Brady Campaign And Lautenberg
Unite To Mislead And Control--Again
This week, in a typically misleading move designed to bolster their political agenda rather than reduce violent crime, the Brady Campaign released a report calling for background checks on "all gun sales in America, including at gun shows." The Brady report was intentionally designed to correspond with, and bolster, a "gun show loophole" bill (S. 843) introduced this week by fanatical anti-gun Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). In fact, the Brady report was released at the press conference Lautenberg held earlier this week.
Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign, said in the group's press release, "We can do this. It will have no impact on any law-abiding gun owner in the country." Of course, that is absolutely false—the proposal will ONLY impact law-abiding gun owners, including any law-abiding person selling a firearm to a law-abiding buyer. Does Helmke really think that criminals, drug cartel members, and violent gang thugs are going to start legally purchasing firearms and submitting to a background check? Law-breakers, by definition, break the law. They are criminals; they are predatory, they operate outside of the law. You know that, we know that, Lautenberg knows that, even Helmke knows that.
Department Of The Interior Declines To Appeal Parks Ruling: Not surprisingly, last week the Interior Department said that it would not appeal a recent court ruling preventing law-abiding citizens from defending themselves in national parks and wildlife refuges. Instead, their plan is to move forward with an environmental impact statement to determine the effects of firearms in parks.
As we previously reported, on Thursday, March 19, Federal District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued a preliminary injunction against the Department of the Interior rule that took effect on January 9, 2009. The revised rule allowed individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense in national parks and national wildlife refuges located in states that allow the carrying of concealed firearms. It also maintained uniformity within each state, making it easier for law-abiding permit holders to follow the laws.
Ninth Circuit Holds that Second Amendment Applies to States: This week, the U.S. 
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit marked a milestone in Second Amendment history by ruling that the Second Amendment applies to the states through the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. NRA has been involved in, and supportive of, this case for the past ten years and has filed several amicus briefs in the case.
ILA Dinner and Auction At Annual Meetings: 
The Institute for Legislative Action will hold its Third Annual Dinner and Auction in conjunction with the NRA Annual Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday evening, May 15th.
SCOTUS Plaintiff Dick Heller To Speak At Grassroots Workshop Breakfast! If you haven't signed up yet for the NRA-ILA Grassroots Workshop on May 15, being held in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meeting, here's another reason to do so.
During the free continental breakfast that proceeds the Workshop, Dick Heller, the plaintiff in the landmark D.C. v. Heller case, in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban and affirmed the Second Amendment as an individual right, will be presenting remarks.
Mr. Heller will speak at 8:30 a.m., on the Heller decision and the need for continued and increased grassroots activism in order to protect the Second Amendment.
To read more about this Workshop, please click here.
Volunteers Needed In Phoenix For 2009 NRA Annual Meetings: 
The 2009 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be an exciting weekend, as thousands of NRA members will come together May 15-17, 2009, in Phoenix, AZ. You can contribute to the success of our meeting by participating as an Annual Meeting Volunteer. To volunteer or to see how you can get involved, please click here.
Help Defend Your Gun Rights One Easy Click At A Time: 
We now have a revolutionary yet simple tool that will allow you to stay connected to NRA-ILA and raise valuable contributions to defend our Second Amendment rights without spending a dime! It's the NRA-ILA Toolbar, and you can make a difference by downloading and using it.
STATE ROUNDUP (Please note the only items listed below are those that have had recent action. For other updates on state legislation, please go to the state legislation section at www.NRAILA.org, and check each week's issue of the Grassroots Alert.")
ALABAMA:Three Pro-Gun Bills Expected to be Heard Soon! As previously reported, House Bill 362, Alabama's "Workplace Protection" bill is expected to be heard soon. In its current form HB362 contains an exemption that would allow railroad companies to prohibit their employees from storing their lawfully owned firearms at work. Please continue to contact your State Representative and urge them to support this bill with no exemptions. You can find their contact information by clicking here. Senate Bill 296 passed out of committee and will now head to the House floor for consideration. SB296 would prohibit the confiscation of lawful firearms during a declared state of emergency. And finally, House Bill 432, which would make all records pertaining to pistol permits confidential, also passed out of committee and will now head to the Senate floor for a vote. Please contact your State Representatives today and respectfully urge them to vote in favor of SB 296. You can reach your State Representative by calling (334) 242-7600. Also, please contact State Senators todayand urge them to support HB 432. To contact your State Senator by phone, please call (334) 242- 7800. For further contact information on your Alabama State Legislators, click here.
