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Alabama – 11/28/12 - Alabama Democratic lawmaker pushing law to allow gun storage at work
A Democratic state senator is pushing legislation that would require Alabama businesses and property owners to allow employees to transport and store handguns or ammunition at work.
Sen. Roger Bedford, the sponsor of the bill, told The Montgomery Advertiser that SB24 is aimed at increasing personal safety. Complete Story Here.Colorado – 11/28/12 - Colorado Legislature to Consider Assault Weapons Ban
The conversation on gun control is getting louder (than) ever since the theater shootings this summer. Many victims of the shooting and their families say now is the time to take a stance. They’re lobbying the legislature to pass stricter laws during the coming legislative session. [...] Representative Beth McCann and Representative Rhonda Fields are co-sponsoring a bill that would ban the sale and possession of assault weapons and high capacity magazines. Complete Story Here.Kansas – 11/28/12 - Kansas Concealed Carriers Commit Fewer Crimes Than Other Citizens
Few Kansans who hold a concealed-carry gun permit have been charged with a firearm-related crime, statistics show. Of the 51,078 permits issued in Kansas since the law took effect in 2007, just 44 permit holders were charged with a crime committed while using a firearm, according to records from the Kansas attorney general's office. Complete Story Here.New York – 11/28/12 - Court Of Appeals Panel Upholds Constitutionality Of NY Restrictions On Concealed Weapon Permits
A federal Court of Appeals panel has rejected a constitutional challenge to New York's handgun licensing law, a ruling state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is hailing as a major victory for public safety. Complete Story Here.
Florida – 11/16/12 – Don’t Expect Much Change in Stand Your Ground Law as Scott Panel Completes Work.
A group tasked by Gov. Rick Scott with reviewing the state’s “stand your ground” self defense law appears unlikely to recommend any major revamping of the statute, although it will make suggestions for additional study by lawmakers. Story Here.
Louisiana – 11/16/12 – Louisiana Passes Very Strong RTBA’s Amendment
The second Amendment on the November 6 ballot was appropriately about the Right for Citizens to keep and bear arms. That may have been one of the easiest sells in the 2012 election, with a staggering 74-percent of voters turning out a yes (a total of 1,333,269 voters from 64 parishes, against 481,733 no's). Story Here.
Texas – 11/16/12 – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott Issues Favorable Opinion On NRA-Backed Employee/Parking Lot Protection Law!
Last week, the NRA-ILA updated you on the recent hearing by the Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee which included a review of the implementation of Senate Bill 321, the NRA-backed employee/parking lot protection legislation sponsored by state Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) and Representative Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington) that was enacted during the 2011 legislative session. Story Here.
Handgunlaw.us - 10/26/12 - OK, LA, MD & NM Updates – Min Age for Possession/Transporting
Oklahoma starting Nov 1 will allow those from “Permitless Carry” states to carry in Oklahoma with just their state issued ID. Those states that Oklahoma will let its citizens carry in Oklahoma are, Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming. Oklahoma’s law on carrying does not spell out a minimum age for those in Permitless states carrying in OK but they do state you have to be 21 to carry with a permit/license issued n another state. So I would believe they will enforce the 21 Y/O rule on permitless carry. OK will also become an Open Carry State on 11/1/12.
OK WILL NOT allow those from Illinois to Carry in Oklahoma. Illinois is a Permitless State not a Permitless Carry state. Arizona, Alaska and Vermont will allow Illinois residents to carry in their states under their Constitutional Carry Laws or Vermont who has no law against Concealed Carry.
Louisiana will vote Nov. 6 on a new Constitutional Amendment. Amendment 2 changes the wording of the states constitution to state: “The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.” Some are stating that after the courts decide on issues brought up by this new amendment that this has a good chance of making Louisiana a Constitutional Carry state or at minimum making carrying firearms for self defense less restrictive. Time and the vote will tell. I have not seen any polling etc about the chances of Amendment 2 passing Nov. 6.
