"Respecting States' Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act" Introduced in U.S. Senate
For the second time in as many weeks, a national Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.
On March 20, U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced Senate Bill 2213, the "Respecting States' Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act." NRA strongly supports this measure. Under this self-defense bill, an individual who has met the requirements for a carry permit, or who is otherwise allowed by state law to carry a handgun, would be authorized to carry a handgun in any other state that issues such permits or does not prohibit concealed carry, subject to the laws of the state in which it is carried.
"Congress should recognize that the right to self-defense does not end at state lines," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. "The NRA has been successfully advocating in favor of strong Right-to-Carry laws for the past 25 years. We take a backseat to no one when it comes to the right of law-abiding Americans to carry concealed handguns for self-defense."
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International Firearm Abolitionists Prepare to Draft Arms Trade Treaty: Every year about this time, the warmer weather gives every manner of fast-growing weed the opportunity to appear out of nowhere and begin consuming people's lawns. Deny it an environment in which it can thrive, by spreading a grass fertilizer and weed killer mix from your home and garden store, and it somehow finds its way to your neighbor's grass.
The same is true about international activists and representatives of various countries' governments who periodically gather under the umbrella of the United Nations, intent on changing the world. Deluded with an exaggerated sense of self-importance and obsessed with controlling the planet and everyone who inhabits it, this arrogant gaggle periodically checks in to five star hotels in the West's most cosmopolitan cities--with left-wing foundations or the taxpayers of first-world countries picking up the tab--to attend conferences during which they discuss curtailing national sovereignty and individual rights that offend their sensibilities.
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Eric Holder's Anti‑Gun Brainwashing Campaign? A video from 1995 has recently surfaced featuring U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder--who was then the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia--saying that he supported using Hollywood, the media and government officials in order to “really brainwash people” into opposing firearm ownership.
NRA has been saying for years that Attorney General Eric Holder, our nation's chief law enforcement officer, is an anti‑gun extremist. He's been toeing the Obama anti‑gun ideological line for his entire life, and now the video provides more evidence.
To read NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox's Daily Caller op-ed piece on Holder's anti‑gun brainwashing campaign, please click here.
Grassroots Campaigning In a National Election Year: Plan to attend this free training event at NRA's upcoming Annual Meetings in St. Louis, MO!
FREE
Friday, April 13, 2012
9:00 a.m. (Registration and free continental breakfast from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.)
Renaissance St. Louis Hotel
800 Washington Avenue, Landmark Ballrooms 1-3, Lobby Level
St. Louis, MO 63101
(314) 621-9600
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Hunters' Rights Special Presentation at NRA Annual Meetings: Threats to hunter's rights are escalating--and diversifying. To see what you can do about it, please plan to attend a special presentation devoted to hunters' rights issues at this year's NRA Annual Meetings in St. Louis, MO. Read more…
Grassroots News Minute Video:
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.)
For additional information, please click on the links provided.
ALABAMA: Employee Protection Legislation Heads to Senate Floor
On March 15, the Senate Business and Labor Committee reported Senate Bill 331 by a 3 to 1 vote. Committee Chairman Senator Rusty Glover (R-34), along with state Senators Shadrack McGill (R-8) and Cam Ward (R-14), voted in favor of this NRA-backed employee protection/parking lot legislation. This bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.
ARIZONA: Hunting Bill Passes Senate and Goes to Governor
On March 20, the Arizona Senate passed an important hunting bill, House Bill 2640, by a 20 to 9 vote. Last month, HB 2640 passed in the House by a 42 to 15 vote. The bill is now with Governor Jan Brewer awaiting her consideration.
CALIFORNIA: NRA/CRPA-backed Pro-Gun Legislation Needs your Support Now
Last year, the NRA and its state affiliate, the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA) supported Senate Bill 610, a major concealed carry policy revision, and it was enacted into law. For 2012, the NRA and CRPA are supporting the following NRA/CRPA-initiated bills: Senate Bill 1367, Senate Bill 1567 and Senate Bill 1569.
