Archived 10/12/2008
For current Notices - after 8/27/2008, go to the Notices Page.
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Nevada - [8/27/08] (From the NRA) Please Attend Nevada Sheriffs’ and Chiefs’ Concealed Carry Forum!
Please Make Plans to Attend This Important Meeting!
The Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association will be holding the second annual Nevada Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit holders' Forum on Wednesday, September 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will be held at the Nevada Legislature Building at 401 S. Carson Street in Carson City, in room 3138. This meeting will be teleconferenced to the Grant Sawyer Building at 555 E. Washington Blvd. in room 4401 in Las Vegas.
The meeting will also be broadcast on the Nevada Legislature's website at www.leg.state.nv.us. For those members who can't attend the meeting, questions can be submitted prior to the event via email to Frank Adams at fadams@nvsca.com or mailed to the NSCA at P.O. Box 3247 Mesquite, NV 89024.
Last year, hundreds of NRA members attended the meeting and were given an opportunity to provide much-needed input regarding the administration of the CCW permitting process. It is vital that the pro-gun community participate in this important forum - please take the time to show your support for Right-to-Carry in Nevada!
Also in Nevada: Bill proposed to strengthen right to use deadly force against intruders
A state lawmaker wants Nevada to adopt a legal doctrine strengthening a homeowner`s right to use deadly force to protect someone`s life from an intruder. Read About It: Review-Journal
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Virginia - [8/20/08] The Virginia State Police have put Tennessee back on their reciprocity list. They did not explain to me the reason for it disappearing for almost a week.
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Virginia - [8/18/08] The Virginia State Police have removed Tenessee from their reciprocity list. I have received no word from the VSP on why but with them removing Tennessee from the list this means that Virginia no longer honors a Tennessee Carry Permit. I will post further info as it becomes available.
Pennsylvania - [8/18/08] (From the NRA) Guns in the Hands of Good People, A Testament to Second Amendment Rights
June 28, 2008, was a defining moment in my life. It was the day I shot and killed a man in the defense of my life and the lives of others. We all have defining moments. They might not be as tragic as taking another man's life, but they are events that change the way we look at things -- or even, perhaps, how we live our lives. Full story Here.
Florida - [8/18/09] (From the NRA) Disney Relaxes Restrictions on Workers` Guns
Walt Disney World has limited its ban on employee guns at work to the giant resort`s main property only -- and with that move Friday received the blessing of Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Read About It: Orlando Sentinel
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Texas - [8/15/08] Texas School District To Allow Guns On Campuses
FORT WORTH, Texas - A Texas school district has decided to allow some employees to have guns on school campuses. Complete story "Here".
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United States - [8/8/08] (From the NRA) TSA Considers Airport Carry Ban
A recent story in USA Today (to read the story, please click here: www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-08-07-tsa-gun-ban_N.htm) reported that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may weigh in on the issue of legal carry in the unsecured areas of airports.
It was reported that TSA “may allow airports to ban firearms from terminals, parking lots, roads and other airport areas where many states currently allow passengers to carry . . .” Such a policy would not only interfere with self-defense rights, but could also interfere with the possession of legal firearms by hunters and other travelers who plan to check those firearms in their luggage.
Please be sure to contact TSA to let them know that their interference with local Right-to-Carry laws is unwanted and an unneeded infringement on the right to self-defense.
You can contact TSA at https://contact.tsa.dhs.gov/DynaForm.aspx?FormID=10; or by mail at: Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202-4220.
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Georgia/United States - 8/5/08 Students Lobby for Concealed Weapons
The idea of giving college students the right to carry concealed weapons on campus may seem counterintuitive after last year's Virginia Tech massacre.
But the proposal is deadly serious, said young men and women from colleges across the country who attended the first Students for Concealed Carry on Campus National Conference on Friday. Rest of story Here
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06/26/08 [8:12 am MST] - Justice Scalia has written the opinion in the DC v. Heller case. The U.S. Supreme Court has UPHELD THE 2nd Amendment as an INDIVIDUAL RIGHT!
QUESTION PRESENTED
Whether the Second Amendment forbids the District of
Columbia from banning private possession of handguns
while allowing possession of rifles and shotguns.NRA Brief Filed Feb. 7th, 2008
Oral arguements to be released. Case to be heard Mar. 18th.
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Site Updates
June 24, 2008
I have just returned from an extended vacation and will read your email and address it in the next couple days. Sorry for the delay. I retired in March and needed some quality time with the family and was on the road for the last 24 days.If your email requires an answer you will received one in a few days. Again sorry for the delay in updating the site but family comes first. Stay Safe, Gary Slider
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United States - 6/25/08
by Alan Korwin, Co-Author
Supreme Court Gun Cases
June 25, 2008
Chief Justice John Roberts announced less than an hour ago that the
Supreme Court would release its three remaining decisions tomorrow,
Thu., 6/26/08, beginning at 10 a.m., Eastern time.
This includes D.C. v. Heller, the Washington, D.C. gun-ban case that is
examining the meaning of the Second Amendment, and whether a complete
ban on any operable gun in a private home violates the constitutional
rights of individual citizens.
I plan to have a quick review of the highlights of the case within
three hours of its release. A more detailed review is planned before the
end of June.
Every news outlet on the planet is expected to cover the case in some
fashion. Typically, "news" reports on gun issues have errors, spin,
editorial mixed in with fact, and should be taken with at least a grain
of skepticism until detailed analysis is available. The decision could
be lengthy (perhaps 100 pages according to one knowledgeable party), and
will take a while to digest in its entirety.
The other two remaining cases are Davis v. FEC (campaign finance), and
American Electric Power (energy contracts).
The law firm of Akin Gump is predicting with a high degree of
confidence that Justice Scalia will be the author of the principle
opinion in the Heller decision.
My firm Bloomfield Press is preparing a book on the Heller case, as a
supplement to "Supreme Court Gun Cases" by Kopel, Halbrook and Korwin,
released in 2003. It will contain extensive background, commentary by
numerous leading experts, summaries of all 96 gun-related cases that
have been heard by the High Court, and complete text of Heller with key
elements highlighted throughout. Advance orders will be taken when we
know what the page count will be, hopefully within 30 days of the
decision.
That's it for now.
See you tomorrow.
Alan Korwin.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina - [6/24/08] (From the NRA) South Carolina Reciprocity Measure Signed by Governor!
On Monday, June 16, Governor Mark Sanford (R) signed H 3212, the Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill. In spite of an extremely crowded legislative schedule, the South Carolina House and Senate came to terms on a bill that will extend gun rights, not only for citizens of the Palmetto State, but for visitors to South Carolina as well.
South Carolina will now grant reciprocity with other states, provided that the reciprocal state requires an applicant to successfully pass a criminal background check and a course in firearm training and safety. While not the straight recognition bill that was originally introduced, this bill will greatly increase the overall number of reciprocal states and is a step forward for Right-to-Carry permit holders in South Carolina and for our Second Amendment Rights.
Please take a moment to call Governor Mark Sanford and thank him for signing H 3212. The Governor can be reached by phone at (803) 734-2100.
Louisiana - [5/28/08] (From the NRA] Louisiana: Help Protect Your Rights to Self-Defense!
More Help Needed From YOU as Session Enters Home Stretch!
Last week, the Senate reconsidered and finally voted 28 to 4 to pass Senate Bill 51, a bill sponsored by State Senator Joe McPherson (D-Woodworth) which would clarify that current state law allowing Louisianans the right to possess lawfully owned firearms in their private motor vehicles would supercede policies adopted by business owners or employers prohibiting the transportation or storage of guns in locked cars and trucks parked in unsecured, public-access parking lots. Several weeks ago, the bill fell just two votes shy of the number needed to advance it to the House. Thanks to your persistent and well-timed calls and emails, Senators stood up to the powerful business lobby and chemical industry, voting to send this measure to the Louisiana House for consideration. To see how your Senator voted please click here. If your State Senator voted for SB51, please contact him or her and thank them for supporting your rights! To find your State Senator please click here.
Please begin contacting your State Representatives in Baton Rouge at (225) 342-6945 and by email (listed below) and respectfully urge him or her to support SB51! Business and industry lobbyists are working hard to defeat this measure-your State Representative needs to hear from you!
Finally, State Representative Ernest Wooton (R-Belle Chasse) will bring House Bill 199 back up for a vote by the full House of Representatives sometime this week. HB199 would allow Louisiana concealed carry permit holders to protect themselves on college and university campuses and remove the state restriction on "gun-free school zones" for permittees. Please contact your State Representative in Baton Rouge TODAY and respectfully urge him or her to support the right of law-abiding concealed carry permit holders to protect themselves in this responsible manner. You can contact your State Representative at (225) 342-6945 and by email from the list below. More Information Here
United States - [5/28/08] (From the NRA) There`s No Evidence That Banning Guns Cuts Crime
Obsessing on gun control proposals distracts from doing what works. At some point it should be obvious to everyone, even politicians, that all the hype about "assault weapons" is just wrong, writes John Lott.
Read About It: Philadelphia Inquirer-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina - [5/23/08] (From the NRA) Pro-Gun Bills Finding Difficulty in South Carolina Legislature
The South Carolina General Assembly is winding down for the year, and while the session has been productive, two key provisions have not yet passed.
H 3202, the Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment, appears to be dead. NRA was unable to negotiate clear language that would have strongly protected our hunting heritage for future generations, and it appears that the Senate will not take any action on this legislation. We will continue to work with legislators and South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources to promote this important protection.
H 3212, the concealed carry permit reciprocity bill, is also facing problems. This bill was passed by the House as a straight recognition bill that would have required South Carolina to recognize all valid Right-to-Carry permits issued by other states. NRA supported this language. In the Senate, straight recognition faced strong opposition, so NRA worked to amend the legislation to ensure its passage through that chamber. The Senate language would have established a conditional reciprocity standard, which would have required the recognition of permits issued by other states as long as the issuing process for those states included a background check and proof of training for the permittee. NRA also supported this language. Although it did not go as far as the straight recognition language passed by the House, it still would have expanded the number of states South Carolina recognizes, as well as the number of states recognized by South Carolina. The House refused to concur with the Senate amendment, sending it back to the Senate more than a month ago. Normally, this would lead to a Conference Committee, with the House and Senate assigning members to work out the differences between the two bills. But the Senate has failed to take action on H 3212, leaving this critical reform in limbo.
It is imperative that supporters of our Right to Keep and Bear Arms contact their Senators IMMEDIATELY and urge them to support sending H 3212 to Conference Committee. Encourage your friends and family to call, as well. If the Senate fails to take action, this bill will simply die, and there will be no expansion of reciprocity for Right-to-Carry this year. To find your State Senator please click here.
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United States - [5/11/08] (From the NRA) Make Your Voice Heard On Right-to-Carry in Our National Parks!
As we reported last week, the U.S. Department of the Interior has issued a proposed rule to eliminate the prohibition on Right-to-Carry in national parks and wildlife refuges. The National Rifle Association led the effort to change this policy and we are very close to winning this important battle.
However, the new rules cannot take effect until after a period of public comment. Our opponents will take advantage of this time to try to convince the Secretary of the Interior to reverse his decision. NRA members must take action now so that the anti-gunners are not allowed to sway this process.
It is always best to write in your own words. Here are some talking points to assist you:
- Rules on carrying and transporting firearms should be consistent—across the board—with the laws of the state that includes the national park or wildlife refuge
- Law-abiding citizens should not be prohibited from protecting themselves and their families while enjoying America's national parks and wildlife refuges
- The new rules should provide uniformity across all federal lands, eliminating the patchwork of laws that create confusion for gun owners
- Current regulations fail to account for the significant change in state laws since 1984. 48 states now have laws that permit laws that permit carrying and 40 have strong Right-to-Carry laws. Federal regulations should recognize the change in state laws and follow their lead
- The new regulations should restore the rights of law-abiding gun owners who wish to transport and carry firearms for all lawful purposes on most DOI lands, just as they do now on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands
It is critical that gun owners and sportsmen submit comments during this process.
Comments can submitted online by going to this web site: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=090000648053d497
Remember, all comments must be received by June 30.
Comments can also be mailed to the following address:
Public Comments Processing
Attn: 1024-AD70
Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222
Arlington, VA 22203Louisiana - [5/11/08] (From the NRA) NRA-Backed Right-to-Carry Reform Bills on the Move in Louisiana!
This past week, the Senate approved Senate Bill 142, sponsored by State Senator Stephen Scalise (R-9). SB 142, the NRA-backed concealed carry permit confidentiality bill now heads to the House for consideration. Please keep checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for further updates on this legislation.