The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is taking comments on a rule change to allow carry in New Mexico State Parks. You can drop them a comment on your concerns on this subject at april.alvarado@state.nm.us The cutoff date for comments is Oct 31.
A federal appeals court heard arguments Wednesday on Maryland’s controversial requirement that legal gun owners have a “good and substantial reason” to carry concealed weapons. A previous Court struck that part of MD’s law making MD a Shall Issue state. Appeals have kept MD May Issue. It doesn’t matter which way this court rules this case will go to the US Supreme Court before it is settled. There will be a long and drawn out process before we have a definite court answer.
In the “Notes Section” of each States Page at www.handgunlaw.us We have added the Minimum Age for a person without a permit/license to possess and transport a handgun. I have received many question asking this question and finally decided to add that info for each state. If you have any questions about what I have listed as the minimum age or any questions about Handgunlaw.us drop me an email at admins@handgunlaw.us
New Mexico – 10/13/12
Notice of public hearing and rulemaking
The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division will hold a public hearing on proposed rule amendments at 6:30 p.m. on October 17, 2012 in Porter Hall (first floor), Wendell Chino Building, 1220 South Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
New Mexico – 9/7/12 NM Supreme Court Ruling on Taking Possession of Firearms During Stop.
The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that police can take possession of a firearm during a stop for the safety of all involved. My contacts are telling me this goes against previous rulings made by the NM Supreme Court. You can read the Decision Here. The link to this ruling can be found on the New Mexico Page.
Oklahoma - 9/6/12 Oklahoma to Honor Other States Constitutional Carry
Starting November 1, 2012 Oklahoma will allow those from Constitutional Carry States the right to carry in Oklahoma Under their state Constitutional Carry Law. At this time this new law only applies to Residents of Alaska, Arizona, Vermont and Wyoming. The AZ, AK, VT and WY pages at www.handgunlaw.us will be updated to show this change on or about Nov 1, 2012. I don’t want to make changes on those pages until the law takes effect. Here is the law as passed and signed by the Governor.
21 O.S. Section 1290.26 (Effective Date of This New Law 11/1/12 as Amended by SB 1785)
B. Any person entering this state in possession of a firearm authorized for concealed carry upon the authority of a state that is a nonpermitted carry state and the person is in compliance with the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, the person is authorized to carry a concealed firearm in this state. The firearm must be carried fully concealed from detection and view, and upon coming in contact with any peace officer of this state, the person must disclose the fact that he or she is in possession of a concealed firearm pursuant to the nonpermitting laws of the state in which he or she is a legal resident. The person shall present proper identification by a valid photo ID as proof that he or she is a legal resident in such a non-permitting state. The Department of Public Safety shall keep a current list of non-permitting states for law enforcement officers to confirm that a state is nonpermitting.
Kentucky - 9/6/12 Kentucky to allow Concealed Carry Without Permit in Some LocationsKentucky opened up their carry law just a little. Allowing people to carry concealed on property without a permit/license in certain instances. Here is the law as signed by the Governor.
KRS 527.020 (As amended by HB484 )
(9) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a person who carries a concealed deadly weapon on or about his or her person without a license issued pursuant to KRS 237.110:
(a) If he or she is the owner of the property or has the permission of the owner of the property, on real property which he or she or his or her spouse, parent, grandparent, or child owns;
(b) If he or she is the lessee of the property or has the permission of the lessee of the property, on real property which he or she or his or her spouse, parent, grandparent, or child occupies pursuant to a lease; or
(c) If he or she is the sole proprietor of the business, on real property owned or leased by the business.
New Mexico - 8/10/12 For your planning purposes:
The Energy, Mineral & Natural Resources Department will hold a public meeting on the proposed rule change to allow Concealed Carry in NM State Parks on October 17 in Santa Fe.
More details will follow.
Handgunlaw.us - 6/15/12 - Updates
Wisconsin has put another quirk in how states honor other states. This is what is on their website now!