ARIZONA: BLM Travel Management Plans Will Eliminate or Restrict Motorized Game Retrieval The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is in the process of designating roads and trails where motorized travel will be restricted on BLM lands in Arizona. BLM's Tucson Field Office recently released a travel management plan for the Middle Gila Canyons, which proposed that cross-country motorized travel for hunting or to retrieve game be prohibited. If you hunt on BLM land in this area, it is important that you comment on the proposed management plan. BLM is taking public comment on the plan until Friday, May 8. For more information and how to take action, please click here.
CALIFORNIA: Ammunition Sales Restrictions Moving Forward in California 
Last week in the Assembly Committee on Public Safety two bills were heard. Assembly Bill 962 was passed and now heads to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations where it awaits a hearing. Sponsored by Assembly Member Kevin De Leon (D-45), AB962 would make it a crime to privately transfer more than 50 rounds of ammunition per month, even between family and friends, unless you are registered as a "handgun ammunition vendor" in the Department of Justice's database. AB962 will now head to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, so please contact the members of the committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to oppose AB962.
Bill Requiring the Registration of Standard Capacity Magazines Pulled by Author in California Senate Bill 776 was scheduled to be heard by the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, April 28, but was removed from the schedule at the request of the sponsor. SB776 would mandate the registration of all magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. While this development is a solid step towards defeating SB776, the bill still poses a threat. Please continue checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates.
"Smart Guns" Bill to be Heard in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 28!
On Tuesday, April 28, the Senate Public Safety Committee will hear Senate Bill 697.
Authored by State Senator Mark DeSaulnier (D-7), SB697, would prohibit the sale of handguns other than "owner-authorized (or 'smart') handguns" -- that is, handguns with a permanent, programmable biometric feature that renders the firearm useless unless activated by the authorized user. No proven, viable handgun of this type has ever been developed. Please contact the Senate Public Safety Committee and respectfully urge them to oppose SB697.
COLORADO: Important Pro-Gun Reform Bill Awaits House Concurrence! After passing the Senate on April 17, the House of Representatives has yet to concur with the Senate passed version of House Bill 1180. This legislation would exempt Colorado concealed handgun permit holders from the background check requirement for the transfer of a firearm. Please contact your State Representative today and ask them to support the Senate passed version of HB1180 and to please resist any further amendments. Contact information for your State Representative can be found by clicking here.
CONNECTICUT: Anti-Hunting Bill is likely Dead while Pro-Hunting Bill Continues to Progress! Senate Bill 994 failed to advance out of the Senate Judiciary Committee this week and is likely dead. SB994 would have banned trappers from using leghold and conibear style traps. House Bill 5209 passed out of the Joint Committee on Environment and will now head to the House floor for consideration. HB5209, Connecticut's "no-net-loss" legislation, would require the state to maintain the current level of public recreational land. We encourage you to once again contact members of the Connecticut House of Representatives and encourage them to preserve your hunting rights by voting yes on HB5209. To find contact information for all of the members of the Connecticut House of Representatives, click here.
HAWAII:Important Range Funding Bill Needs Your Help! Senate Bill 636, the Department 
of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Recreational Renaissance package, has been resurrected after failing in the Senate and is now before the House Finance Committee awaiting a vote. This $250 million funding bill will aid numerous DLNR endeavors in the state. Please contact the members of the House Finance Committee TODAY and respectfully ask for their support of the Recreational Renaissance package (SB636) when it comes up for a vote. Contact Information can be found here.