On Monday, May 12, the Louisiana House will vote on House Bill 199, authored by State Representative Ernest Wooton (R-Belle Chasse). HB 199 would allow Louisiana concealed carry permit holders to protect themselves on college and university campuses and remove the state restriction on "gun-free school zones" for permittees. Please contact your State Representatives and respectfully urge them to support HB 199 and to resist any amendments that State Representative Wooton does not support. Call your State Representatives in Baton Rouge on Monday at (225) 342-6945 or send them emails in support of HB 199 over the weekend. Email addresses can be found below.
More info and contact info for State Office Holders Here
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Wisconsin - [5/8/08] (From the NRA) Proposed Concealed Carry Changes
Right now Illinois and Wisconsin are the only two states in the U.S. that entirely outlaw citizens carrying concealed firearms. But two Winnebago County board members are pushing a proposal to change that, starting with Winnebago County.
Read About It: WIFR.comTexas - [5/8/08] (From the NRA) Texas Caught Off Guard as More Seek Handgun Permits
Demand for concealed handgun licenses has risen nearly 40 percent in Texas in a year, an increase being attributed to many factors, even presidential politics.
Read About It: Houston ChronicleGeorgia - [5/8/08] (From the NRA) Attention Georgia Gun Owners: Governor Perdue Needs to Hear from You Today!
On April 4, the Georgia legislature passed House Bill 89 and sent it to Governor Sonny Perdue (R) for his consideration. This NRA supported measure makes numerous improvements to Georgia’s Right-to-Carry laws and represents the most comprehensive pro-gun reform measure to pass in nearly 20 years.
Unfortunately, more than a month later, Governor Perdue has yet to sign this critical pro-gun reform measure into law and during a news conference yesterday he expressed some uncertainty that he would sign HB89 into law.
". . . There is certainly some ambiguity regarding employer and employee rights in the bill that I’m a little concerned about . . . I’ve heard from, certainly, the hospitality industry . . . I’m still really deliberating . . .”
This critical Right-to-Carry Reform legislation will strengthen Georgia’s current laws by:It is critical that Governor Perdue hear from you TODAY! Please call and email the governor and respectfully urge him to protect our right to self-defense by signing this important legislation TODAY. The Governor can be reached by phone at (404) 656-1776 or via email by clicking here.
- allowing licensed carry permit holders to possess a firearm in any private motor vehicle, while on any publicly accessible parking lot;
- prohibiting gun dealer entrapment schemes, such as those orchestrated by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg;
- allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry in State Parks; recreational areas, wildlife management areas, and public transportation;
- creating a stricter time limit for various stages of the concealed carry license application process; and
- allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry in restaurants.
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United States - [4/29/08] (From the NRA) U.S. Department of Interior Proposes New Rule Regarding Right-to-Carry in National ParksFairfax, Va. - The U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), through the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, today issued a proposed rule to amend regulations prohibiting firearms in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges. The National Rifle Association (NRA) led the effort to amend the existing policy regarding the carrying and transportation of firearms on these federal lands.
“Law-abiding citizens should not be prohibited from protecting themselves and their families while enjoying America's National Parks and wildlife refuges,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. “Under this proposal, federal parks and wildlife refuges will mirror the state firearm laws for state parks. This is an important step in the right direction, and we applaud efforts to amend the out-of-date regulations.”
The proposed rule was filed today and will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, and can be found online at: http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-09606_PI.pdf. It provides sixty days for public comment.
More information Here
Florida [4/29/08] (From the NRA) Why the `Guns in the Glove Compartment` Law is Legal
The constitution is about protecting the rights of individual people. But some of Florida`s corporate giants are trying to hijack our constitution and circumvent the Legislature and Gov. Crist.
Read About It: Palm Beach Post
North Carolina [4/29/08] (From the NRA) Students Protest Anti-Gun Law on Campus
Students opposing Appalachian State University’s stance on concealed weapons on-campus protested last week by wearing empty gun holsters.
Read About It: The Appalachian
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Ohio - [4/16/08] (From the NRA) Few Problems Encountered With Concealed Carry
Four years have passed since the first applicants obtained licenses to carry concealed handguns in Ohio.
Read About It: Aurora AdvocatePennsylvania - [4/16/08] (From the NRA) National Rifle Association Asks Court to Block Philly Gun Laws
The National Rifle Association is asking for a temporary restraining order to stop enforcement of Philadelphia`s new gun control laws.
Read About It: Cherry Hill Courier Post---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado - [4/14/08] (From the NRA) UCCS Students Want Right-to-Carry
It`s dangerous and absurd, and students at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs want it to change. They want university officials to lift a dangerous ban on guns that makes the campus vulnerable to suicidal mass murderers and other brands of psychotics that are known to prey on college students.
Read About It: The GazetteU.S.A./Texas - [4/14/08] (From the NRA) U.S. Parks at Center of Gun Debate
Federal officials are reviewing gun laws in national parks and planning to announce new rules allowing visitors to carry loaded guns -- if allowed by state law -- by the end of the month.
Read About It: Star-TelegramFlorida - [4/14/08] (From the NRA) Firearms Bill Protects Rights of Law-Abiding Citizens
There is no more fundamental right than the right to self-defense. Period. Florida lawmakers took another step toward recognizing that fundamental right this week by passing the bill allowing people to carry firearms to work in their vehicles.
Read About It: TCPalm.comTennessee - [4/14/08] (From the NRA) Naifeh Bases Votes on Bogus Facts; Truth is on Side of Right-to-Carry
"House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh`s recent actions on self-defense votes in the Tennessee General Assembly were hypocritical and ignored the will of tens of thousands of law-abiding Tennesseans," writes Chris W. Cox.
Read About It: The Tennessean-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/13/08 Broken Link repaired in Florida Story.
Florida - [4/12/08] (From the NRA) Florida: Email Governor Crist To Urge Him To Sign Crucial Self-Defense Bill HB 503!
A pro-gun, pro self-defense issue that affects all of Florida’s law-abiding gun owners is now making headlines and even caught the attention of CNN’s Lou Dobbs
Also, on Fox News this week, Marion Hammer went head to head with Mark Wilson of the Florida Chamber of Commerce after the Florida Senate passed the important “Guns-Locked-Up-In-Your-Car” bill: Fox News Story
Earlier this week the Florida Senate PASSED HB-503 “Guns-Locked-Up-In-Your Car” bill by a vote of 26 to 13 and sent it to the Governor for his consideration. More information Here!USA & Pennsylvania - [4/12/08] (From the NRA) Obama on Small-Town PA: Clinging to Religion, Guns, Xenophobia
"You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not.
And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." (For those who do not know what Xenophobia is here is the defination: (zěn'ə-fōb', zē'nə-) A person unduly fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign, especially of strangers or foreign peoples.)
Read About It: Politico.com--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia - [4/10/08] (From the NRA) Georgia’s Most Important Right-to-Carry Reform Bill Needs Your Help!
Please Contact Governor Perdue Today!
On Friday, April 4, House Bill 89 finally agreed upon by both the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate was sent to Governor Sonny Perdue (R) for his consideration.
This critical Right-to-Carry Reform legislation will strengthen Georgia’s current laws by:
* allowing licensed carry permit holders to possess a firearm in any private motor vehicle, while on any publicly accessible parking lot;
* prohibiting gun dealer entrapment schemes, such as those orchestrated by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg;
* allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry in State Parks; recreational areas, wildlife management areas, and public transportation;
* creating a stricter time limit for various stages of the concealed carry license application process; and
* allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry in restaurants.
These are just a few of the positive reforms HB89 will make to Georgia’s firearm laws.
Unfortunately, gun control groups and opponents in the business community are urging the governor to veto the bill.
Governor Perdue needs to hear from you. Let him know that legislation reinforcing the Second Amendment, like HB 89, isexactly what law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen want in Georgia.
Help preserve our Second Amendment rights in Georgia. Please call Governor Perdue today and respectfully urge him to protect your right to self-defense by signing HB 89 into law.
Contact information for Governor Perdue is:
Phone Number: 404-656-1776
Fax Number: 404-657-7332
Email click here.Arizona - [4/10/08] (From the NRA) Arizona: Campus Carry Bill Derailed by Session Deadlines!
Senate Bill 1214 , the long-debated measure that would permit an individual with a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense on public university and college campuses, has fallen victim to legislative deadlines by not being heard in the Senate Committee of the Whole by Thursday, April 3. According to procedural rules set forth by statute, all bills must be heard and voted on no later than Friday, April 4 for transmittal to the other house, in this case the House of Representatives.
Despite the valiant efforts of the author, State Senator Karen Johnson (R-18), the NRA, the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association, and the Arizona Citizen's Defense League, as well as the multitude of gun owners who showed their support, the amendments offered by fellow Senators bogged the measure down and the necessary votes to move the bill forward were not there.
Arizona was one of ten states where campus carry legislation was introduced, and our members can be assured that this critical right-to-carry reform effort will continue into the 2009 legislative session.Oklahoma - [4/10/08] (From the NRA) Carry Bill Revived in Oklahioma Senate
A maneuver to revive a bill that would allow concealed weapons to be carried on college campuses surfaced Wednesday in the state Legislature. College presidents were scurrying to contact senators and urge them to vote against the legislation, which could come up as early as Thursday on the Senate floor as an amendment to another bill.
Read About It: Tulsa World------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida - [4/1/08] (From the NRA) Urgent Call To Action: SB-1130 To Be Heard By Florida Senate Any Day!
This is an urgent action alert -- if you want to keep your right to have a firearm in your locked car or truck you must act now! SB-1130 Guns-locked-in-Cars Headed to Senate Floor. More info Here!
Colorado - [4/1/08] (From the NRA] University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Students Want Concealed Carry
Its been nearly a year since a gunman opened fire at Virginia Tech, Killing 32 people. The incident sparked a student movement to allow concealed weapons on campus. Now some UCCS (University of Colorado at Colorado Springs) students are joining that movement.
Read About It: http://fox21news.comLouisiana - [4/1/08] (From the NRA) Bill Would Allow Guns on College Campuses
Proposed state legislation would make it legal for some students and faculty to carry handguns on college campuses as a "deterrent" against the wave of college shootings in Baton Rouge and nationwide. State Rep. Ernest Wooten, R-Belle Chasse, is proposing the controversial bill that could arm more people on campuses from dormitories to classrooms.
Read About It: www.2theadvocate.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States - [3/27/08] (From the NRA) Why Have Clinton and Obama Ducked Gun Control Issue?
When Supreme Court justices debate the legality of the District of Columbia's ban on handguns in coming weeks, their file will include a legal brief from Vice President Dick Cheney, Arizona Sen. John McCain and 54 other senators asking that the law be overturned.But they won't find anything from Democratic Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York or Barack Obama of Illinois. They didn't sign the rival brief from other members of Congress who back the tough handgun restrictions.
Read About It: McClatchyDC.comFlorida - [3/27/08] (From the NRA) Guns-to-Work Bill Wins House Passage
Gun rights advocates and the National Rifle Association won a victory Wednesday with the Florida House's passage of a contentious bill that would allow employees to bring their guns to work.
Read About It: www.palmbeachpost.comFlorida - [3/25/08] (From the NRA) Critical Florida Action Alert: If You Want To Keep Your Right To Self-Defense You Must Act Now
ACT NOW – House Bill 503 “Guns-Locked-In-Cars Bill” Headed to House Floor, and your State Representative needs to hear from you today, urging him or her to support HB 503! Contact Info Here!
Maryland - [3/25/08] (From the NRA) Maryland Senate to Consider Self-Defense Legislation!
House Bill 1060 unanimously passed out of the Maryland House of Representatives. This important piece of legislation now heads to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee for consideration.
HB1060, sponsored by State Delegate William Frank (R-42), would protect a law-abiding citizen from civil liability for the personal injury or death of an individual who enters a home or place of business with the intent to commit a crime.
It is imperative that you contact the members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to vote in favor of your right to self-defense. More Info Here.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin - [3/24/08] (From the NRA) Group Wants Guns at Colleges
Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, born after Virginia Tech, has grown to 22,000 members. And at least 14 states - not including Wisconsin - are considering legislation to allow concealed weapons on campus.
Read About It: www.jsonline.comWashington DC - [3/24/08] (From the NRA) Self Defense on Trial
The District of Columbia holds that despite its handgun ban, the law allows rifles and shotguns as long as they're secured with a trigger lock or stored disassembled and unloaded. . . . But District officials don't seem to have a way to persuade a criminal breaking down a door to wait until the homeowner assembles and loads his shotgun before entering the home. That puts a severe crimp on the homeowner's right to protect his family and property.