*West Virginia passed a new law effective 6/9/12 that requires a background check similar to Wisconsin for all new concealed carry licenses issued. Therefore, a West Virginia license ISSUED OR RENEWED AFTER 6/8/12 is recognized in Wisconsin. Previously issued West Virginia licenses are not. West Virginia has not stated yet whether they will honor Wisconsin. http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/ConcealedCarry/ConcealedCarry.aspSo WV permits are honored but only those issued after 6/8/12. It will be 5 years before all WV permits issued will be renewed and until then some in WV will not be legal in WI. If a WV resident needs for their WV permit to be valid in WI talk to your local Sheriff. There is a good chance they would renew it years earlier if you want to spend the money.
Virginia has passed a Parking Lot Storage Law that only covers Local Government Employees. At least those people can keep their firearms locked up in their vehicle when the go to work by law. Private employees can still ban firearms on their property and in their parking lots. This law covering local government workers goes into effect 7/1/12. http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+sum+HB375
On a final note Missouri Legislature passed HB1647 and sent it to the Governor. From all I have heard the Governor will sign the bill shortly. This bill will allow Active Duty Military Personnel 18 to 20 Y/O to obtain a permit/license to carry in Missouri. The only drawback to this bill is that it may cost Missouri some Reciprocity Agreements as some states will not honor other states if they issue to those under 21 Y/O. Time will tell. http://www.house.mo.gov/billsummary.aspx?bill=HB1647&year=2012&code=R
Handgunlaw.us - 5/23/12 - Updates
Texas has changed their Reciprocity Page. They no longer list the states they honor they have a map you click on to see if your state is honored by them. They do show any agreements or why they honor that state but it will be more difficult to find out if they add a state as previously they just listed the states they would honor. The drop down menu to choose a state to look at lists if it is reciprocal/Unilateral/No Agreement out from each states name. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/CHL/legal/reciprocity/index.htm
There are people working on getting Delaware to relist New Mexico as a state they will honor. DE law on reciprocity says they should honor NM but they removed NM as a state they would honor a couple weeks back because of the confusion in the NM DPS and who they honored. . Hoping this happens. http://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/crime/concealedweapons.shtml
I have added a section to most state pages titled “Must Inform Officer” on www.handgunlaw.us - I had this section for states that required by law that you had to inform an office right away on any official contact. I am now adding it to every page showing a state statute/Administrative Rule that you must carry your permit/license and/or present it to the office if ask. There are a few states that don’t have this in their law or even state you must carry your permit/license when carrying. Utah has no such Law/Regulation stating you must carry it.
Handgunlaw.us - 5/18/12 - Updates
Delaware has dropped New Mexico from the list of states it honors. NM has not add/removed any states from the list of states it honors in over three weeks now.
Washington State Dept of Licensing Firearms Unit is going to a different format for their CPL. It will be more the size of a Drivers license to make it easier to carry. www.handgunlaw..us is very interested in obtaining an image of the new Washington CPL. Now if we can get Washington to honor more states!
Nevada has made it official. They will start honoring South Carolina July 1, 2012
http://nvrepository.state.nv.us/Docs/2012-05-09_CCW_Recognition2012.pdfHandgunlaw.us is adding “Must Inform Officer” Section to every state page. This section will give the law on must display on demand etc if a state has such a law. The states that have a law stating you must inform right away already have that information. Many people don’t realize that some states require that you must inform the officer right away that you have a permit/license and must inform them upon contact. Some are reading, “Must Inform Officer” NO and thinking you don’t have to ever tell them you have a firearm or present your Permit/License if ask. This is mainly new carries who have not been exposed to all the ins and outs of carrying in the different states. I am having difficulty finding anything for AL, CA, DE, GA, HI, ID, MA NH, NJ, RI and UT laws stating you must carry and display your permit/license. Any assistance would be appreciated with these states if you have any information.