Comments Needed to Keep National Forest Area Open to Shooters
For over fifty years, the Candy Rock Quarry in the Stanislaus National Forest has been open for recreational shooting. This quarry is located in Calaveras County, near the towns of Hathaway Pines and Avery, and is one of the locations in the Forest’s Calaveras Ranger District that is actively used by recreationists for target shooting. The Forest Service recently issued a Notice of Intent to prepare an environmental impact statement to address whether recreational shooting is an appropriate activity at Candy Rock Quarry in the context of safety, public health, and applicable law and if it is, determine the conditions under which shooting may continue.
FLORIDA: 2012 Regular Legislative Session Adjourns
On March 10, the 2012 regular legislative session adjourned sine die. Several pro-gun bills are now with Governor Rick Scott: House Bill 313, House Bill 463 and House Bill 5601.
GEORGIA: Pro-Gun Bill Needs Your Immediate Help
On March 19, firearms destruction prevention legislation passed in the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee by a voice vote. This bill, Senate Bill 350, is currently sitting in the House Rules Committee and needs to be scheduled for a vote on the House floor. Please contact your state Representative today and urge him or her to help move SB 350 to the House floor for a vote. Time is running out for legislative action in the state Capitol. The Georgia General Assembly is expected to adjourn at the end of next week.
NRA-Backed Hunting Reform Bill Stalled in Committee
On March 13, excellent testimony from industry professionals, individual citizens and elected officials was given in support of Senate Bill 301 in the Georgia House Game, Fish and Parks Committee. Unfortunately, SB 301 has not yet been scheduled for another committee hearing and time is running short in this legislative session. If SB 301 is not voted on soon, it cannot be considered on the House floor.
HAWAII: NRA Instructor Liability Bill Awaits Hearing
On March 6, House Bill 679, an NRA instructor liability protection bill, was amended and passed in the state House by a 47 to 4 vote. This bill is now pending in the state Senate Judiciary Committee. We are working with the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in an effort to ensure this bill is heard prior to the second decking deadline of April 5.
IDAHO: House Sends Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment to the Senate
On March 22, the Idaho House of Representatives voted 63 to 4 to pass House Joint Resolution 2a, a much-needed constitutional amendment that would provide meaningful protections against anti-hunting activists who seek to ban all hunting in America. HJR 2a will now go to the Senate where it must receive a two-thirds majority before going on the 2012 general election ballot.
ILLINOIS: NRA-Backed Legislation Continues to Make Progress
Three pro-gun reforms made took major steps towards passage: House Bill 4901, legislation would allow any law-abiding resident of Illinois who has a valid Curios and Relics License issued by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to possess a rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches in length; Senate Bill 2539, the Senate companion to HB 4901; and Senate Bill 3533, legislation that would expand the definition of "case" in the Wildlife code to include any "case" that is considered lawful under the current laws regulating the transportation of firearms.
INDIANA: Indiana General Assembly, Governor Mitch Daniels Stand Firm
On March 9, the Indiana General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to reaffirm lawful Hoosiers’ civil liberties disregarded by last year’s state Supreme Court decision, Barnes v. State of Indiana (2011). On Tuesday, March 20, Governor Mitch Daniels signed Senate Bill 1 into law, reaffirming constitutional rights and the rule of law in Indiana.
KANSAS: Concealed Carry Reform Language Amended to Senate Bill and Passed in the House
On March 21, the Kansas House amended and passed an important concealed carry reform bill. Taking the language of House Bill 2353 and amending it to Senate Bill 394, the House voted 70 to 52 to send the bill back to the Senate for concurrence. The new SB 394 will now be assigned to a Senate conference committee which must approve of the changes before it goes to Governor Brownback.
Sportsman Self-Defense Bill Passes Senate
On March 15, the Kansas Senate passed unanimously a hunting bill that would allow hunters, fishermen, and fur harvesters to carry a handgun for self-defense. House Bill 2491 passed in the state House of Representatives in February by an overwhelming 113 to 8 vote. HB 2491 currently awaits Governor Sam Brownback’s approval.
MAINE: Governor Signs Pro-Gun Legislation into Law
On March 21, Governor Paul LePage signed Legislative Document 1603 into law. This NRA-backed legislation will allow a state employee, who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm, to store a firearm in his or her personal vehicle on state property as long as that vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible.