Read About It: www.gazette.com-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina - [3/21/08] (From the NRA) Update on Several Important South Carolina Pro-Gun Bills!
This week, the South Carolina Senate worked on H 3212. Last week, the Senate amended the Right-to-Carry recognition bill passed by the House, changing it to a conditional reciprocity bill. As passed by the House, this legislation would have required South Carolina to recognize all valid Right-to-Carry permits held by residents of all other states that issue such permits. More Infromation and contact infomation Here.
Florida - [3/21/08] (From the NRA) Your Action Needed Today Supporting Florida “Guns-Locked-Up-In-Your-Car-Bill”
Senate Bill 1130 by Senator Durell Peaden (R-Crestview) will protect your right to have a firearm in your car or truck for self-defense and other lawful purposes. SB-1130 has been scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee next Tuesday, March 25th at 12:45 pm.
More Information can be found Here.
Louisiana - [3/21/08] (From the NRA) Louisiana State Senate Pre-Files Important Right-to-Carry Reform Legislation!
This Friday, March 21, is the deadline for pre-filing bills for the 2008 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, which convenes on Monday, March 31. Several NRA-backed measures have been introduced so far in the Louisiana State Senate, but two key bills will need your support! You can read all the details Here. Car Storage and License Confidentiality.
Arizona - [3/21/08] (From the NRA) Arizona House Passes Important Self-Defense Measures!
House Bill 2629, introduced by State Representative Russell Pearce (R-18), passed Third Reading in the House by a vote of 33 to 26 and is now on its way to the Senate. This NRA-supported measure clarifies how and when a firearm may be displayed for defensive purposes.
House Bill 2630, also introduced by State Representative Russell Pearce (R-18), would reduce the penalty for carrying a concealed “weapon” without a permit to a petty offense. HB2630 also passed the House on Third Reading on a 36 to 24 vote. HB2630 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 24.
House Bill 2634, which would allow a person whose civil rights have been restored to obtain a permit to carry, passed the House on Third Reading with a unanimous vote where it is now slated to be heard in the Senate.
Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to support all of these measures when they come up for a vote. To find contact information for your legislators, please click Here.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States - [3/18/08] Listen to Jim Shepherd's comments on the U.S. Supreme Court case hearings on Downrange TV with Michael Bane. If you listened to the live broadcast, you'll better understand his comments from his seat in the courthouse.
Tennessee - [3/18/08] (From the NRA) Tennessee: Several Firearms-Related Bills to be Heard Tomorrow!
Please Stand Up and Make Your Voice Heard!
Several NRA-backed bills will be heard tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19 in the House Judiciary Criminal Practice and Procedure Sub-Committee. Please contact the legislators in support of the following bills. Information on all the bills (College, Restaurants, Parking Lot Carry) can be view Here.
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United States - [3/14/08] (From the NRA) Supreme Court To Hear Arguments In Heller Case Next Week
Next Tuesday, March 18, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in District of Columbia v. Heller. The case marks the first time a Second Amendment challenge to a firearm law has reached the Supreme Court since 1939!
Last fall, the Court announced its decision to take the case, in which plaintiffs challenge the constitutionality of the District of Columbia’s decades-old gun ban. The District appealed a lower court’s ruling last year affirming that the Second Amendment of the Constitution protects an individual right to keep and bear arms, and that the District’s bans on handguns, on carrying firearms within the home, and on possession of loaded or operable firearms for self-defense violate that right.
In March, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit held that “[T]he phrase ‘the right of the people,’ when read intratextually and in light of Supreme Court precedent, leads us to conclude that the right in question is individual.” The D.C. Circuit also rejected the claim that the Second Amendment does not apply to the District of Columbia because D.C. is not a state.
To help you more easily access and navigate through all of the detailed information we’ve compiled on this historic, critically important case, we’ve developed a new webpage-- http://www.nraila.org/heller/ --for you to use. On this page, you’ll be able to read related articles we’ve written on District of Columbia v. Heller, and view the dozens of amicus briefs filed in the case. Please be sure to visit http://www.nraila.org/heller/ today! Transcripts and an audio file of the arguments will be available following the hearing. We will be sure to update you on the case next week.
Illinois - [3/14/08] (From the NRA) Legislative Update for Illinois!
The Illinois General Assembly is on recess until Tuesday, April 1, and while many threats to our Right to Keep and Bear Arms remain viable, the legislature has yet to make any substantive legislative advances on behalf of anti-gun extremists. This is in large part thanks to the efforts of the pro-gun community in Illinois! Read the rest of the story Here.
Florida - [3/14/08] (From the NRA) Please Support "Guns-Locked-Up-In-Your-Car Bill"
Senate Bill 1130 by Senator Durrell Peaden (R-Crestview) [identical to the original HB-503 by Representative Greg Evers (R-Milton)] will protect your right to have a legal firearm in your car or truck for self-defense and other lawful purposes.
SB-1130 has been scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Criminal Justice Committee next Tuesday, March 18th at 2:15 pm. You can get more information Here.South Carolina - [3/14/08] (From the NRA) Update on Pending Legislation in South Carolina!
The South Carolina Senate amended H 3212, the Right-to-Carry recognition bill, changing it to a conditional reciprocity bill. As passed by the House, this legislation would have required South Carolina to recognize all valid Right-to-Carry permits held by residents of all other states that issue such permits. With the Senate amendment, the bill now will require South Carolina to recognize valid Right-to-Carry permits held by residents of other states, provided the permit issuing process of the other state requires the permittee to undergo a criminal background check, as well as pass a course that teaches firearm safety. You can read more about it Here.
Arizona - [3/14/08] (From the NRA) Important Self-Defense Measures to be Heard in Arizona!
House Bill 2629, introduced by State Representative Russell Pearce (R-18), is slated to be heard in the House Committee of the Whole on Monday, March 17th. This NRA supported measure clarifies how and when a firearm may be displayed for defense purposes.
Another proposed bill, Senate Bill 1214, introduced by State Senator Karen Johnson (R-18), has yet to be scheduled for debate in the Committee of the Whole. This important measure, which would allow permittees to carry concealed firearms on public university or college campuses and could come up at any time.
Please contact your State Representative and urge him or her to support HB2629 when it comes up for debate, and also contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to support SB1214. To find contact information for your legislators please click here.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida - [03/13/08] Florida House Panel - Let Workers Keep Guns In Cars. This is the first step - more committee hearings and then the Senate version [SB1130] or this version must pass the Senate.
Arizona - [3/13/08] (From the NRA) Bills Would Ease Gun Rules
An Arizona bill that would allow concealed guns on college campuses has gained national attention, sparking a debate over whether to let students and teachers arm themselves.
Read About It: Arizona RepublicIllinois - [3/13/08] (From the NRA) Carry Bill Stuck in a Capitol Holdup
On a day when hundreds of Illinois gun owners flooded the state capital to oppose gun-control measures, an attempt to allow conceal-to-carry stalled in committee
Read About It: Daily HeralUnited States - [3/13/08] (From the NRA) Easing Gun Ban Could Reduce Crime in National Parks
The usual suspects are clamoring to save us from ourselves and impose their myopic vision as the federal government prepares to loosen restrictions on firearms in national parks. At the outset, let’s all agree that this is not 1965 and our national parks and forests -- along with our cities -- are not safe anymore, in large part because of liberal policies that tend to breed criminality. Statistics seem to bear that out.
Read About It: Voice of the Times----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States - [2/26/08] (From the NRA) Columbine To Va. Tech To NIU: Gun-Free Zones Or Killing Fields?
“With all the media coverage of the types of guns used and how the criminal obtained the gun, at some point the news media might begin to mention the one common feature of these attacks: They keep occurring in gun-free zones,” writes John Lott. “Gun-free zones are a magnet for these attacks.”
Read About It: Investors Business DailyArizona - [2/26/08] (From the NRA) Guns-on-Campus Bill Advances in Senate
Legislation that would allow people to carry guns on Arizona community-college or public-university campuses advanced in the Arizona Senate.
Read About It: Arizona Republic----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States - [2/22/08] (From the NRA) Interior Department To Propose New Rules Regarding Right-to-Carry In National Parks
After nearly five years of effort by NRA-ILA, the U.S. Department of the Interior has finally responded to the many requests for a change in its policy on carrying and transporting firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. In a letter hand-delivered today to the U.S. Senators who wrote him asking for this policy change, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne has directed Lyle Laverty, Assistant Secretary for Fish, Game and Parks, to “develop and propose for public comment by April 30, Federal regulations that will update firearms policies on these lands to reflect existing Federal laws (such as those prohibiting weapons in Federal buildings) and the laws by which the host States govern transporting and carrying of firearms on their analogous public lands.” Complete story Here.
To read the NRA Press Release on this development, please click Here.
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Tennessee - [2/17/08] (From the NRA) NRA-Backed Legislation On The Move In Tennessee Call Your State Legislators Today! Several NRA backed bills are on the move in the Tennessee State Legislature. Please continue contacting yourlegislators in support of the following bills: SB, 23, SB 2928, SB 3299, SB 3730 and associated House Bills Check "Here" more Details
United States - [2/17/08] (From the NRA) Update On Right-To-Carry In National Parks And Wildlife Refuges
The current regulations on possession of firearms in national parks--which generally prohibit possession, carry or transportation of loaded or uncased firearms--were proposed in 1982 and finalized in 1983. Similar restrictions apply in national wildlife refuges. It is now time to amend those regulations to reflect the changed legal situation with respect to state laws on carrying firearms. Continue reading story "Here."
United States - [2/17/08] (From the NRA) More Guns on Campus?
W. Scott Lewis is a board member and spokesman for Students for Concealed Carry on Campus. Lewis argues that states with the most relaxed concealed-carry laws also happen to be among the safest. He points to Colorado State University, which has allowed concealed weapons on campus for 10 semesters without incident; the same is true for nine state universities in Utah's system, where concealed weapons have been allowed in university classroom buildings since 2006, Lewis said.
Read About It: Newsweek.comUnited States Senate - [2/17/08] (From the NRA) Keeping Guns Out of the Parks
Forty-seven United States senators recently wrote to the secretary of the interior, Dirk Kempthorne, asking him to lift the ban on carrying ready-to-fire weapons in national parks and wildlife refuges. Under current law, guns carried into or through a national park or refuge must be unloaded, taken apart, or cased in a way “that will prevent their ready use.” According to the senators’ letter, this rule infringes on gun owners’ rights and is “confusing, burdensome and unnecessary.”
(Note: For more than five years NRA has been working to change the rules governing the carrying and possesion of firearms in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges to permit law-abiding citizens to possess a firearm in a National Park consistent with state law. Click here for an update the status of this effort.)
Read About It: NY Times.com (registration required)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona - [02/08/08] (From the NRA) Arizona Right-to-Carry Reform Bill to be Heard in Senate Committee!
Senate Bill 1070, sponsored by State Senator Chuck Gray (R-19), a measure that would propose changes to the Arizona Right-to-Carry statutes, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 11.
This bill would provide that if an applicant has ever satisfactorily completed required firearms safety training, they will have met the training requirement for a Right-to-Carry permit. Under current law, there is no time limit on when an individual must complete their permit training, however the Arizona Department of Public Safety has set arbitrary dates for training validation at twelve months from when an application was filed. The proposed language recognizes that the training has no expiration date, and aligns the initial permit requirements with the permit renewal requirements. More Information "Here"Missouri - [02/08/08] (From the NRA) Please Contact Your State Legislators Today!
Numerous firearm-related bills have already been introduced in the General Assembly, and we are expecting even more in the weeks ahead. However, in the meantime, please contact your State Representative and strongly encourage him or her to support the following pro-Second Amendment proposals: Information on all bills "Here"Maryland - [02/08/08] (From the NRA) Maryland House of Delegates to Consider Four Pro-Gun Bills!
Please Contact the House Judiciary Committee Today!
On Thursday, February 7, four pro-gun bills were introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates. Three of these bills are “Castle Doctrine” bills that provide immunity from prosecution and civil liability to law-abiding citizens who exercise their right of self-defense. The fourth requires the Secretary of Police to refund the application fee for a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun to an applicant whose application is denied. The legislature is finally starting to take notice that Marylanders are tired of being treated as second-class citizens to the criminals on the streets. More Information "Here"-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States - [02/07/08] (From the NRA) U.S. Parks Officials Urge Lawmakers: Keep Gun Ban
Park rangers are denying any right to self-defense exists in our nation’s parks: "There is simply no legitimate or substantive reason for a thoughtful sportsman or gun owner to carry a loaded gun in a national park unless that park permits hunting."