Handgunlaw.us - 5/11/12 - Upates
NM DPS relisted most of the states they had dropped in the last few months. But they didn’t put South Carolina and Kentucky back on their list. Also Louisiana has not added NM back on the list of states those states honor. WV, OH & FL did add NM Back to their lists. As soon as Wyoming sees they are not listed on the NM DPS Page they will drop NM.
July 1, 2012 Mississippi will honor all other states permit/licenses. That is 23 additional states they will honor. Other states will add Mississippi soon after 7/1 because they will now honor theirs. HB 695 was signed by the Governor in May.
On July 1, 2012 Nevada will add South Carolina to the list of states it honors. Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association voted to add SC and this year and voted not to drop any of the other states they honor. Let’s hope this trend continues.
OK Governor signed SB1785 https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/legislation/53rd/2012/2R/SB/1785.pdf
That will allow Residents from nonpermitting carry states to carry in Oklahoma. The new law goes into effect in November. Looks like it will cover residents of Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming as these states allow permitless carry. They must carry their state issued Drivers License or State ID to show they are a resident of a permitless carry state.. I am hoping the Oklahoma OSBI lists those states whose residents will be able to carry on just their state ID.www.handgunlaw..us has been updated to show the changes mentioned above that are in effect at this time. Others will be added when they become law. I also what to “Thank” everyone for the kind words you have had for Handgunlaw.us in the past. I believe Handgunlaw.us has the most accurate and up to date information on carrying firearms on the web. Yes I do work at it but it is the people who send me information and give me heads up on changes that make it what it is today. I could never do this by myself. Without assistance from people just like you Handgunlaw.us would not be what it is today. Again “Thank You” for all your assistance over the years. I hope you continue to assist us as your input has proven invaluable.
Handgunlaw.us - 5/1/12 - New Mexico Update
New Mexico last Friday dropped numerous states from the list of states they honored. Today they changed their listing and added back most of the states to their list. They did not add back South Carolina or Kentucky. WV, OH and LA have already removed NM from the list of states they will honor. I am hoping they will put them back on their list. Here is what the New Mexico DPS is reporting as of may 1, 2012.
New Mexico currently recognizes concealed carry permits from or has reciprocal agreements with the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Reciprocity Agreements | New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Handgunlaw.us 4/30/12 - New Mexico Drops Numerous States
New Mexico has dropped Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas & West Virginia from the list of states they honored.
New Mexico will now only honor 5 states which are Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota & Oklahoma.
Of the states they dropped.
Colorado, Delaware, Louisiana, Ohio and West Virginia will drop New Mexico for sure as these states require Signed Agreements or the other state must honor them before they will honor that state.Arkansas and Texas will most likely drop New Mexico but I am not 100% positive on that but 99% sure they will from what both states have done in the past.
Kansas will continue to honor New Mexico as they list states they will honor based on a states law being similar to theirs without the other state honoring them.
Michigan & Tennessee honor all other states and will continue to honor New Mexico.
Handgunlaw.us 4/27/12 - New Mexico Drops Arizona – KY Sup Ct Rules on Car Storage on Campus
Arizona DPS is reporting that New Mexico no longer honors the Arizona Permit/License to Carry. I had been hearing rumors this was going to happen. I have been hearing there are a couple more they may drop. Time will tell. http://www.azdps.gov/Services/Concealed_Weapons/Reciprocity/
The KY Supreme Court ruled that a firearm locked in a vehicle in a University Parking lot was not a violation of the School rules/policies. Univ. of Kentucky fired an employee who had a firearm locked in his vehicle. The Court ruled that he had a right to keep it there and it was a violation for them to fire him under state law. There is a link to this Decision on the Kentucky page.
