NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 20 05/20/11
Last week, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee rejected an amendment by Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), which proposed to allow the Attorney General to disapprove the NICS check of a person who has been placed on the FBI's secret "terrorist watchlist." Similar legislation has been introduced by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.).
The NRA opposes all of these proposals for a variety of reasons, chiefly that they propose to deny a constitutionally protected, fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms without due process of law. While some of the proposals pretend to allow a person to appeal his watchlisting in court, the proposals would prevent the watchlisted person or his lawyer from examining and challenging the government's "evidence," the accused would not be entitled to a trial by a jury of his peers, and the judge would not be allowed to examine the government's evidence in full.
NEW YORK SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD TUESDAY: A special federal election in New York's 26th congressional district will be held this Tuesday, May 24. Please be sure to visit the NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) website (www.nrapvf.org) to check for endorsement information on this very important race.
URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR H.R. 822, THE NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2011: Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
BATFE REQUESTS COMMENT PERIOD EXTENSION FOR PROPOSED MULTIPLE RIFLE SALES REPORTING RULE: As we previously reported, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently republished its proposal to require firearm dealers to report multiple sales of various rifles. Compared to its initial request in December, which was rejected as an "emergency" request, the new notice clarifies that the proposed requirement would apply only to dealers in four southwestern states, and would apply only to semi-automatic rifles of a caliber greater than .22 (including .223) and that can use detachable magazines. The notice fails to address the NRA's comments, which pointed out that the agency has no legal authority to demand this information.
URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR AND SUPPORT H.R. 1093--The "B...: In March, Reps. Steve King (R-Iowa) and Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) introduced H.R. 1093, the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform Act." The bill would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. This bipartisan bill is a vital step to modernize and improve BATFE operations.
 A SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS: NRA-ILA asks that you take a couple of minutes to watch the following salute to our troops. The special thank you message is brought to you by NRA Life of Duty, a network that serves and supports those who go to work each day to protect, defend and fight for the safety of the American people. You can watch the video tribute by clicking here.
NRA JOINS AMERICA IN THANKING OUR NAVY SEALS!!! There are certain points in American history when time stops and everyone remembers where they were. Some of these are due to tragic event; others to extraordinary achievements.
ANOTHER WAY TO GET INVOLVED--JOIN NRA'S FACEBOOK AND TWITTER GROUPS: Internet social networking has exploded in recent years, and websites such as Facebook and Twitter attract millions of users. This on-line community fosters a connection between its users, and allows distribution of user-generated content (like pictures, profiles, music, video, and text).
GRASSROOTS NEWS MINUTE VIDEO: To view this week's "Grassroots News Minute" video, please click here:
STATE ROUNDUP (Please note the only items listed below are those that have had recent action. For other updates on state legislation, please go to the state legislation section at www.NRAILA.org, and check each week's issue of the Grassroots Alert.)
For additional information, please click on the links provided.
ALABAMA: Gun Owner Patient Privacy Bill Needs Your Help
House Bill 516, gun owner privacy protection legislation, is stuck in the state House and needs your help! HB 516 would prohibit medical practitioners from requiring patients to divulge information about private firearm ownership. Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to SUPPORT HB 516 without any anti-gun amendments.
CALIFORNIA: Open Carry Ban Passes Assembly and Goes to Senate Public Safety Com...
Unfortunately, the California Assembly sided with the anti-gun extremists and passed Assembly Bill 144, the open carry ban bill. This bill has been assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee. Please contact members of this committee and urge them to reject the anti-gun rhetoric concerning the open carrying of firearms causing more violence.
The NRA and CRPA Foundation File a Lawsuit to Force the LAPD to Com...
Through their joint Legal Action Project, the NRA and the California Rifle and Pistol Association Foundation are sponsoring two new legal actions to enforce a 16-year old court order against the City of Los Angeles over its restrictive concealed weapons permit issuance policies.
LOUISIANA: Two Important Hunting Bills Pass Committee, Move to Senate Floor!
On May 19, the Senate Natural Resources Committee passed House Bill 169, which would allow the use of suppressors while hunting non-game nuisance quadrupeds, and House Bill 294, which would remove the requirement to acquire a special permit to trap feral hogs and remove the limitation on the types of firearms used for hunting non-game nuisance quadrupeds. Both bills now await consideration by the full Senate. Please contact your state Senator today and ask him or her to support HB 169 and HB 294.
Senate Passes Bill to Remove Outdated Gun Control Law!
On May 16, the state Senate passed Senate Bill 39, which would clarify that law-abiding Louisianans may purchase long guns in any state, and allow citizens of any other state to purchase long guns in Louisiana, so long as both states allow such purchases. SB 39 has been assigned to the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice. Please contact members of this committee and urge them to support SB 39.