Read About It: Tulsa WorldIdaho - [02/07/08] (From the NRA) Bill Would Allow Carry at Colleges
Idaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would strip the authority that administrators at public universities and community colleges have in keeping their campuses free of concealed weapons.
Read About It: Idaho Press-Tribune----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Senate - [02/04/08] (From the NRA) Senate May Consider Change In National Park Firearm Rules The U.S. Senate is likely to consider S. 2483, the “National Forests, Parks, Public Land, and Reclamation Projects Authorization Act,” next week. If that happens, Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) is expected to offer an amendment to S. 2483 to allow state law to govern the carrying and transportation of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. More Info "Here"
Virginia - {02/04/08] (From the NRA) Virginia Senate Working on Restaurant Carry Bill
Please Contact Members of the Courts of Justice Committee Today!
This Monday, February 4, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee is scheduled to hear a number of firearms-related bills, all of which would further enhance and protect our Second Amendment freedoms. Senate Bill 476, sponsored by Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24) would allow concealed carry permit holders to carry in restaurants, provided they do not consume alcohol. Currently, 33 states allow for concealed carry permit holders to carry in restaurants, and to date, not a single state has repealed its statute. Virginia’s law-abiding permit holders deserve the same protections and ability to defend themselves. Moreover, any restaurant owner would still maintain the ability to post his or her property to prohibit firearms. More Info "Here"
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South Dakota - [02/01/08] (From the NRA) Good News for South Dakota's Right-to-Carry Permit Holders!
House Bill 1086, brought by the House Education Committee, at the request of the South Dakota Board of Regents, would have allowed universities to ban firearms on university property. The bill was deferred to the 36th legislative day, effectively defeating it, by a vote of 12-0 in the House State Affairs Committee Wednesday, January 30.
House Bill 1261, introduced by State Representative Thomas Brunner (R-29) and State Senator Dennis Schmidt (R-33), would prevent universities from passing regulations that infringe on the right to carry if a person is complying with existing state laws. HB1261 passed House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday by a 12-0 vote and now moves on for consideration by the House of Representatives.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia - [01/31/08] (From the NRA) Georgia House Passes Critical Pro-Gun Reform Legislation! On January 31, the Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 89 with the Bearden amendment by a vote of 111 to 58. This critical NRA-supported legislation to protect our firearm rights now heads back to the Senate for concurrence.
HB89 as passed by the Senate would:
1. allow licensed carry permit holders to possess a firearm in any private motor vehicle, while on any publicly accessible parking lot;
2. prohibit gun dealer entrapment schemes, such as those orchestrated by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg;
3. allow concealed carry permit holders to carry in State Parks; and
4.create a strict time limit for various stages of the concealed carry license application process.
Get more Info Here
South Dakota - [01/31/08] (From the NRA) House Panel OKs Bill Allowing Guns on Campuses Law-abiding people should be allowed to carry and possess guns on the campuses of South Dakota`s public universities, a state House committee recommended Wednesday.
Read About It: Rapid City Journal-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana - [01/29/08] (From the NRA) Full Senate Likely to Vote on Indiana Right-to-Carry Reform Bill Today
Please contact your State Senator immediately!
As early as today, Tuesday, January 29, the Indiana Senate could vote on Senate Bill 356, authored by Senator Johnny Nugent (R-43). This critically important measure will further enhance Indiana’s self-defense and Right-to-Carry statutes by allowing Right-to-Carry permit holders to carry a firearm as self-defense in all publicly-owned buildings, with certain exemptions for airports, penal facilities, and county courthouses.
Again, this important legislation is likely to be voted on by the full Senate later today. Please contact your State Senator immediately and strongly encourage him or her to vote for SB356 in its current form! A full list of State Senators can be found by following this link or by calling (317) 232-9400. If you need help identifying your Senator, please click here.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona - [01/28/08] (From the NRA) Proposed Bill OK's Right-to-Carry in Schools Individuals with a concealed-weapons permit would be allowed to bring their guns onto school grounds under a measure introduced Friday at the Arizona Legislature.
Read About It: Arizona RepublicOklahoma - [01/28/08] (From the NRA) Oklahoma AG, Governor Seek Reversal on Gun Ruling Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry and Attorney General Drew Edmondson contend a state law allowing employees to have guns in locked vehicles where they work promotes public safety.
Read About It: Tulsa WorldVirginia - [01/28/08] (From the NRA) Virginia General Assembly Bill Could Restrict Local Gun Laws A bill is moving through the General Assembly and some delegates hope will make local governments think twice before disregarding state gun laws
Read About It: WDBJ7.com.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia - [01/22/08] (From the NRA) Virginia Students Push for Concealed Guns on Campus College students across Virginia are heading to Richmond this weekend to lobbying for two bills allowing concealed weapons on campus.
Read About It: WJLA.com
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Georgia - [01/20/08] Legislature 2008: Senate passes limited gun bill: Measure: Some may take their guns to work The Senate passed a narrow bill Thursday that allows some Georgians to carry their guns to work, but gives property owners the right to ban weapons from parking lots at all times. Full Story Here: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Virginia - [01/20/08] (From the NRA) Virginia: Right-to-Carry and Preemption Under Attack in the City of Richmond! In an attempt to destroy Virginia’s well-defined preemption laws House Bill 1277 is heading to the House Rules Committee. Introduced by Delegate Lionel Spruill (D-77), HB 1277 is designed to gut your Right-to-Carry on Capitol Square, the area of the City of Richmond surrounded by Bank, Governor, Broad, and Ninth Streets, as well as the interior of the State Capitol, the General Assembly Building, and the Patrick Henry Building. This bill could be called in for a vote at any time after the mandatory five-day waiting period.
More Info HERE!South Dakota - [01/20/08] (From the NRA) Bill to Disarm Right-to-Carry Permit Holders Introduced! he Committee on Education, at the request of the Board of Regents, has introduced House Bill 1086, legislation to ban firearms on college campuses and their properties. In addition to banning firearms in vehicles, the bill would disarm lawful permit holders, including in their residences on campus. A hearing date in the House State Affairs Committee has not yet been scheduled.
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Maryland - [01/18/08] (From the NRA) Maryland Right-to-Carry Legislation to be Considered on Tuesday, Jan. 22! At 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22 the Maryland House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on House Bill 2, sponsored by State Delegate Daniel Riley (D-34A). HB2 seeks to remove language from existing Maryland code requiring that the Secretary of State Police “find a person has good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, such as a finding that the permit is necessary as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger.” HB2 would make Maryland a “shall-issue” state. More Info Here
Tennessee - [01/18/08] (From the NRA) Tennessee Right-to-Carry Reforms Moving Through Legislature! Senate Bill 23 sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (D-25), allows a person who has a valid Right-to-Carry permit to carry a firearm into restaurants where alcohol may be served, as long as the permit holder is not consuming alcohol or is not otherwise prohibited by posting provisions. This important Right-to-Carry reform passed the State Senate by a vote of 24-6 on Wednesday, January 16.
Law-abiding permit holders should not be denied their right to self-defense simply because they choose to dine out with friends or family. SB23 now heads to the House for its consideration.
South Dakota - [01/18/08] (From the NRA) Bill to Disarm Right-to-Carry Permit Holders Introduced! The Committee on Education, at the request of the Board of Regents, has introduced House Bill 1086, legislation to ban firearms on college campuses and their properties. In addition to banning firearms in vehicles, the bill would disarm lawful permit holders, including in their residences on campus.
A hearing date in the House State Affairs Committee has not yet been scheduled.
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Kentucky - [01/16/08] (From the NRA) Bill Would Allow Guns in Cars on Campus State Rep. Bob Damron, D-Nicholasville, signed up 44 co-sponsors Tuesday for his bill that would allow people who park on public university property to keep a legally registered gun in their vehicle. Read About It: Lexington Herald-Leader
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Tennessee - [01/15/08] (From the NRA) Tennessee Right-to-Carry Reform Needs Your Help Today!
Please Contact Your State Senator Immediately!
Senate Bill 23, sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (D-25), will be heard by the full Senate on Wednesday, January 16. SB23 allows a person who has a valid Right-to-Carry permit to carry a firearm in a place where alcohol is served, as long as the permit holder is not consuming alcohol or is not otherwise prohibited by posting provisions.
Law-abiding permit holders should not be denied their right to self-defense simply because they choose to dine out with friends or family.
Please contact your State Senator toll-free today at (800) 449-8366 and respectfully urge him or her to support this important piece of self-defense legislation without any amendments. To identify your State Senator, please visit http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/senate/members/smembers.htm#Find.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL U.S. - [01/12/08] - NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 Act has been signed into law.
Georgia - [01/12/08] (From the NRA) Georgia: Self-Defense Legislation Heads to Senate Floor for Possible Vote House Bill 89 has been carried over from the 2007 session and could be up for a possible vote any day now, HB 89 would enhance the right of self-defense by allowing an individual who qualifies for a license to carry a handgun, even if the individual does not have such a license, and to transport a loaded firearm in any private motor vehicle on to a parking lot that has public access.It is imperative that you contact your State Senator and State Representative TODAY in support of this important piece of Second Amendment legislation. For contact information or help identifying your State Legislators, please click here
California - [01/12/08] California Appeals Court Strikes Down San Francisco Handgun Ban On January 9, the California Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court ruling that struck down San Francisco's handgun ban as a violation of California's state preemption law. The ruling was in response to an NRA-led challenge to the ban. More Info
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Kansas - [1/87/08] From the NRA Concealed-Carry Requests Come in Slowly While a year-old law allowing Kansans to carry a concealed handgun hasn`t attracted as much interest as anticipated, officials say they haven`t seen any problems with the law. "It`s gone very well, the program seems to be working pretty smoothly," said Charles Sexson, director of the concealed-carry licensing unit with the state attorney general`s office. Wichita Eagle
Georgia - [1/07/08] From the NRA Workers Have Right to Keep Guns in Vehicle "The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is trying to defend the indefensible," writes Chris W. Cox. "The Chamber believes that corporate interests trump civil rights. The National Rifle Association doesn`t." Atlanta Journal Constitution
Georgia - [1/7/08] NRA Fights for Self-Defense Rights in Georgia NRA began promoting "parking lot" legislation in Georgia in 2006. In 2007, a Senate bill (SB 43) died in committee, but a House bill (HB 89) has been carried over to the 2008 session.
USA/Idaho - [1/7/08] From the NRA Federal Lands Should Have Consistent Gun Rules Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne should listen to his colleagues from Idaho and almost half of the U.S. Senate and give gun-carrying Americans consistent rules to follow. U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo asked Kempthorne to repeal a federal gun restriction in national parks and wildlife refuges because the guidelines are "confusing, burdensome and unnecessary.'' IdahoStatesman.co
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Arkansas - [12/24/07] From the NRA - - - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission voted Thursday to allow hunters with concealed carry licenses to possess concealed handguns in situations when possessing firearms is otherwise prohibited.
Read About It: Arkansas Democrat Gazette
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New Mexico - [Added: 12/21/07] Interest in guns, safety classes increases after spate of home invasions. Read the article from the Albuquerque Tribune. Right-click to download my interview with NRA Radio 12/20/2007 to listen.
Nebraska [12/20/07] (From the NRA) Gun Permit Applications Rise Since Westroads Shooting Applications for permits to buy handguns have more than doubled in Douglas County since the Westroads Mall shootings.
Read About It: KETV.comMaine [12/17/07] Here's more proof that 'disarmed' and 'victim' are synonymous. Portland Press Herald When violence looms and every second counts, recall that the police are only minutes away.
Idaho/USA [12/17/07] Crapo Recommends Exception to Regulation Prohibiting Possession of Firearms Idaho Senator Mike Crapo requested today that prohibitions that keep law-abiding citizens from transporting and carrying firearms on certain public lands be removed. In a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne spearheaded by Crapo and signed by 46 other Senators, Crapo cited regulations by the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service as infringing on constitutional rights of individuals. He also pointed out that other federal agencies have deferred to state law regarding firearms on lands under federal management. More Info at the NRA
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Pennsylvania [11/21/07] (From the NRA) Pennsylvania Gun Owner’s Defeat Governor’s Gun Control Package! Despite testimony from Governor Ed Rendell (D) in the House Judiciary Committee today, a bipartisan majority of committee members voted to protect the Second Amendment rights of Pennsylvania’s gun owners by defeating three gun control bills.
Read More Here
Texas [11/21/07] (From the NRA) Student Group Wants More Guns on Campus. Mike Guzman and thousands of other students say the best way to prevent campus bloodshed is more guns. Guzman, an economics major at Texas State University-San Marcos, is among 8,000 students nationwide who have joined the nonpartisan Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, arguing that students and faculty already licensed to carry concealed weapons should be allowed to pack heat along with their textbooks. "It's the basic right of self defense," said Guzman, a 23-year-old former Marine. "Here on campus, we don't have that right, that right of self defense."