Handgunlaw.us 4/26/12 - Quirks in Who Honors Who! We have added a Notice Page when you click on Create a Map at Handgunlaw.us It explains the quirks in how states honor each other. Not a big fan of these type pages but I believe it works the best to warn people about quirks in how some states honor each other. To see those quirks click on Create a Map in the left column at Handgunlaw.us
There is another quirk I am trying to get info on. NC states they will honor all other states permit/licenses. They have listed NH as resident permits only. This is not them stating that NH will only honor NC’s Resident permit. I have a copy of the agreement they signed. NH States that their Non Resident is not covered in the agreement and for NC not to honor it. Since NC’s law has changed to honoring all since they signed the agreement they should honor the NH Non Resident now. Trying to get them to remove that note from their website. http://www.ncdoj.com/About-DOJ/Law-Enforcement-Training-and-Standards/Law-Enforcement-Liason/Concealed-Weapon-Reciprocity.aspx
Mississippi Governor signed House Bill No. 695. Come July 1, 2012 Mississippi will honor all other state permit/licenses. Here is a breakdown of just how many states honor other states permit/licenses to carry.
Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Vermont will honor any Permit/License to Carry a Concealed Firearm from any state. Come July 1, 2012 Mississippi will honor all other states Permit/Licenses. That is 15 states that honor all others.
Arkansas Honors 38 other states.
Colorado Honors 30 other states.
Florida Honors 34 other states.
Louisiana Honors 38 other states.
Montana honors 41 other states.
Nebraska honors 35 other states.
North Dakota honors 36 other states.
Texas honors 41 other states.
Wisconsin honors 31 other states.
Wyoming honors 32 other states.
8 other states honor at least 20 but less than 30 other states.
8 other states honor at least 8 but less than 20 other states.
8 states do not honor any other states permit/license.
Then we have Illinois and DC that don’t even have permit/licenses.
NSSF Report - [2/17/12] - National Shooting Sports Foundation NSSF Report Handguns - 2011 Consumer Study on Ownership and Usage. Please download to open - Right-Click Here, 'Save Target As'. This is a 6.8 meg files and opening it on-line here will eat bandwidth.
Handgunlaw.us – (2/21/12) Many times we can’t understand why a RKBA’s group would oppose some laws that sound really good to us. Laws are tricky things. The VCDL came out opposing Castle Doctrine Bills in Virginia. You need to read why they are doing this and how this great sounding law was not right for Virginia and how it could hurt their rights in Virginia to defend themselves as it was introduced. This is one of those times the Liberal Press can put out a headline that makes a RKBA’s group look like it is going against their members when just the opposite is true. Story Here (See VA story below for more information on this story.)
Florida – (2/21/12) - Stand Your Ground Law' Faces Another Court Test
After failing to persuade judges to dismiss charges under the provisions of the Stand Your Ground law, Donald Montanez will be allowed to ask jurors to consider the law in deciding whether to convict. The controversial law – derided by one gun-control advocate as the "right-to-commit-murder law" – eliminated the legal requirement for people to retreat to a safer place before using deadly force to defend against a threat outside their home or business. Under the previous law, people who felt in danger could not use deadly force against attackers outside their homes unless they could not get away. Story Here
Minnesota – (2/21/12) (From the NRA) Stand Your Ground, Universal Recognition & Emergency Powers Reform Bill Up for Vote.