MISSOURI: General Assembly Passes Comprehensive Firearm Reforms!
On May 13, House Bill 294 was passed in the Missouri General Assembly and sent to Governor Jay Nixon for his signature. House Bill 294 is a comprehensive firearm reform bill that would address a number of Right-to-Carry issues important to Missouri's law-abiding gun owners. Please contact Governor Jay Nixon and ask him to sign into law HB 294!
MONTANA: Governor Signs Important Ammunition Bill
On May 12, Governor Brian Schweitzer signed into law House Bill 159 that restricts the authority of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the state FWP Commission to regulate firearms and ammunition.
NEVADA: Important Concealed Carry Legislation Needs Your Help in Nevada
On May 9, Senate Bill 126 passed in the Assembly Judiciary Committee work session. SB 126 would streamline the Concealed Carry Weapons permit application and qualification process to allow a permit applicant to qualify with any pistol, similar to the current process for any revolver. Please contact your Assemblyman and urge him or her to support SB 126. Also, please contact Speaker John Oceguera and request that he put SB 126 on the Assembly calendar for a vote.
Major Nevada Law Enforcement Group Supports Campus Carry
The Nevada State Law Enforcement Officer's Association (NSLEOA) has announced its support for Senate Bill 231, the Nevada Campus Protection Act. The NSLEOA sent an e-mail message to the Nevada Senate asking them to move this bill forward and indicated that should it be sent to the Assembly, they will lobby for its passage. Joining the NSLEOA in support are four Nevada county sheriffs: Ben Trotter (Churchill), Tony DeMeo (Nye), Alan Veil (Lyon), and Ed Kilgore (Humboldt). Please thank these four sheriffs and the NSLEOA for supporting SB 231.
Self-Defense Bill on Governor's Desk
Assembly Bill 321 is awaiting approval by Governor Brian Sandoval. AB 321 would provide that, under the defense of justifiable homicide, there is no duty to retreat if the person using deadly force: is not the original aggressor; has a right to be present at the location where deadly force is used; and is not actively engaged in criminal activity at the time deadly force is used. Please contact Governor Sandoval and ask him to sign this important self-defense bill.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: The Truth About House Bill 330 and the NRA
A group in New Hampshire sent out an alert on May 13 relating to House Bill 330 that includes many false and baseless accusations. There is a policy difference between some organizations representing gun owners on HB 330, legislation that seeks to recognize the right to carry a loaded, concealed handgun without a license. Unfortunately, HB 330, while well-intentioned, was poorly drafted. Changes and clarifications are necessary to not only strengthen its provisions, but also to prevent serious unintended legal consequences.
OREGON: NICS Legislation Needs Your Help Now
On May 17, the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety heard House Bill 2791, which would transfer background checks for firearms purchases from the Oregon State Police to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Despite a positive hearing, the co-chairman of the subcommittee blocked a work session on HB 2791. Please contact Senate President Peter Courtney and House Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan and urge them to direct the Ways and Means co-chairmen to move HB 2791 forward.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Right-to-Carry Reform Bill Pending Consideration
The language in the Right-to-Carry Reform bill, House Bill 3292, may soon be amended to restore this bill's status as pro-gun legislation. H 3292 still remains in the House Judiciary Committee with only a few weeks left in the 2011 legislative session, and it needs your help to pass. This bill must be heard by the full House Judiciary Committee soon. Please contact members of this committee and urge them to support H 3292 with the NRA-backed language.
VIRGINIA: VSSA's 13th Annual Crush'n Clays®
The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) is hosting the 13th Annual Crush'n Clays® event on June 11, 2011. The clay target event benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and, over the last 12 years, has raised more than $230,000 for the charity. The event will be held at the Arlington-Fairfax Izaak Walton League of America (http://arlingtonfairfax-iwla.org/) range in Centreville, VA. Shooting slots are still available but hurry because the event has sold out the last three years. Crush'n Clays® is the longest running clay target event of its type and the longest running event supporting St. Jude Children's Hospital. NRA is a long time sponsor of the event along with many other businesses and organizations. You can find more information, as well as register to participate in the event, at http://www.myvssa.org/content/crushn-clays.
WISCONSIN: Personal Protection Act Bills Heard in Committees
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard both bills covered under the Personal Protection Act (PPA) – Senate Bill 93 (permitless carry) and Senate Bill 90 (shall-issue license). Also, the Assembly Criminal Justice Committee heard Assembly Bill 126, the companion to SB 90. Consistent with standard practice, the committees did not vote on these bills, but will do so in the near future. Please contact your state legislators and request that they support the PPA without any amendments.
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