Read About It: apnews.myway.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania [11/20/07] (From the NRA) Pennsylvania Gun Control Bills Defeated The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee today struck down three gun control bills and successfully preserved Second Amendment rights for law-abiding gun owners in the Commonwealth. The National Rifle Association was opposed to all three bills. Rest of Story
DC: Supreme Court of the United States [11/20/07] (From the NRA) U.S. Supreme Court to Hear First Second Amendment Case Since 1939 The United States Supreme Court today announced its decision to take up District of Columbia v. Heller-a case in which plaintiffs challenge the unconstitutional gun ban in the nation’s capital. The District of Columbia appealed a lower court’s ruling earlier this year affirming that the Second Amendment of the Constitution protects an individual right to keep and bear arms, and that the District’s bans on handguns, carrying firearms within the home, and possession of loaded or operable firearms for self-defense violate that right. Rest of Story
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Pennsylvania [11/19/07] [From the NRA] Pennsylvania: Time Changed for Hearing on Proposed Anti-Gun Bills!
The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee has changed the time of tomorrow’s meeting to consider three anti-gun bills. These bills will have a disastrous effect on the Second Amendment rights of Pennsylvania’s law-abiding gun owners. The Committee is now scheduled to meet tomorrow, Tuesday, November 20 at 11:00 am in Room 140 of the Main Capitol Building. This meeting is being held at the special request of Governor Ed Rendell (D), who will be testifying and urging members to pass some of the most onerous firearm restrictions in the state’s history, including a “one-gun-a-month” gun rationing scheme, a requirement that individuals report lost or stolen firearms, and overturning Pennsylvania’s preemption law.
Mississippi [11/19/07] [From the NRA] Castle Doctrine Lauded by Gun Advocates
The "castle doctrine" law removes the requirement that residents must first seek a safe retreat from an intruder before using deadly force. Similar laws have passed in 20 states in just two years, thanks to an intense lobbying effort by the National Rifle Association.
Read About It: Sun HeraldArkansas [11/19/07] {From the NRA] Concealed Handguns receive support of AFGC Wildlife Chief
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission presided over a light agenda at its meeting Thursday at the Forrest L. Wood / Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center. The main item was a proposal from Doyle Shook, the AGFC’s chief of wildlife, to allow holders of an Arkansas concealed handgun license to possess concealed handguns on wildlife management areas at any time.
Read About It: NWA News-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania [11/16/07] From the NRA URGENT: Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee Scheduled to Vote on Anti-Gun Bill Package! Information Here
Pennsylvania [11/16/07] From the NRA. PA Gov. Rendell presses House on gun bills
For the first time in recent memory, a Pennsylvania governor is expected to appear before a legislative committee when Gov. Rendell goes to the House on Tuesday to urge the legislature to enact tough gun legislation. Gov wants to pass law that allows cities to pass their own gun laws. If this happens every City/Town could have different laws.Read About It: Philadelphia InquirerUtah [11/16/07] From the NRA Utah speeds up carry permit process
The state agency that issues concealed gun permits has caught up with a backlog of more than 10,000 applicants - all clamoring for what gun rights supporters call the most sought-after weapon permit in America. Read About It: Salt Lake Tribune
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USA [11/15/07] Wave of Home Invasions. The Wall Street Journal has an article about Home Invasions of the rich. It is one article I belive we all need to read. Wall Street Journal Article
Minnesota [11/13/07] (From the NRA) Minnesota Court Of Appeals Considering Gun Law Challenge
The Minnesota Court of Appeals is considering whether the state law allowing citizens to carry concealed handguns with a proper permit places an undue burden on churches and infringes on their property rights.
The state is appealing a Hennepin County District Court ruling that struck down parts of the state's 2005 concealed-carry law, which requires authorities to issue handgun permits to citizens who pass background checks and take the required safety course.
Read About It: http://wcco.comOklahoma [11/13/07] (From the NRA) Federal judge rules OSHA's general duty clause preempts Oklahoma gun law
A federal court has ruled that an Oklahoma law which prohibits employers from banning employees from bringing guns on company property is preempted by OSHA's general duty clause. Oklahoma, Kentucky, Alaska, Minnesota and Kansas have passed similar laws restricting an employer's ability to prohibit guns on company property. The National Rifle Association (NRA) backs the states' initiatives.
Read About It: http://insidehealthpolicy.com/DC [11/13/07] (From the NRA) Crime Data Underscore Limits Of D.C. Gun Ban's Effectiveness
Although studies through the decades have reached conflicting conclusions, this much is clear: The ban, passed with strong public support in 1976, has not accomplished everything that the mayor and council of that era wanted it to.Over the years, gun violence has continued to plague the city, reaching staggering levels at times.
Read About It: http://www.washingtonpost.com/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee [11/3/07] How, Why We Analyzed Handgun Carry Permits Tennessee TV Station looked at all the TN permits and analyzed the Data. Very good read and non-political. What holds true for TN most likely holds true for the rest of the issue states. Read story at WBIR
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DC [10/25/07] [From the NRA] The Supreme Court will consider two petitions growing out of the Second Amendment dispute over a District of Columbia ban on private possession of handguns at its Conference on Nov. 9, according to the Court’s electronic docket.Read About It: SCOTUS Blog
Texas [10/25/07] [From the NRA] Several students at the University of North Texas will be wearing empty gun holsters this week to protest a Texas law that prohibits concealed handgun owners from taking guns on campus.Read About It: NBC5i.com
Ohio [10/25/07] [From the NRA] Students across the nation will be seen carrying empty gun holsters this week in support of the right to bear arms guaranteed by the Second Amendment. The goal is to gain support from university administrators in hopes that some day registered and trained persons will be able to carry guns on campus. This message especially rings true for Virginia Tech who, until April 17 prided themselves as a gun free school.
Read About It: University of Cincinnati News Record-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania [10/23/07] This week, college students throughout America, organized under Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, will attend classes wearing empty holsters, protesting campus policies that contradict legally, state-issued concealed weapon permits. Sheetz, who promoted this cause through Facebook, fliers and e-mails to campus groups, expects several dozen Penn State participants. Read About It: Penn State Daily Colliegia
Ohio [10/23/07] It`s what Evan Peck didn`t carry around the Ohio State campus that he wanted people to notice yesterday. Peck, 21, walked to his classes wearing an empty gun holster on his waist.Read About It: Columbus DispatchOklahoma [10/23/07] (From the NRA) A national protest against state laws and university policies banning people with a concealed handgun license from bringing their guns to campus takes place this week. Their protest will be part of the nationwide Empty Holster Protest organized, sponsored by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, which argues that campus police and university warning systems aren’t adequate protection. Read About It: Oklahoma State O’Collegian
Idaho [10/23/07] Packing Heat, No Apologies. For Clachelle Jensen, preparing to leave the house with her two children goes something like this: Baby wipes? Check. Extra diapers? Check. Glock pistol? Check. "I just feel safer when I have my gun on my hip," said Jensen, 28, who lives in Santaquin. "There`s so many lunatics and crazies out there, you never know when something`s going to happen." Read About It: Deseret Morning News
US/Ohio [10/21/07] In Cleveland school shooting would allowing authority figures to arm themselves have resulted in reduced casualties, or perhaps even deterred the shooter in the first place? Asks Larry Elder “No one can say for sure. But no doubt at least some Cleveland parents now believe the benefits of armed campus adults outweigh the costs.” Complete Story
West Virginia/Missouri [10/1/07] West Virginia's Attorney General is reporting that WV has signed a reciprocity agreement with Missouri. Missouri Already honors all other states permits. This brings to 11 the number of state permits WV will honor
American Airlines Reverses Policy [10/01/07] Firearms transportation to Europe and Asia restored. Read the release here.
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Ohio [9/29/07] Ohio Supreme Court to Review Pivotal Home Rule Challenge and Local Government Limitations in Gun Ban Case. You can read the comple story Here.
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Nevada [9/28/07] Beginning Oct. 1, the state of Nevada will recognize permits from eight other states that allow people to carry concealed weapons, the Nevada Department of Public Safety announced. Those states are Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee and Utah. See Story Here Handugnlaw.us will be updated on Oct. 1 to reflect this change in Nevada law
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Utah [9/26/07] Utah's concealed-weapon licenses are no longer easy to acquire for Foreign Nationals. You can read thw complete story in the Salt Lake Tribune
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NM [09/16/07] - A few months ago, NM DPS changed the CHL Applications. The new forms were sent to instructors but DPS hasn't added it to their web site yet because the new booklets have to be printed. The old applications are still good, as are the old booklets. The new application is better. I have posted it as a .pdf download on my web site here http://www.nm-ccw.com/CCW-Links/2007CCWAPP.pdf or, if you would like to fill out and print the form directly to your printer, you can do so at PDFEscapeExpress. NOTE: If you use the on-line form, page two check marks must be entered by hand once the form is printed.
Texas [9/4/07] New Law Allows Carry In Vehicles
A bill that became law Sept. 1 allows law-abiding people to carry guns in their vehicles without a concealed handgun permit. House Bill 1815 passed unanimously in both houses of the Texas legislature, after which Governor Rick Perry signed it into law. Read About It: Herald Democrat
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Pennsylvania at it again. [08/23/07] Police plan to shut down the Pennsylvania Instant Check System Click to link for details.
West Virginia/Pennsylvania [08/19/07]Attorney General McGraw Annouces Handgun Reciprocity Agreement with Pennsylvania
Charleston – Attorney General Darrell McGraw announced today that he has entered into a concealed handgun reciprocity agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“Residents of West Virginia and Pennsylvania who are age 21 and older, who hold valid concealed licenses or permits issued in their home state may now carry concealed handguns in each state,” stated McGraw. “It is important for licensees to remember to have their license in their possession and when in a reciprocating state the licensee is bound by the laws of that state relating to concealed handguns,” said McGraw.
Information relating to West Virginia handgun laws generally and reciprocity and recognition of state law licenses is available on the Attorney General’s website: www.wvago.gov------------------------------------------------------------------- Massachusetts [08/10/07] I am receiving reports that MA now requires those applying for a Non-Resident Permit to complete training by a certified MA Instructor and the training must take place inside MA. The Firearms Division on the MA web site does not mention this. Has anyone else applied and been told this? If you have any information on this subject please click on "Please Contact Us" above and send us an email with the information. Thank You, Gary Slider ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maine [08/06/07]Wrapping up the Maine 2007 Legislative Session, Governor John Baldacci (D) signed two pro-Second Amendment measures into law, both introduced by State Representative Rich Cebra (R-101).
LD 148, “An Act To Provide Fairness in Concealed Weapon Reciprocity Agreements,” directs the Commissioner of Public Safety to work in cooperation with the Attorney General to conduct a comprehensive review of other states’ concealed weapon laws for the purpose of identifying and seeking other states with which Maine may enter into concealed weapon reciprocity agreements. The Commissioner of Public Safety shall report findings and progress to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety no later than January 1, 2008. Upon receipt of the report, the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety may submit necessary legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.
LD 1156, “An Act To Protect Owners and Occupiers of Homes from Civil Liability,” amends the Maine Criminal Code to provide protection for individual self-defense in the home. LD 1156 provides for defense of premises as a defense in a civil action if the defender used the degree of force that is justified under the Maine Criminal Code.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arkansas [07/30/07] AR has added Alaska, Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia to the list of states it will honor.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AR [07/24/07] The Virginia State Police are reporting that Arkansas will now honor a VA permit so it looks like Arkansas is moving forward with their new reciprocity law. As soon as Arkansas posts an updated list Handgunlaw.us will update that information.
PA [07/24/07] - Clarification letter regarding PA residents carrying on out of state permits. Letter to Representitive Mundy.
NM [07/23/07] - NM Concealed Carry Instructors! The Concealed Carry Unit is considering hosting an informational meeting with concealed carry instructors throughout the State. We would like the opportunity to introduce our staff to you and answer any questions you may have. We welcome your comments and suggestions and ask that you take a moment to answer the following questions so we can plan accordingly: Please send responses to steve@nm-ccw.com NLT July 27th.
Would you attend a meeting hosted by the CCU?
Would you travel, if needed, to attend the meeting?
Would a weekday work for you? If yes, morning or afternoon?
Would a weekend work for you?USA [7/16/07] From the NRA.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it will significantly revise a recent proposal for new “explosives safety” regulations that caused serious concern among gun owners. OSHA had originally set out to update workplace safety regulations, but the proposed rules included restrictions that very few gun shops, sporting goods stores, shippers, or ammunition dealers could comply with. More of the story here.