The Minnesota Senate is scheduled to vote on House File 1467 this Thursday, February 23. HF 1467 has been one of the NRA’s top legislative priorities since its introduction last year and was recently passed in the Senate Finance Committee by a 10 to 5 vote. This important legislation, sponsored by state Senator Gretchen Hoffman (R-10) and state Representative Tony Cornish (R-24B), is expected to face a close vote and your support is needed if we want to pass important pro-gun reforms. Story Here
Oklahoma – (2/21/12) - Lawmakers Draw Up Gun Bills
Dozens of firearm-related bills filed by Oklahoma lawmakers seek to, among other things, expand the state’s open carry laws, expand where guns may be legally kept and expand the scope of the self-defense law. Story HereVirginia – (2/21/12) Senate Tackles 4 Gun Bills
Today, the Virginia Senate took action on four pro-gun bills previously passed by the House of Delegates. Of particular note, was the Senate passage of House Bill 48 by a 24 to 16 vote. This bill was amended by the Senate Courts of Justice Committee to address concerns that HB 48 would negatively impact your right to self-defense. This bill was previously in Criminal Code 18.2 but put into the Civil Procedures section, 8.01. In addition, the following language was added: This section shall not be construed to limit, withdraw, or overturn any defense or immunity already existing in statutory or common law prior to the effective date of this law. Story Here
Virginia – (2/21/12) Senate Panel OK’s Local Government Employees to Keep Guns In Cars At Work
Employees would be able to keep guns in the vehicles in the parking lots of local government buildings as long as they are locked up under a measure passed Monday by the Senate Courts of Justice Committee. The bill sponsored by Del. Brenda Pogge, R-James City County, was moved to the Senate floor on a 9-6 party line vote. The proposal passed the full House of Delegates earlier this month. Story HereWyoming - (2/21/12) HB-70 Court Security Bill is a Sneak Attack at Expanding Gun Free Zones
Tell them to vote no on HB-70 Court Security – a bill disguised as a court security measure – when in fact it specifies a change to current law making “Any COUNTY BUILDING containing a district or circuit court” a gun free zone. Make no mistake this is an under the radar push to create additional gun control in Wyoming. Story Here
Arizona – (2/17/12) (From the NRA) Legislation to Strengthen the Second Amendment Rights of Individuals on Public Property Advances for House Floor Vote
On February 15, House Bill 2729 was given a “do pass” recommendation in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee (MAPS) by a 6 to 2 vote. HB 2729, sponsored by state Representative David Gowan (R-30), among other things, amends various sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S) to remove the current prohibition on entering a public establishment or attending any public event while carrying a deadly weapon on one’s person, and instead provides for regulation of firearms and ammunition on public property only if specific criteria are met. Story Here
Colorado - (2/17/12) (From the NRA) Two Pro-Gun Bills Up for Final Passage in the State House on Monday
On Monday, February 20, the Colorado House of Representatives will vote on final passage of two pro-gun bills, House Bill 1064 and House Bill 1092. Carry during a declared emergency and permitless carry. Story Here
DC – (2/17/12) Next Steps for D.C. Gun Rights
The D.C. City Council is working on legislation this month that could ease some of the gun restrictions in the nation’s capital. Story Here
Georgia – (2/17/12) Bill Proposes Massive Overhaul to Georgia Gun Laws
"Georgians would be allowed to carry concealed weapons in bars, public schools, most government buildings, college campuses and other locations under a sweeping gun bill filed in the House." "In addition to banishing many current restrictions, House Bill 981 would prevent police or the National Guard from disarming people during states of emergency, and it would allow citizens to sue if that occurred." Story HereVirginia – (2/17/12) (From the NRA) House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee Sends Four Pro-Gun Bills to the House Floor
Today, the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee passed four pro-gun bills, sending them to the House of Delegates for consideration next week. During its meeting this morning, the committee passed legislation to strengthen your Second Amendment rights during a declared state of emergency as well as two bills that would streamline the concealed carry permit process. The fourth bill passed in committee was the Senate companion of House Bill 940, one-gun-a-month repeal, which was recently passed in the Senate and sent to Governor Bob McDonnell. However, one NRA-supported bill, Senate Bill 429, was carried over until next year. Story Here
Illinois - (2/16/12) McCann Introduces Bill to Eliminate FOID Cards
The program that issues mandatory ID cards to gun owners in Illinois would be discontinued under legislation proposed by state Sen. Sam McCann, R-Carlinville. Senate Bill 3340 would repeal the Firearms Owner’s Identification Act. McCann said the act prevents law-abiding citizens from exercising their rights under the Second Amendment. Story Here
Iowa – (2/16/12) HJR 2005 and HF 2114 Watered Down in CommitteeHJR 2005 and HF 2114 were debated in the House Public Safety Committee (PSC) today. Unfortunately for gun owners in Iowa, the true intent of both of these pieces of legislation was evidently lost on the Chairman of the committee. Representative Clel Baudler sided with the Democrat members of the committee, and both bills were watered down to the point of being useless. Story Here
Oregon – (2/16/12) (From the NRA) Confidentiality Bill Needs Your Immediate Help!