MICHIGAN: Michigan House Judiciary Committee to Consider Repeal of Handgun Permit-to-Purchase and Registration
The Michigan House Judiciary Committee is reviewing an important and long-overdue bill that would eliminate the state handgun “permit-to-purchase” and registration requirements. Although a date has not been announced, House Bill 5225 will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee sometime after this spring recess.
MISSISSIPPI: Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment Clears House
In a strong display of bipartisanship on deadline day, the last day for House bills and constitutional amendments to be considered in that chamber, the Mississippi House of Representatives approved HCR 30, the NRA-backed right to hunt and fish constitutional amendment, by a 104 to 14 vote. NRA-ILA and legislative supporters of HCR 30 accepted an amendment to move the ballot date for voter ratification from November 2012 to November 2014 in order to garner the 2/3 vote necessary to pass a constitutional amendment.
NEBRASKA: Judiciary Committee Passes Castle Doctrine Bill
On March 16, Legislative Bill 804, important Castle Doctrine legislation, passed in the Judiciary Committee after tenuous months of negotiations. LB 804 now goes to the floor of the Legislature for its consideration.
NEW YORK: Microstamping Bill Moved to Senate Rules Committee
On March 13, the New York Senate Codes Committee was scheduled to consider Senate Bill 675B, microstamping legislation, but this bill was moved to the Senate Rules Committee. A hearing date has not yet been scheduled in that new committee. In addition to S675B being moved from one committee to another, language from Assembly Bill 1157B, microstamping legislation, has been inserted into the Assembly’s budget bill, Assembly Bill 9055C.
NORTH CAROLINA: Greensboro City Council Adopts Restrictive Anti-Concealed Carry Ordinance
During its meeting on March 20, the Greensboro City Council considered for the second time, and adopted, an ordinance to restrict the access of Right-to-Carry permit holders carrying their lawfully possessed firearms in certain local parks. This ordinance was passed by a 6 to 3 vote with council members Trudy Wade, Zack Matheny and Nancy Vaughan voting against the ban. Due to opposition by Greensboro residents, this ordinance was not adopted when it originally came up for a vote on March 6, and was delayed for future consideration.
OHIO: Pro-Gun Legislation to be Introduced in the State House
Pro-gun legislation will soon be introduced to address several problems with current gun laws by addressing: establishing an automatic reciprocity between Ohio and other states that have automatic reciprocity for their concealed handgun licenses, eliminating the renewed competency certification requirement for concealed carry licenses, changing the definition of a loaded firearm in a vehicle and clearly defining and simplifying “Concealed Handgun License.”
OKLAHOMA: Emergency Powers Improvement Legislation Assigned to House Public Safety Committee
On March 13, Senate Bill 1760 was approved by the Senate and sent to the House. This Oklahoma Emergency Powers/Riot Control Language Improvement legislation has now been assigned to the House Public Safety Committee and is in need of your support.
“Landowner's Hunting Freedom Act” Assigned to State House Committee
After passing in the state Senate on March 14, Senate Bill 1743 was assigned to the state House Agriculture, Wildlife and Environment Committee. SB 1743 would allow Oklahoma landowners and their guests to use lawfully-possessed suppressors on firearms for hunting.
NRA-Backed Omnibus Firearms Bill Receives Senate Committee Assignment
House Bill 2522 is an NRA-backed omnibus firearm bill which would make significant improvements to Oklahoma gun laws. After gaining approval in the House, House Bill 2522 was sent to the Senate and was assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee, where it now awaits a hearing.
New Management Plan Underway for Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the preparation of a new plan that will guide the management of the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge for the next fifteen years. The 20,800-acre refuge is located in Sequoyah, Muskogee, and Haskell Counties and was established on the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir as an overlay of a US Army Corps of Engineers’ project expressly for migratory waterfowl. Hunting and fishing are the largest public uses on the Refuge. The Service is asking the public to submit suggestions and comments on the scope of issues to consider during the planning process. Public comments are being accepted until April 10 and can be sent online to [email protected]. For further information, you may contact Refuge Manager Jeff Haas at 918-773-5251 ext. 29. In its announcement, the Service noted that there are members of the public who want hunting and fishing reduced or eliminated, so it is imperative that hunters and anglers send the Refuge comments in support of maintaining, and even expanding, access and opportunities for hunting and fishing on the Sequoyah.