DC [7/16/07] From the NRA.
The D.C government will petition the Supreme Court to hear its appeal of the federal circuit court's decision to overturn the city's 30-year-old handgun ban. Mayor Adrian Fenty's office says the city's ban on most handguns can and should be defended. In March, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals sided with six district residents who sued to be able to keep their guns for self defense. The decision repealed much of the city's handgun ban, but the ban stays in place through the appeals process. D.C. Attorney General Linda Singer plans to file a 30-day extension Monday so the request can get to the high court by Sept. 5.
Read About It: WTOPNews.com
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New Mexico [6/22/07] - IHOP Restaurants firearms policy defined.
South Dakota & North Carolina [6/21/07] SD and NC have both confirmed on their web sites their reciprocity agreements with WV.
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Nevada [6/19/07] On Friday, June 15, Governor Jim Gibbons (R) signed Senate Bill 237, sponsored by Senator John Lee (D-1) and Senator Warren Hardy (R-12). SB237 will allow Nevada to negotiate Right-to-Carry reciprocity agreements with states whose training standards match Nevada’s. SB237 will be effective Monday, October 1.
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Pennsylvania [6/15/07] Pennsylvania Attorney General has posted on his web site the following: " It is the position of the Office of Attorney General that recognition within Pennsylvania is based on the issuance to an individual of a valid license/permit by the reciprocal contracting state, and not on the license/permit holder's place of residence."
The PA Attorney General also posted that they will honor CO, ID, LA, MT, ND and UT permits.
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Kansas [6/14/07] Off limits info on Kansas updated on the US Off Limits A-M page.
Ohio & Florida [6/14/07] Ohio AG and Florida Dept of Licensing have confirmed their reciprocity agreements with WV.
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Florida [6/4/07] From Ken Wilkinson of the Dept of Licensing, State of Florida.
Later this afternoon, the Florida reciprocity web page will be revised to reflect that authorities in Pennsylvania WILL NOT honor a Florida concealed weapon license UNLESS the license holder is a resident of the State of Florida. Our motivation in making this change is the security and well-being of those non-resident license holders who may in fact face arrest and prosecution in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania if they should decide to travel there while carrying a concealed firearm with their Florida licenses. Clearly, the latest word coming out of the Pennsylvania AG's office confirms that our non-resident licensees are at risk.
Handgunlaw.us will be updated to show that Pennsylvania will not honor non resident permits.
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Pennsylvania [5/24] There has been a lot of speculation regarding reciprocity issues with PA. Please read this reply to the question asked of PA Senior Attorney General George A. Zaiser. DIAL-UP WARNING - this is a scanned .jpg 515kb in size.
From Gary Slider:
Pennsylvania and Non Resident permits. Go to PA AG
letter and read what Senior Deputy Attorney General
George Zaiser stated about honoring Non Resident
permits.
I talked to Mr. Zaiser via phone today and he told me
that the PA State Police are saying that PA will not
honor non resident permits. That they will arrest
anyone carrying on a permit they honor if they are not
a resident of the issuing state. As Mr. Zaiser stated
the person who will decide if they are prosecuted or not
will be a local DA and not the AG's office.
Can the State Police do this? Yes they can and you
will get your day in court. Can you sue? Maybe. Will
it cost you a lot of money? Most likely. Until the
legislature intervenes and makes new law to address
this question people who carry on non resident permits
in PA will be putting themselves in jeopardy of losing
all their permits.
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Tennessee [5/24]Please call the House Budget Sub-Committee Today!
Two pieces of Right-to-Carry reform legislation pending in the House Budget Sub-Committee will be heard on Wednesday, May 30.
House Bill 132 would allow a person with a Right-to-Carry permit to possess a firearm in all public hunting areas, refuges, wildlife management areas, and national forests managed by the state and;
House Bill 2184 would allow any resident who has a Right-to-Carry permit to possess his or her handgun while within the boundaries of any state park and all areas for recreational purposes.
Please contact the House Budget Sub-Committee at (615) 741-2031 and ask them to support HB 2184, as amended, but to remove the signage requirement and to vote “YES” on HB 132.
The goal of this common-sense legislation is to provide a means of self-defense for Tennessee handgun carry permit holders in areas currently restricted.
Contact information for the individual members of the House Budget Sub-Committee are below:
Representative Harry Tindell (D-13), Chair
(615) 741-2031
rep.harry.tindell@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Joe Armstrong (D-15)
(615) 741-0768
rep.joe.armstrong@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Lois Deberry (D-91)
(615) 741-3830
rep.lois.deberry@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Craig Fitzhugh (D-82)
(615) 741-2134
rep.craig.fitzhugh@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Michael Harrison (R-9)
(615) 741-7480
rep.mike.harrison@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Steve McDaniel (R-72)
(615) 741-0750
rep.steve.mcdaniel@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Gary Odom (D-55)
(615) 741-4410
rep.gary.odom@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Doug Overbey (R-20)
(615) 741-0981
rep.doug.overbey@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Randy Rinks (D-71)
(615) 741-2007
rep.randy.rinks@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Dennis Roach (R-35)
(615) 741-2534
rep.dennis.roach@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Johnny Shaw (D-80)
(615) 741-4538
rep.johnny.shaw@legislature.state.tn.us------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas [5/23] HB 1815 by Representative Carl Isett (R-Lubbock) and Senator Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen) was given final approval on the Senate Local Calendar.
This measure will clarify, once and for all, that it is legal to transport a handgun in your motor vehicle for personal protection without a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), provided you are eligible to possess the firearm under state and federal law, you are not a member of a criminal street gang, you are not committing any criminal activity at the time (other than a traffic violation,) and as long as the handgun is hidden from plain view.
HB 1815 now heads to Governor Rick Perry (R) for his expected signature! Please take a moment to email a note of thanks to the bill sponsors for their hard work at carl.isett@house.state.tx.us and juan.hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us.
Nevada [5/14] Senate Bill 237 must be voted out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee by this Friday, May 18 for it to be kept alive this session. SB237 would allow Nevada to negotiate for Right-to-Carry reciprocity agreements with states whose training standards match Nevada's.
Previous bills allowing for reciprocity have NEVER made it out of this committee. This is our best chance in years, but we can't do it without your immediate help.
Please take the time to contact the members of the Judiciary Committee TODAY and respectfully ask that they support SB237 before Friday’s deadline.
Please Contact the Assembly Judiciary Committee Today!
Francis Allen
(775) 684-8829
FAllen@asm.state.nv.usBernie Anderson, Chair
(775) 684-8563
BAnderson@asm.state.nv.usJohn Carpenter
(775) 684-8831
JCarpenter@asm.state.nv.usTy Cobb
(775) 684-8848
TCobb@asm.state.nv.usMarcus Conklin
(775) 684-8505
MConklin@asm.state.nv.usSusan Gerhardt
(775) 684-8855
SGerhardt@asm.state.nv.usEd Goedhart
(775) 684-8805
EGoedhart@asm.state.nv.usWilliam Horne
(775) 684-8847
WHorne@asm.state.nv.usGarn Mabey
(775) 684-8827
GMabey@asm.state.nv.usMark Manendo
(775) 684-8801
MManendo@asm.state.nv.usHarry Mortenson
(775) 684-8803
HMortenson@asm.state.nv.usJohn Oceguera
(775) 684-8595
JOceguera@asm.state.nv.us-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina [5/12] From GrassRoots GunRights of SC:
H.3212 Needs our help again!
Last week, many GrassRoots GunRights members called, emailed and faxed the members of the Senate subcommittee that were meeting to vote on H.3212 - the CWP Recognition bill that will make your South Carolina CWP good in 30+ states. Well, your efforts worked! The subcommittee voted unanimously to send H.3212 back up to the full Senate Judiciary committee with a favorable recommendation (without amendments).But our work is not done. In fact, the truly hard part is just beginning. This bill will meet its strongest opposition at the next two points: The full Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate.
The full Senate Judiciary committee will meet to consider H.3212 on Tuesday May 8th at 3:00pm in room 308 of the Gressette Building. Please try your best to attend. Back in 2005 the Senate Republican leadership killed this bill by adding a "poison pill" amendment to it that would've made it worse than existing law if it passed. We have to stay vigilant if we want this CWP Recognition bill to pass, or they'll find a way to kill it again. If we can pack the room, we will send a strong message to our Senators that we mean business!
If we can stop them from killing the bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee and in the full Senate, this bill will go to the Governor for his signature. Click on GrassRoots GunRights of SC above to find out the details.
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Nevada [4/29] From the NRA Three important pieces of pro-gun legislation are progressing through the Nevada Legislature. Senate Bill 237 authored by State Senators Warren Hardy (R-12) and John Lee (D-1), Senate Bill 92 sponsored by Senator Lee, and Assembly Bill 95 introduced by Assemblywoman Valerie Weber (R-5), all passed out of their respective houses in time to beat the Tuesday, April 24 crossover deadline. Bills failing to pass out of their respective houses prior to the deadline are considered dead for the balance of the legislative session.
SB 237, the long-awaited Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill, passed the Senate by a 20-1 margin and is now on its way to the Assembly Judiciary Committee, where it faces its toughest battle. The Assembly Judiciary Committee has killed every reciprocity measure brought before it.
SB 92, a measure that would significantly improve the pro-gun climate in Clark County by eliminating the immediate handgun registration mandate that currently exists, passed the full Senate by a vote of 20-1. It now moves to the Assembly Government Affairs Committee, which is chaired by pro-gun Democrat Marilyn Kirkpatrick.
Assembly Bill 95, the Emergency Powers Protection Act, would restrict a government entity from confiscating firearms in a declared state of emergency, unanimously passed on a 42-0 vote on the Assembly Floor. This bill now heads to the Senate Government Affairs Committee where it is likely to receive a favorable response.
It is extremely important that you continue to contact your State Legislators on behalf of these important bills. The full text of SB 237, SB 92, and AB 95, as well as contact information for the members of the Senate and Assembly Government Affairs Committee and the Assembly Judiciary Committee, can be found online by visiting www.leg.state.nv.us .
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Kansas [4/27] The Kansas State Senate, today voted (30 to 10) to override Governor Kathleen Sebelius’ veto of vital legislation that would allow law-abiding Kansans to protect themselves outside the home. The House of Representatives voted to override the Governors veto yesterday, by a vote of 98 to 26.
House Bill 2528 will prevent cities and counties from adopting any ordinance or regulation that would contradict state firearms law. The legislation would also prohibit a public or private entity from prohibiting a licensed Right-to-Carry permit holder from possessing a firearm, when locked inside a private motor vehicle in a publicly accessible parking lot.HB 2528 is designed to stop the “patchwork” city firearm regulations and ordinances that have been popping up all over Kansas in the last year.
“This NRA backed legislation will ensure that law-abiding Kansans will no longer have to worry about breaking any city or county laws while traveling through Kansas, said NRA chief lobbyist, Chris Cox. We are very pleased that this legislation withstood the Governor’s veto and will become law.” “No one is immune to criminal attacks outside of their home,” continued Cox. “This bill is about protecting a law-abiding, citizen’s right to self-defense anywhere outside their home.”
The legislation originally passed the House on March 21, 2007 and the Senate on March 27, 2007. Governor Sebelius vetoed the legislation on April 13, 2007.
Tennessee [4/27] From the NRA. Two important Right-to-Carry reform bills, House Bill 132 and House Bill 2184, were deferred in the House Judiciary committee. The NRA-backed legislation now will be heard on Wednesday, May 2.
House Bill 132, sponsored by Representative Mike Bell (R-23), would allow a person with a handgun carry permit to possess a firearm in all public hunting areas, refuges, wildlife management areas, and national forests managed by the state;
House Bill 2184, sponsored by Representative Frank Niceley (R-17), would allow any resident, who has a valid handgun carry permit, to possess his or her handgun while within the boundaries of any state park.
Please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee today at (615) 741-1351 or 1-800-449-8366 and ask him or her to support and vote “YES” on HB 132 and HB 2184 as amended.
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Nevada [4/23/07] From the NRA. Assembly Bill 95, introduced by Assemblywoman Valerie Weber (R-5), the Emergency Powers Firearms Protection measure, and Senate Bill 237, introduced by Senators Warren Hardy (R-12) and John Lee (D-1), the Senate version of the Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill, passed out of the Assembly Government Affairs Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee Committee respectively. The bills are now headed to the floors of both houses for votes prior to the April 24 first house passage deadline.
Both bills were amended in committee to increase the chances of their passage, and the new language will be available in the next few days. It is vital that NRA members contact the Assembly in support of AB 95 and the Senate on behalf of SB 237 as soon as possible.