Yesterday, NRA-supported House Bill 4045 passed in the state House of Representatives by a 44 to 14 vote. HB 4045 has been forwarded to the Oregon Senate, but has not yet been assigned to a committee. Sponsored by state Representative Kim Thatcher (R-25), HB 4045 would provide for the confidentiality of Concealed Handgun License holders’ personal information. Information Here
Pennsylvania – (2/16/12) Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill Postponed Until March
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has again postponed its second consideration of the NRA-backed House Bill 1523 - this time until the week of March 12. House Bill 1523, sponsored by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. Story Here
Tennessee – (2/16/12) Tennessee Parking Lot Storage Bill Introduced.
You can read the Bill Here
Virginia – (2/16/12) Weapon-Permit Secrecy Bill DiesA state Senate committee has killed a bill to close concealed-weapons permit information to public view.
Del. Mark Cole, R–Spotsylvania, said he brought the bill because he doesn’t think concealed-carry permits should be public, the way marriage licenses and divorce decrees are. Story Here
D.C. - [1/27/12] (From the NRA) City Council Public Hearing Concerning Firearms Amendment Act of 2011!
On Monday, January 30, the District of Columbia City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Bill 19-614, the Firearms Amendment Act of 2011. This hearing will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber of the John A. Wilson Building. Complete story Here.
Hawaii - [1/27/12] (From the NRA) Bills to Watch Out For as Legislature Picks up Steam
The 2012 Hawaii legislative season began on January 18, and with the January 25 bill introduction deadline having passed, the following gun-related measures are what remain from 2011 and what have been introduced for this year. Of the measures listed below, the most onerous are House Bill 441, House Bill 834, House Bill 2028 and Senate Bill 2975. We will keep you abreast of any and all developments on these bills as the session progresses. Story Here.
Maine - [1/27/12] (From the NRA) Firearm-Related Bills Expected to be Heard on Monday
This Monday at 10:00 a.m. in room 436 of the State House, the Joint Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee is scheduled to hear two firearm-related bills of interest to Maine gun owners. Story Here.
South Dakota - [1/27/12] (From the NRA) House Judiciary Committee to Hear Employee Protection Legislation on Monday, January 30!
On Monday, January 30, NRA-backed legislation that would prohibit employers from preventing employees from lawfully storing firearms in their locked personal vehicles will be heard in the state House Judiciary Committee. Introduced by House Speaker Val Rausch (R-4) and sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Russell Olson (R-8), House Bill 1132 is one of the NRA’s top priorities in this legislative session. Story Here.
Virginia - [1/27/12] (From the NRA) Senate Passes Emergency Powers Legislation, Senate Committee Forced to Re-Vote on Gun Bills
Today, the Virginia Senate passed Senate Bill 245 by a decisive 34 to 5 vote. Sponsored by state Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26), SB 245 would update Virginia’s Emergency Powers statute by adding lawful carrying and transportation of firearms to the list of actions that cannot be prohibited during a declaration of emergency. This legislation will now be sent to the House of Delegates for consideration. Story Here.
Virginia - [1/11/12] (From the NRA) 2012 General Assembly Session Officially Convened Today!
Today, the Virginia General Assembly convened its 2012 legislative session and NRA members can expect an active session with many bills relating to our Second Amendment rights. As of today eleven pro RKBA's bills have been introduced. To see those bills go Here.