IDAHO:Several Bills signed by the Governor as Several more Await His Consideration! As this legislative session comes to a close in Idaho, the passage of several pro-gun bills and the defeat of one blatant anti-gun bill have made this a very successful session for gun owners. Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter (R) has already signed HB137, allowing concealed carry in state parks; HB65A, which would allow firearm purchases from non-contiguous states; and most recently HB194A, the "Idaho Sport Shooting Immunities Act (IDSSIA)." There are also several bills which have been sent to the Governor's desk and are awaiting his approval. One such bill, HB229, would expand the existing "Emergency Powers" statute to prevent any state entity from implementing further restrictions on your gun rights during a state of emergency. The second bill awaiting his approval is HB287, the "Employer Liability Act", which would remove an employer's liability for any accident related to a lawfully stored firearm, if the employer adopts a policy allowing its employees to keep firearms locked in their vehicles while parked on company property. A third bill, SB1145, would ensure that the records of Right-to-Carry permits issued to retired law enforcement are kept confidential. Be sure to click the above link to learn more about these bills.
Motorized Access in Boise National Forest Under Review The Emmett Ranger District of the Boise National Forest is working on a travel management plan that will designate what roads and trails will be opened in the future to motorized access. Particular attention is being paid to the Bull Creek and Silver Creek trails. The Ranger District is inviting public comment, which will be used in the decision making process. What roads and trails remain open or closed will affect hunters' access to these lands. Those who hunt in this National Forest need to get directly involved in this planning process. Two letters written by the District Ranger providing more detailed information can be found by clicking here or here. Please send comments to Emmett Ranger District, 1806 Highway 16, Room 5, Emmett, Idaho 83617. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to [email protected].
MONTANA: Self-Defense Reform Bill Pending Governor's Consideration! As we reported last week, the Montana House and Senate passed House Bill 228 on April 9 and sent it to Governor Brian Schweitzer (D) for his consideration. HB228 is a comprehensive pro-gun reform bill and makes many much needed improvements on existing law. Please contact Governor Schweitzer TODAY and respectfully urge him to sign HB228. The Governor can be reached by phone at (406) 444-3111 or visit http://governor.mt.gov/contact/commentsform.asp to send email.
NEBRASKA:Right-to-Carry Reform Bill Continues to Advance in Lincoln! LB430 advanced Wednesday, April 22, on a voice vote from Select File to Final Reading. This strong Right-to-Carry reform bill could be brought up sometime next week so please continue to call your State Senator and urge them to support this necessary reform bill. Contact information can be found here.
NEW JERSEY: Pro-Hunting Measure on Governor's Desk! Please continue to contact Governor Jon Corzine (D) today and respectfully urge him to sign S802. S802 would authorize bow hunting on Sundays, during the respective deer season dates set by the State Fish and Game Code, on State wildlife management areas and private property. The Governor can be reached by phone at (609) 292-6000 or visit www.state.nj.us/governor/about/contact/ to send email.
NEVADA: Update on Apprentice Hunter Bill Assembly Bill 246 passed out of the Natural Resources Committee and will be heard by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. No hearing has been scheduled, but it is not too soon to contact your State Representatives and ask for their support when the bill comes before them for a vote. Contact information can be found here. AB246 would establish an apprentice hunting license that allows prospective hunters 12 years old and older to try their hand at hunting before completing a hunter education course.
NEW YORK: New York to Consider Numerous Anti-Gun Bills Next Week! The following anti-gun measures are awaiting action on the Assembly Floor in preparation for "Anti-Gun" bill day in the Assembly that will take place on Tuesday, April 28. Due to fears that "Anti-Gun" lobby day could be overshadowed by a strong turnout of sportsmen and law-abiding gun owners, it now appears that New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV) will hold their lobby day on Tuesday, April 28 and that the Assembly will consider the following bills on that day. We had originally reported that these bills would be considered on Wednesday, April 29.
NORTH CAROLINA:Bill to Remove Permit to Purchase Pulled From Calendar! Senate Bill 782 was pulled from the Senate Commerce Committee's calendar on Tuesday, April 21 as a result of opposition from the North Carolina Sheriff Association (NCSA). SB782 would repeal the requirement that law-abiding citizens must obtain a permit to purchase a pistol from their local sheriff before they may lawfully acquire any pistol. Please contact the members of the Senate Commerce Committee and urge them to support SB782.