The text of both bills, as well as contact information for the Legislature, can be found at www.leg.state.nv.us. You can also register your opinion, which is often referenced by legislators, on the legislative website home page on the right hand side of the page.Kansas [4/23/07] From the NRA. Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D) recently vetoed vital Right-to-Carry reform legislation that would allow law-abiding Kansans to protect themselves outside the home. However, a veto override session could come as early as Thursday, April 26.
House Bill 2528 would prevent cities and counties from adopting any ordinance or regulation that would contradict state firearms law. HB2528 would also prohibit a public or private entity from prohibiting a licensed Right-to-Carry permit holder from possessing a firearm, when locked inside a private motor vehicle in a publicly accessible parking lot.Please contact your State Representative and your State Senator at (800) 432-3924 and respectfully urge them to protect your Right-to-Carry by overriding Governor Sebelius’ veto
To find further contact information or help identifying your State Legislators please click here.
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Kansas [4/17] Once again, Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D) has vetoed vital legislation that would allow law-abiding Kansans to protect themselves.
House Bill 2528 would prevent cities and counties from adopting any ordinance, resolution, and regulation that would contradict state firearm legislation. HB2528 would also prohibit a public or private entity from prohibiting a licensed Right-to-Carry customer, employee, or invitee from possessing a firearm, when locked inside a private motor vehicle in a publicly accessible parking lot.Please contact your State Representative at (800) 432-3924 and your State Senator at (785) 296-2456 and respectfully urge them to protect your Right-to-Carry by overriding Governor Sebelius’ veto.
To find further contact information or help identifying your State Legislators please click here.
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Nevada [4/6] Senate Bill 237 , introduced by Senators Warren Hardy (R-12) and John Lee (D-1) passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now awaiting a vote by the full Senate. Companion bill, Assembly Bill 268, introduced by Assemblymembers James Settlemeyer (R-39) and Francis Allen (R-4) is still awaiting a vote in its respective Judiciary Committee. With a Friday, April 13 policy committee vote deadline, it is imperative that gun owners and sportsmen contact their legislators and ask that they support these important bills.
You can find the text of these bills, as well as contact information for your legislators at http://www.leg.state.nv.us/.
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New Mexico [4/3] Governor Richardson has just signed HB 588 into law, according to his staff. It becomes effective July 1st, 2007. Here's the link to the Secratary of States site indicating it has been signed.
Kansas [4/3] Kansas HB 2528 has been approved by both the state Senate and House of Representatives. It now goes to Governor Kathleen Sebilius for signature. Don't know if she will sign or not, but speculation is that she will. There should be enough votes to override a veto anyway. You can contact the Governor Here. In a nut shell, the bill does the following:
It allows any public or private employer to restrict carrying within buildings by adopting personnel policies, however, restrictions or prohibitions do not apply to parking facilities.
It allows the KBI to obtain district court or treatment facility records to determine eligibility to purchase and possess firearms.
It prohibits issuing of a CCH permit to anyone convicted of domestic violence.
It eliminates property owners ability to restrict or prohibit carry on their premises, however, a property owner can tell you not to carry on the property or ask you to leave the property and have you arrested for trespassing if you do not comply.
It will allow CCH permit holders to place the gun in the car loaded, while present in the car, meaning it can be taken off of your person while in the car.
NOTE: To clear up some misunderstandings, cities used the private property owner section of the original law to post parks, parking lots, greenways etc. This bill will prohibit them from doing that any longer.Pennsylvania [3/31] From the NRA Governor Rendell Pleads for Gun Control Measures at Pennsylvania Press Club Luncheon During his address at the Pennsylvania Press Club on Monday, March 26, Governor Ed Rendell (D) called for additional restrictions on our Second Amendment freedoms. Governor Rendell criticized lawmakers for supporting law-abiding gun owners' Right to Keep and Bear Arms, claiming, "No one who is sane and rational would vote against one handgun a month." Please contact the Governor at (717) 787-2500, your State Senator at (717) 787-5920, and your State Representative at (717) 787-2372 and respectfully urge them to oppose any gun control measures. .
Nevada [3/31] From the NRA. Important Second Amendment Bills Moving Through Nevada Legislature! SB 237, introduced by Senators Warren Hardy (R-12) and John Lee (D-1) and AB 268, introduced by Assemblymembers James Settlemeyer (R-39) and Francis Allen (R-4) the companion CCW reciprocity bills, are still awaiting a vote in their respective Judiciary Committees. With an April 13 policy committee vote deadline, it is imperative that NRA members contact their legislators and ask that they support these important bills. You can find the text of these bills, as well as contact information for your legislators at http://www.leg.state.nv.us/.
Florida [3/31] From the NRA. The Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee Passes Important Pro-Second Amendment Legislation! Senate Bill 2356, the "Individual Personal Private Property Protection Act of 2007," passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee by an overwhelming vote of 7 to 1 on Tuesday, March 27. SB 2356 would protect employees and customers from having their private vehicles searched, and protects against punitive action by anti-gun business owners who would deny your right to have a firearm in your car for protection, or other lawful purposes, when you park in a business parking lot. Please be sure to email or call members of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and thank them for protecting your rights.
Colorado [3/31] From the NRA. Attack on Right-to-Carry Heads to Governors Desk! Senate Bill 34, sponsored by State Senator John Morse (D-11), passed the House and is on its way to the desk of Governor Bill Ritter (D). If enacted, out of state concealed carry permits will no longer be honored if the permit holder is not a resident of the state that issued the permit. For example, a Florida permit issued to a non-resident will not be recognized in Colorado. Please contact Governor Ritter TODAY at (303) 866-2471 or email Governor.ritter@state.co.us and respectfully urge him to veto SB34.
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Texas [3/25] - TX legislators are hammering out a lot of good legislation. It's not all good - I've created a page for them on this link. Check it out here. Updated 3/25. Thanks Roger.
West Virginia [3/24] WVCDL Asks Governor Manchin to Veto HB 3074
On March 13, 2007, WVCDL President Jim Mullins sent Governor Joe Manchin III a letter requesting a veto of HB 3074, a severely flawed concealed handgun license reciprocity reform bill passed by the Legislature last week.
To see a copy of the WVCDL's veto request letter and background information on the decision to request a veto of this bill, please click here. If you want to urge the governor to veto this retrograde bill and send it back for more work, here is his contract information:
To send a fax: 304-342-7025
To send an e-mail: Governor@WVGov.org
To send a message via the governor's web contact form:
http://www.wvgov.org/sec.aspx?id=36
To telephone: 304-558-2000 or 1-888-438-2731 during normal business hours
The Honorable Joe Manchin, III
Office of the Governor
1900 Kanawha Blvd., E.
Charleston, WV 25305Colorado [3/24] From the NRA. Senate Bill 34 , sponsored by State Senator John Morse (D-11), passed the House Judiciary Committee today and is on its way to the House floor for a vote.
If enacted, non-resident concealed carry permits will no longer be honored if the address on the holder’s identification is different than the state where the permit was issued. For example, a Florida permit issued to a non-resident will not be recognized in Colorado. No demonstrated need has been presented to justify SB34, legislation that will potentially threaten reciprocity agreements. This bill will invalidate non-resident permit holders as well as create second-class citizens out of Colorado residents.
Please contact your State Representative TODAY at (303) 866-2904, or if outside of Denver, at (800) 811-7647 and respectfully urge him or her to oppose SB34.Texas [3/21] - TX legislators are hammering out a lot of good legislation. It's not all good - I've created a page for them on this link. Check it out here.
New Mexico [3/17] - 1 AM. HB 588 has just passed the Senate Floor. It now heads to Gov. Richardson. He has agreed to sign it. The Alcohol restriction on carrying where alcohol is sold for off-premises consumption will be lifted July 1.
SB 39 - the Castle Doctrine has had a minor amendment but it appears that it may also succeed. The session ends at noon today. ADDED: [3/18] - Chairman Al Park has failed to report SB 39 out of House Judiciary Committee. It has failed the House.
New Mexico [3/16] - 6AM! HB 588 was reported to the Senate Floor last nght around 8pm. It now must pass theSenate Floor. We have today and tomorrow morning to get that done. Unfortunately, Rep. Al Park, Chairman of House Judiciary, has stated he's not holding any more herings. That kills SB111 which is being heard in House Business & Industry this morning before the Floor session. HB 588 and SB111 are tied together. If the House doesn't hear SB111 at least throught the assigned committees, they are unlikely to hear the house bill. After all this work, both could die. Contact House Judicairy Chairman Al Park at 505-986-4411 and tell him you want him to schedule HB 588 to be heard in his committee.
SB 39 has also been referred to the House Judiciary Committee by House Consumer & Public Affairs with no recommendation. YOU MUST GET ON THOSE PHONES NOW! Most importantly for SB 39, contact House Judicairy Chairman Al Park at 505-986-4411 and tell him you want him to schedule SB 39 to be heard in his committee.
New Mexico [3/13] HB 588 has just passed the Senate Judiciary Committee 4-2. It now heads to the Senate Floor. 4-2 is a squeaker. SB 39 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee by House Consumer & Public Affairs with no recommendation. YOU MUST GET ON THOSE PHONES NOW! Most importantly for SB39, contact House Judicairy Chairman Al Park at 505-986-4411 and tell him you want him to schedule SB 39 to be heard in his committee.
Washington DC [3/9] - US Court of Appeals Overturns DC Gun Ban. Read the Appeal.
To summarize, we conclude that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms. That right existed prior to the formation of the new government under the Constitution and was premised on the private use of arms for activities such as hunting and self-defense, the latter being understood as resistance to either private lawlessness or the depredations of a tyrannical government (or a threat from abroad). In addition, the right to keep and bear arms had the important and salutary civic purpose of helping to preserve the citizen militia. The civic purpose was also a political expedient for the Federalists in the First Congress as it served, in part, to placate their Antifederalist opponents. The individual right facilitated militia service by ensuring that citizens would not be barred from keeping the arms they would need when called forth for militia duty. Despite the importance of the Second Amendment’s civic purpose, however, the activities it protects are not limited to militia service, nor is an individual’s enjoyment of the right contingent upon his or her continued or intermittent enrollment in the militia.
Illinois [3/8] - SB16
Creates the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2007. Contains only a short title provision.New Mexico [3/5] HB 588 has just passed the House 51-8. It now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Get on those phones.
New Mexico [3/4] HB 588 is now on the Speaker's Table. That means it will be on the Floor Calendar Monday 3/5/07 for passage and then it goes to the Senate. The bill passed the House Judiciary Committee Friday night 10-1 with an amendment. The amendment is minor but it does slow things down a bit. Now is the time to get on those phones. Your legislators are working today. You can find their phone numbers here.
Arkansas [3/3] From the NRA: The Arkansas Senate passed SB 268, the NRA-backed Right-to-Carry reciprocity clean-up bill introduced by Senator Steve Faris (D-27). The Senate voted to concur with technical amendments made in the House, passing the bill with no votes of opposition. The House also passed SB 268 with no votes of opposition. This bill now heads to Governor Mike Beebe (D).
South Carolina [3/3] From the NRA: The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) orchestrated a strong attack on HB 3212, the NRA-backed Right-to-Carry (RTC) reciprocity reform legislation introduced by Representative Greg Delleney (R-43). This legislation seeks to change the current conditional reciprocity standard for South Carolina recognizing valid RTC permits issued by other states to a straight recognition standard.
Please take a moment to contact your Representative at (803) 734-2010, ask him or her how he or she voted on HB 3212, and thank him or her if he or she voted in favor of it. Then contact your Senator at (803) 212-6200 and urge him or her to support HB 3212 in its current form.
West Virginia [3/3] From the NRA: Two important pro-gun pieces of legislation unanimously passed the West Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday, February 27.
House Bill 3074 would amend reciprocity requirements as well as authorize the Attorney General to execute reciprocity agreements with other states pertaining to the recognition of permits to carry concealed handguns.
Also, House Bill 2223 would restrict public access to the records of concealed carry permit holders, thus ensuring your right to privacy. Please contact your State Delegate today at (304) 340-3200 and thank him or her for their support and votes for HB3074 and HB2223!
Louisiana/PA/ND [2/28] LA St. Police are reporting they have signed reciprocity agreements with Pennsylvania and North Dakota. ND AG has posted that they have reciprocated with LA. PA AG has not posted this agreement info with LA as of this evening 2/28.
New Mexico [2/27] 10:45 PM - I just left the Roundhouse. HB 588 has just been passed by House Business & Industry 9-2. Now we move to House Judiciary. We're making progress but can't afford to not make those phone calls to your legislators showing your support of this bills. See below for Judiciary Committee phone numbers.
