Some NRA Information

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERTVol. 19, No. 15 04/13/12

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency denied for the second time a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity and other anti-hunting groups asking the EPA to impose a nationwide ban on the use of ammunition containing lead. The petition was essentially a repetition of a similar petition submitted by the CBD in 2010. The EPA found that the new petition was “almost identical” to the earlier petition, had no “substantive difference,” and “contains no new information” as compared to the earlier petition.

In rejecting the new petition, the EPA reiterated its earlier finding that that it has no authority to issue an ammunition ban. To ensure a positive outcome on this matter, NRA-ILA is actively supporting Representative Jeff Miller’s (R-Fla.) “Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012 (H.R. 4089), which will be voted on by the House of Representatives next week. This legislation also contains provisions “to facilitate use of and access to Federal public lands and waters for fishing, sport hunting, and recreational shooting,” and to increase the number of shooting ranges on federal lands. To read a letter in support of H.R. 4089 signed by NRA and dozens of other organizations from the recreational fishing, hunting, shooting, and wildlife conservation community, click here. It is critical that you contact your U.S. Representative in support of H.R. 4089. To find contact information for your Representative, use the “Write Your Reps” feature at www.NRAILA.org. (Read More)…

NRA Members “All In” for 2012 Elections
Over 160 pro-gun patriots rolled up their sleeves and went to work at today's NRA-ILA Grassroots Workshop, titled “Grassroots Campaigning in a National Election Year”. The event was held in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings & Exhibits in St. Louis, Missouri. Though most attendees were home state Missourians, NRA members were represented from states from across the country. Diversity in geography notwithstanding, all were united in a single mission--learning what they can start doing TODAY to ensure a victory for gun owners in November!

NRA-ILA Executive Director, Chris W. Cox, and NRA Second Vice President Allan Cors, paid tribute to the attendees, who serve as the tips of our grassroots arrows, giving credit for NRA's successes to whom it rightly belongs--our members and grassroots activists. Each stressed the need for attendees to be “All In” this election year, and to work to rally America’s 100 million gun owners nationwide to the polls on Election Day. (Read More)…

Old Habits Die Hard at NBC
Only two weeks ago, NBC was caught having deceptively edited a 911 tape from the controversial Zimmerman/Martin shooting in Florida. This week, NBC accused Remington Arms Company of manufacturing unsafe firearms—specifically its immensely popular Model 870 and Model 1100 shotguns. Gun owners will also remember the hatchet job that NBC did on the Remington Model 700 bolt-action rifle in 2010.

Remington and the National Shooting Sports Foundation have already set the record straight on the substance of NBC’s current accusation, so for the moment we will address the purely political issues involved, and NBC’s history of dishonest reporting to push its political agenda.

NBC coupled its accusation against the two models of shotguns with a call for all firearms to be subject to the oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, something straight out of the Brady Campaign’s playbook for the last 30-odd years. Gun prohibition activists have always wanted the commission to have the power to declare all firearms inherently too unsafe to be legal for sale. The Brady outfit even called for consumer products regulations on firearms in the gun control proposals it made to President Obama in 2008. (Read More)…

Protect Your Rights! Act Now to Support Legal Transportation of Firearms
When Congress passed the Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) in 1986, one of the key provisions of the bill was intended to protect the rights of gun owners to legally transport their firearms between locations where they are legally allowed to possess them.

Unfortunately, some local jurisdictions have chosen to ignore federal law and the courts have upheld these infringements on Second Amendment rights.

H.R. 4269, introduced by U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Ted Poe (R-Texas) and Bill Owens (D-N.Y.) would amend this provision to ensure it has the effect Congress intended.

Most states have never had a problem with this law. However, both before and after enactment of FOPA, gun owners have had serious problems lawfully travelling with their firearms in two states in particular: New York (especially New York City) and New Jersey. Rather than recognize the intention of Congress to protect the rights of Americans travelling with legally owned firearms, these jurisdictions have used overly restrictive state licensing laws to harass and prosecute travelers. (Read More)…

Hunger Games Star Chides PETA
Gun owners and hunters are all too familiar with Hollywood elites disparaging or mis-representing firearm ownership in the U.S., so when stars of the silver screen make comments that resonate with the millions of American gun owners and hunters, it’s worth highlighting.