North Carolina's "Puppy Mill" Bill to be Heard Soon! The House Agricultural Committee will soon take up House Bill 733, a bill actively supported by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and intended to put dog breeders and kennel owners out of business. It is imperative that you contact the members of the House Agricultural Committee and voice your opposition to HB733. Also, please go to http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/House/houseleadership.html and contact the House Leadership and urge them to oppose this bill. For contact information please click here.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Self Defense Reform Bill Advancing in Columbia!
On Wednesday, April 22, Senate Bill 593, was voted successfully out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB593 would allow law-abiding Right-to-Carry permit holders to possess their firearm while picking up or dropping off a student on school grounds. This legislation only allows a firearm to be in the vehicle, either carried or secured, and does not allow carrying on school property while outside the vehicle. Please call your State Senator and urge him to support this important reform. Contact information for your State Senator can be found here.
TENNESSEE: Show Your Pride With an NRA License Plate! A specialty NRA license plate provides an ideal opportunity to showcase your pride as an NRA member and your steadfast dedication to preserving our cherished Second Amendment freedoms. Your support of this program will help ensure hunting and shooting traditions in the Volunteer State for generations to come. The NRA is collecting applications for the specialty NRA license plates in Tennessee but the deadline to apply is fast approaching. For more information, please click here.
VIRGINIA: With Virginia being one of only two states with elections this year, all eyes will be on the Commonwealth. Already, the anti-gunners have trained their sights on our elections, as they are running a misleading and offensive ad to try and further their anti-freedom agenda. Of course the first step toward ensuring victory on Election Day is to ensure every Second Amendment supporter is currently registered to vote. This is especially important with the June 9th Primary elections just around the corner.
This weekend, April 24-26, the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division will have a booth at The Nation's Gun Show in Chantilly, Virginia. This is the largest show in Northern Virginia and is attended by thousands of gun owners and Second Amendment supporters. The show offers us a unique opportunity to register pro-gun voters and recruit pro-Second Amendment volunteers to ensure that those who advocate further restrictions on our freedoms do not succeed on Election Day.
Please be sure to attend the Nation's Gun Show this weekend and stop by the NRA-ILA booth to register to vote, or to fill out a Volunteer Information Form so that we can contact you in the future to help our Grassroots efforts in your area. For more information about the show, please see The Nation's Gun Show website at: http://www.thenationsgunshow.com/
WISCONSIN: Anti-Gunners Taking Aim at Wisconsin's Second Amendment Freedoms!
Governor Jim Doyle (D) is proposing to repeal the state's preemption statute which prohibits localities from passing gun laws that are more restrictive than the state's. Wisconsin's preemption law was originally passed in 1995 when Doyle was Attorney General. Doyle was vocally opposed to statewide preemption and its passage left a bitter taste of defeat in his mouth that has never gone away. Now, Governor Doyle is using the arrest of law-abiding Wisconsin citizens exercising their constitutional right to openly carry a firearm for self-defense as a platform to call for its repeal. Please contact your state legislators TODAY and respectfully urge them to oppose any attempt to repeal the state's preemption statute. Also ask them to oppose any attempt to restrict the open carrying of firearms by law-abiding citizens. Your State Senator can be reached by phone at (608) 266-2517. You can reach your State Representative at (608) 266-1501. To identify your legislators and to find more contact information, please click here.
Wisconsin Attorney General Voices Support for Open Carry On Monday, April 20, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen (R) released an Advisory Memorandum of great interest and importance to Wisconsin's law-abiding gun owners. The Attorney General's memorandum states that it is not unlawful to openly carry a firearm in the state of Wisconsin and that those persons who choose to do so should not be charged with disorderly conduct. This issue has come up numerous times over the last several months in the Badger State. Several cases have been heard but not a single judge has found reason or precedent to prosecute these law-abiding citizens. To read Attorney General Van Hollen's Advisory Memorandum, please click here.