Pennsylvania [2/27] PA AG is reporting they have signed a reciprocity agreement with Oklahoma.
North Dakota [2/27] ND AG is reporting they have signed a reciprocity agreement with Louisiana.
South Dakota - Louisiana [2/26] SD Sec of State is reporting that they have signed a reciprocity agreement with Louisiana.
New Mexico [2/24] SB 39 has passed the Senate. It now moves to the House for Committee assignments. HB 588 has been assigned to House Business & Industry, then House Judiciary. We're making progress but can't afford to not make those phone calls to your legislators showing your support of these bills.
Kansas [2/22] Two bills have been introduced in the KS. Legislature you might be interested in: Senate Bill 185 and House Bill 2528 . Both are basically the same bill and would preempt cities from passing local ordinances concerning concealed carry. You can go to the Kansas Legislature Site and enter the bills numbers and check them and check the membership of the committees you need to contact about these bills at the above site. Let them know your opinion on these important bills. .
Montana [2/22] Montana has added Nebraska to the list of states it will honor.
South Carolina [2/22] South Carolina has added Kansas to the list of states it will honor
Texas [2/20] Texas has added Nebraska to the list of state permits it will honor.
Texas [2/18] - There is so much going on in TX this session, I have created a page to list the bills. Check it out here.
Tennessee [2/17] SB 2143 and its companion in the house HB 2184 were introduced 2/15/07. These bills would allow anyone with a valid permit to carry in Tennessee to carry in State Parks. Contact your Senators and Representatives about these important pieces of legislation.
Minnesota [2/16] From the NRA: House File 498, “Castle Doctrine” legislation sponsored by State Representative Tony Cornish (R-24B), would allow a person to use deadly force in and outside of a home or vehicle, and removes the duty to retreat when outside of the home. This legislation also provides immunity when someone is justified in using deadly force.
The House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee, which currently has the bill, may not even hear it because of anti-gun members.
Please contact your State Representative at (651) 296-2146 and respectfully ask him or her to ensure House File 498 goes before the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee.
Senate File 446, sponsored by State Senator Pat Pariseau (R-36), is the companion legislation to House File 498. This legislation is facing the same opposition as its companion ¾ including not being heard by the committee.
Please contact your State Senator at (651) 296-0504 and respectfully ask him or her to ensure the Senate Judiciary Committee hold hearings on Senate File 446 to allow law-abiding citizens to protect themselves.
Montana [2/16] House Bill 340, sponsored by State Representative Jack Wells (D-69), a broad-based self-defense bill that provides a number of specific protections for law-abiding citizens, passed the House on Second Reading on February 15, on a 57-43 vote. From here, HB 340 moves on to Third Reading, where the full House votes to move the bill to the Senate. You can reach your Legislators by calling the House Message Center at (406) 444-4800. Montana Find Bill Info Site
New Mexico [2/15] HB 588 has just passed the House Public Affairs Committee with a unanimous DO PASS. Next stop is House Business and Industry, then Judiciary. SB111 did not get heard on the Senate Floor today, as scheduled. It will be heard tomorrow. We do not anticipate any problems and expect the Senate to PASS this bill.
Handgunlaw.us & New Mexico DPS [2/15] The New Mexico Dept. Of Public Safety now supplies a link on their Concealed Carry Weapons page to Handgunlaw.us. The Ohio County Sheriffs Dept in WV also links to Handgunlaw.us. These are just two government sites we know of that link to Handgunlaw.us. These government sites, linking to us, that issue CCW's to their citizens shows their trust in Handgunlaw.us and the information we provide. We will strive to keep handgunlaw.us as up to date as possible and provide the most accurate information available on CCW laws in all the states. ........ Handgunlaw.us Administrators
ALL USA [2/14] H.R. 1022 - To reauthorize the assault weapons ban, and for other purposes. As expected. Start making those phones calls.
Kansas - South Carolina [2/13] I just received a forwarded email from Linda Fanning of SLED which deny there is a reciprocity agreement with Kansas. As far as SC is concerned Kansas is in error reporting that SC will honor a KansasPemrit. Handgunlaw.us will be updated to reflect that SC doesn't honor a KS permit. I will try and contact the Kansas authorities to find out why they have posted SC on their site.
New Mexico [02/13] - SB111 and SB 152 were heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. SB111 has been amended. The amendment passed 5-4. The amended bill then passed 8-1-1. The House version of this bill is HB163.
SB 152 met with some unexpected opposition and tied 5-5 both DO PASS and DO NOT PASS. It is on the table in Judiciary. It was tabled along party lines. We had one Democrat vote with us. Make those phone calls You can find your legislator's phone number here.
New Mexico [02/10] - SB111 and SB 152 were not heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee as scheduled due to a short hearing day. Both bills will be carried over on Monday 02/12. SB111 has been amended. The House version is HB163.
Kansas - South Carolina [2/9] - Kansas Attorney General is reporting that South Carolina will honor a Kansas Permit. SC is not reporting this. The SC SLED Site format was changed and they posted the previous list of states they honored. Missouri is missing from their list of states now. I have emailed them twice and they have still not updated the listing. Others might think about contacting them at (803) 896-7013 asking them to update their site.
Colorado [2/8] - HB 1278 would allow cities to pass ordinances to ban unlicensed car carry. The Colorado courts struck down Denver's law trying to ban unlicensed car carry. Contact the Judiciary Committee and let them know where you stand on this bill.
Nebraska [2/7] - If you are in Nebraska PLEASE e-mail your state senator about the patchwork of local gun laws. The Preemption Law (LB695) is needed very badly. If you want a template for a letter, go here: Letter
Kansas [2/5] New link for Kansas Reciprocity that also lists states that honor Kansas Permit updated from earlier notice
Arkansas [2/4] Stand Your Ground HB1027 is in the Judiciary Committee. Check out the bill and Call/Email the members of the Committee to let them know where you stand on this bill.
New Mexico - [2/3] SB 39 - Justifiable Use Of Defensive Force receives DO PASS - vote 6-2 from Senate Public Affairs Committee. Headed to Senate Judiciary next.
Nebraska [2/3] Nebraska Unicameral Legislature is in session and a Firearms Preemption Bill has been introduced. Contact your Senator and let them know what you think of the bill. The bill is not faring very well as a straw poll showed little support. Your assistance is needed to move this bill forward.
Texas - North Carolina - Louisiana [1/31] Texas, North Carolina and Louisiana will now honor a Kansas Permit. KS already has these three states listed as states KS will honor.
New Mexico [1/31] - ALCOHOL PROVISION!
We were heard in the SENATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE last night. We had great support from New Mexico State Police Chief Segotta and Adjutant Chief Newman, who spoke in favor these Bills. Chief Segotta is a strong supporter of Concealed Carry and your right to protect yourself.SB111 by State Senator Stuart Ingle (R-Portales), SB 167 by State Senator
William Sharer (R-Farmington) and SB 168 by State Senator Steven Neville
(R-Aztec) would allow Concealed Handgun Licenses to protect themselves in
establishments which sell alcohol for off-premises consumption.NEW- [01/30] We've done well this far. 6-1 to Do Pass - Thanks to all your calls. They were definitely brought up. SB-167 was tabled [essentially dead] but that was expected. SB111& SB 168 made it with no real problems.This is only the first step in getting these Bills passed. Word in the capitol is positive on these but we may need more of your calls later, as we move through the system. Next stop for these Bills is Senate Judiciary Committee. I'll keep you posted.-------------------
CASTLE DOCTRINE! HB 163 Heard in HOUSE CONSUMER & PUBLIC AFFAIRS - and FAILEDTabled. As expected, Rep. Al Park spent a good deal of time making his case against anything we present. He was effective in swaying the vote of one Junior Representative.State Representative Gayle Chasey (D-18, Chairman), 986-4844 - DO NOT PASS
State Representative Irvin Harrison (D-5, Vice-Chair), 986-4248 - Not present
State Representative Thomas Anderson (R-29), 986-4452 - PASS
State Representative Nora Espinoza (R-59), 986-4221 - PASS
State Representative Moe Maestas (D-16), 986-4464 - DO NOT PASS
State Representative Al Park (D-26), 986-4411 - DO NOT PASS - This is Chair Of Judiciary - Make Phone Calls!
State Representative Dub Williams (R-56), 986-4454 - PASSI'll keep you all advised as we make progress or lose ground on these Bills.Thanks for your calls. They DID command attention in both houses.Montana [1/30] Montana has added Kansas to the list of state it will honor.
Montana DOJ List of States it Honors
Colorado [1/29] Colorado has added Kansas to the list of states it will honor. This info will be updated on Handgunlaw.us in the next 24 hours. KS already honors a CO permit to carry.CO - http://cbi.state.co.us/ccw/reciprocity.asp
KS - http://www.ksag.org/Concealed_Weapon/Out-of-State%20Recognitionandreciprocity.PDF
New Mexico [1/28] NM Representative Justine Fox-Young has introduced two bills that need your support. Please contact your Legislators and ask them to support HB-520 and HB-522. HB-520 LIFE IMPRISONMENT WITH NO PAROLE and HB-522 VIOLENT FELONIES FOR SENTENCING.
New Mexico [1/28] NM Representative John Heaton has introduced HB-588. HB588 CONCEALED HANDGUNS IN CERTAIN BUSINESSES
Nevada [1/27 From the NRA/ILA - Nevada's 2007 Legislative Session begins Monday, February 5, and prior to the start of session, NRA is asking its members to contact their legislators and ask them to co-author Senator John Lee's (D- Clark, No. 1) BDR-45 when it is assigned a bill number. This bill seeks to remove the exemption for Clark County from the state firearm preemption law, passed in 1989, which prohibits cities and counties from regulating firearms. This would eliminate, among other local laws, the handgun registration ordinance currently in effect in Clark County and restore continuity for law-abiding Nevadans traveling county to county with their firearms. It is vital that Senator John Lee head to Carson City with as much steam for this bill as we can provide! Please contact your State Assembly member at (775) 684-8555 and your State Senator at (775) 684-1400 in support of BDR-45.
United States [1/27] From the NRA/ILA - U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) recently introduced S. 388--the Senate version of H.R. 226, a national Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill that would provide national reciprocity for state carry licensees. This legislation 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 they meet certain criteria. The bill would not create a federal licensing system; it would simply require the states to recognize each other's carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses.
For more information on these bills, please visit www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?ID=189.
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Senators and Representative and ask them to cosponsor and support S. 388 and H.R. 226! You can call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121.
Georgia [1/25] Both House and Senate have bills that would prohibit certain employers from prohibiting employees from lawfully carrying and possessing firearms in locked motor vehicles; to provide for immunity for employers who allow employees to possess firearms in locked vehicles on the premises of such employer;
Atlanta Constitution Article http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/legis07/stories/2007/01/24/0124metlegguns.html
SB 43: http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2007_08/search/sb43.htm
HB 143: http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2007_08/search/hb143.htm
Kansas [1/19] Kansas has re posted the list of state permits it will honor. They have also posted that they will only honor permits from residents of the states they honor. Here is what their AG's web page states.
A non-resident concealed carry licensee from a state recognized by the state of Kansas must: (1) be a resident of the state where the license was issued; (2) be able to show proof of licensure and residency from the state of issuance; and (3) abide by Kansas concealed carry laws while traveling, visiting or working in this state.
New Mexico [1/19] - The New Mexico Legislature convened this week for its regular 60-day session, and several bills of interest to you have already been filed. SB 111 by Sen. Stuart Ingle (R-Portales), SB 167 by Sen. William Sharer (R-Farmington) & SB 168 by Sen. Steven Neville (R-Aztec) would allow Concealed Handgun Licenses to protect themselves in establishments which sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. Sen. Shannon Robinson (D-Albuquerque) & Rep. John Heaton (D-Carlsbad) have introduced NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine"/self-defense statute reform legislation in their respective chambers: SB 39 & HB 163.
West Virginia [1/18] Organizational meeting for the West Virginia Citizens Defense League
On Saturday, January 27, 2007, from 2 PM to 4 PM, the first organizational meeting of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League will be held at Shoney's in Star City (near Morgantown). This is an open invitation to all concerned law-abiding gun owners and Second Amendment supporters in West Virginia. http://www.wvcdl.orgSouth Carolina [1/18] - H 3212 will amend SC law to honor all other states permits. Bill - http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess117_2007-2008/bills/3212.htm Legislature- http://www.scstatehouse.net/index.html
West Virginia [1/17] - WV Senate Bill 26 would change WV reciprocity giving AG control of Reciprocity and honoring all states that honored WV permit. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bill_status.cfm
