director, Law Enforcement Alliance of America; John Faso, Republican Candidate for New York State Governor; John Spencer, Republican/Conservative Candidate for U.S. Senate from New York; and John L. Cushman, S.A.F.E. President and Founder, and NRA Board Member.
If you believe you have the right to own and use firearms lawfully, then you need to attend this conference. You will get the latest information on the Right-to-Carry nationwide and locally. You will meet and network with fellow sportsmen and women concerning your civil rights and those of your children and grandchildren. This conference will raise issues of concern and give suggested courses of action with local and national leaders of Second Amendment organizations and legislators from all levels of government. You will also have a chance to win valuable prizes in drawings limited to attendees only. Admission and parking is free and the event is open to your family and friends.
PENNSYLVANIA
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R-12) has scheduled a hearing at City Hall in Philadelphia. Next week, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold the first in a series of hearings around the state to receive testimony relating to urban violence. The hearing will be held 9:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 2, in City Council Chambers, Rm. 400. This is an opportunity for NRA members in Philadelphia to voice their discontent regarding the lack of enforcement of federal and state firearm laws against violent criminals. If you’re planning on testifying, contact Greg Warner in Senator Greenleaf’s office at (215) 657-7700.
TENNESSEE
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Thursday, August 3, and early voting started July 14, and ends July 29. For more information about voting in Tennessee, please use the following link: www.state.tn.us/sos/election/index.htm. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on Thursday, August 3!