Nebraska - [1/9/12] Three NRA-Backed Bills Introduced in Legislature
Last Thursday, the second day of the 2012 Nebraska regular legislation session, three NRA-sponsored bills were introduced in the Nebraska Senate. Each of these bills will likely be sent to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration. Parking Lot Storage, strengthen the existing Castle Doctrine and more. Story Here
New Hampshire [1/5/12] House Approves Constitutional Carry
The House has voted to make New Hampshire the fourth state to eliminate the need for a permit to carry concealed, loaded guns anyplace where gun possession is legal. The House voted 193-122 Thursday to make the permits optional. Gun owners could still get them so they could travel to states with reciprocal permit agreements. The bill also would increase from four to five years the length of time a permit is valid. The bill also would make it legal to transport unlicensed guns. The House passed a similar bill last session, but the Senate postponed action on it until this year… (Other than federal registration of NFA firearms, New Hampshire has no permit or registration system to own firearms, making me wonder about the reference to transporting "unlicensed guns.")
http://www.wmur.com/r/30140798/detail.html
Georgia – [12/8/11] (From K&BA’s] Gun Owners Going for ‘Constitutional Carry’
"Licensing should not be part of exercising the right to keep and bear arms, the grassroots group Georgia Gun Owners asserts in a press release issued today. Announcing the pre-filing of the Georgia 'Constitutional Carry' Act of 2012 (HB679) by State Representative Jason Spencer, the bill promises to eliminate the requirement to have a Georgia Weapons Carry License to carry firearms openly or concealed, as is currently established lawful practice in Vermont, Alaska, Arizona and Wyoming. Story HereGeorgia - [12/8/11] (From K&BA's) Georgia Tech Students Push for Guns on Campus
"The battle for guns on the campus of Georgia Tech is on -- one group is teaming up with a national organization to convince officials to allow them to carry guns at the school."
"'We just had a robbery last night,' Andrés Celedón, chairman of the Georgia Tech College Republicans, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 'It's just really allowing kids a way to defend themselves.'" Story HereIndiana - [12/8/11] (From K&BA’s] Proposed Bill Would Allow Guns On College Campuses
"College Students Could Soon be Able to Carry Guns on Public Campuses
"Republican Sen. Jim Banks of Columbia City has introduced legislation that would allow licensed gun owners to have firearms on campus." Story HereWisconsin - [12/8/11] (From the NRA) Castle Doctrine Legislation Signed into Law
Yesterday, Governor Scott Walker signed into law important self-defense legislation for the citizens of Wisconsin. Commonly known as the “Castle Doctrine,” Assembly Bill 69 will provide essential protections for law-abiding citizens who defend themselves and their families from a criminal looking to do them harm. This new law took effect immediately. Story Here
New Hampshire - [12/2/11] (From K&BA) N.H. to Vote on Bill to Allow Firearms on College Campuses
"The N.H. House of Representatives will vote on a new bill in January that, if passed, will allow firearms to be carried on college campuses."
"Currently, the majority of the N.H. House is in support of bill HB-0334, which, if put into effect, would give the state sole authority over gun regulations, meaning that universities in the state would no longer have the power to ban firearms from their campuses. The new bill would mean that guns would be allowed anywhere on campus, including dorms and classrooms." Complete Story Here.
North Carolina - [12/2/11] (From K&BA) City Wise to Exempt Most Parks From New Law
"The Winston-Salem City Council did the right thing last week when it exempted most city parks from a new state law allowing those with concealed-carry permits to bring their handguns into state parks." ..."We support the Second Amendment ... But allowing guns in parks makes no sense." "Lawmakers who sponsored the new gun law say ... [citizens with permits] may prevent or stop crime from occurring if weapons are allowed in more public places." Complete Story Here.
Washington- [12/2/11] (From K&BA) Seattle Petitions State Supreme Court to Review Gun Ban Loss
"The City of Seattle has petitioned the state Supreme Court in an effort to resurrect its city parks gun ban after losing the battle twice to the Bellevue-based Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, and the National Rifle Association, in King County Superior Court and at the State Court of Appeals." Complete Story Here.