OREGON: CHL Confidentiality Bill Awaits Governor’s Approval
On March 2, the state House concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 4045, a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) confidentially bill, by a 54 to 6 vote. The House originally passed HB 4045 on February 15 by a 44 to 14 vote and the state Senate passed this bill by a 24 to 5 vote. HB 4045 is now with Governor Kitzhaber for his consideration.
Hunting to be Expanded in Plan for Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
A plan that will guide management of the 187,000-acre Malheur National Wildlife Refuge for the next fifteen years has been released to the public for comment. Located in Harney County, the Refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 to protect colonial nesting bird populations and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Refuge is currently open to hunting, but the USFWS intends to expand existing hunt opportunities. Under Alternative 2, the preferred action alternative, upland game hunting would open three weeks earlier than under the current program. Existing waterfowl hunt areas would be tremendously expanded by opening a portion of the south-central area of Malheur Lake, adding a new boat launch at headquarters, and by opening the Buena Vista Unit.
PENNSYLVANIA: Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill Tabled by State House
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives moved House Bill 1523 off the active calendar and onto the tabled bill calendar. This recent action came as a disappointment to many supporters in the legislature since the bill was approved in the state House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19 to 4 and was supported by both sides of the aisle.
SOUTH CAROLINA: NRA-Backed Legislation Sent to House Floor
On March 20, the South Carolina House Judiciary Committee approved two NRA-backed bills, both of which would make a number of significant improvements for firearms owners and dealers in the Palmetto State. House Bill 3665 and House Bill 4494 will now be scheduled for consideration on the House floor as early as next week.
TEXAS: Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to Vote Next Thursday on Allowing Use of Lawfully-Owned Suppressors to Hunt
Recently, the NRA notified you about the opportunity to attend Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public hearings or to submit public comments online in support of an administrative rule change that would positively impact hunting in the Lone Star State. You now have one last opportunity to weigh in on this debate by personally attending the next public meeting, where the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will vote on the department's hunting regulation proposals. This meeting will be held on Thursday, March 29 at 9:00 a.m. in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Commission Hearing Room, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744.
VIRGINIA: Planning Process Underway for James River National Wildlife Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is writing a new management plan for the James River National Wildlife Refuge which is located along the James River in Prince George County, eight miles southeast of Hopewell and thirty miles southeast of Richmond. The 4,325-acre refuge is open to deer hunting. The USFWS is inviting public comments to help shape management decisions on the refuge for the next fifteen years. Once a plan is drafted it will be made available for public review and comment. The Service has identified several preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities, including the amount and distribution of public use. If you want to become involved in the planning process, you may submit comments to [email protected]. Please include “James River CCP” in the subject line. For further information you may call Meghan Carfioli, the Planning Team Leader, at 804-829-5413.
WEST VIRGINIA: 2012 Legislative Session Ends with Good News for Hunters and Shooters Alike
On March 10, the 2012 legislative session ended and with it came good news for NRA members across the Mountaineer State, as three NRA-backed bills are now headed to the Governor for his approval including: Senate Bill 149, firearms destruction prevention legislation; Senate Bill 353, legislation that would allow concealed carry permit holders to become exempt from the FBI-run NICS check; and Senate Bill 478, which would make an apprentice hunting license available for West Virginia residents and non-residents.
WISCONSIN: Hunting Heritage Act Goes to Governor Walker
The Wisconsin Assembly voted to concur with Senate amendments to Assembly Bill 311, sending it to Governor Scott Walker for his approval. The Hunting Heritage Act, if signed into law, would encourage the recruitment and retention of hunters and trappers through a multitude of initiatives.
Assembly Sends Wolf-Hunting Bill to Governor Scott Walker
The Wisconsin Assembly voted 69 to 25 to concur with Senate Bill 411, sponsored by state Senator Terry Moulton (R-23), which passed in the state Senate by an overwhelming 24 to 9 vote. This bill is now with Governor Scott Walker awaiting his signature. If enacted, SB 411 will create the first wolf hunting season east of the Mississippi River since the wolf’s delisting from the federal endangered species list.