Louisville, Kentucky native, Jennifer Lawrence, who stars in the smash hit move, Hunger Games, most likely caused some ears in Tinsel town to perk up with some of her recent comments. (Read More)ALASKA: Self-Defense Legislation Needs Action by April 15
House Bill 80, critical self-defense legislation passed in the state House at the end of last session and reported by the state Senate Judiciary Committee on March 23, has since been languishing in the Senate Finance Committee. With the 2012 legislative session scheduled to adjourn this Sunday, April 15, it is imperative that HB 80 be heard in and reported by committee immediately.

ARIZONA: Governor Signs Hunter Protection Bill into Law
On April 10, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed House Bill 2457 into law. This legislation, allowing hunters to carry a handgun for self-defense while in the field, will go into effect ninety days after the state legislature adjourns.
Governor Signs Bill Allowing Law Enforcement to Sell Confiscated Firearms
On April 4, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed Senate Bill 1241 into law, an important gun bill relating to forfeited and seized firearms. SB 1241 passed in the state Senate by a 21 to 9 vote on February 16 and passed in the state House by a 43 to 12 vote on March 27.

GEORGIA: Unfortunate Political Games in the General Assembly Accomplished Little
On March 29, the Georgia General Assembly adjourned and with that, the door of opportunity to pass substantial pro-gun reforms was slammed shut. The potential for pro-gun legislation to pass in both chambers of the state legislature was very real and likely for this legislative session. But, due to the serious distrust between the members of both legislative bodies towards its opposite (despite being of the same political party), gun owners will now need to wait until next year for legislative efforts to protect and restore our Second Amendment rights.

KENTUCKY: Governor Signs Three NRA-Backed Bills into Law
On April 11, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed three NRA-backed bills into law: House Bill 484, concealed carry exemption; House Bill 500, strengthening current firearms preemption law; and House Bill 563, fraudulent firearms prevention. These new laws will take effect on July 11, 2012.

LOUISIANA: Constitutional Amendment Passes State Senate and Goes to House
On April 9, the Louisiana Senate voted 31 to 6 to pass a strong constitutional amendment that would fortify the right to keep and bear arms for Louisianans. Senate Bill 303 is now in the state House of Representatives where it was referred to House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee for further consideration.

MAINE: Emergency Powers Legislation Sent to Governor
The Maine Legislature has sent another pro-gun bill to Governor Paul LePage for his approval. Legislative Document 1859, “An Act to Protect Firearm Ownership during Times of Emergency,” would clarify that, during any declared state of disaster or emergency, lawfully possessed, used, carried, transferred, transported, stored or displayed firearm or ammunition cannot be seized from law-abiding citizens.

MISSISSIPPI: Senate Passes Two More NRA-Supported Bills The Mississippi Senate unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 30 and House Bill 353 this week. HCR 30, the NRA-backed right to hunt and fish constitutional amendment, was passed in the state Senate on April 10 and will now appear on the November 2014 ballot for voter approval. HB 353, legislation which would make it a crime to deceive a federal firearm licensed dealer when purchasing a firearm was approved in the state Senate on April 11, and will be sent back to the House for concurrence with the Senate amendment.

NEBRASKA: Civil Protection for Self-Defense Bill Awaits Governor’s Approval
On April 5, Legislative Bill 804, civil immunity legislation, passed during its final reading on the floor of the Legislature by an overwhelming 45 to 0 vote. LB 804 was sent to Governor Dave Heineman for his approval.

NEW MEXICO: State Affiliate to Hold Membership Meeting This Month
The National Rifle Association’s official state affiliate, the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA), will hold a general membership meeting in Las Cruces on Saturday, April 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This meeting is scheduled to take place at St. James Episcopal Church, located at 102 St. James Avenue near the southeast corner of Main and University, will be open to current NMSSA members and NRA members who are interested in learning more about the benefits of joining NMSSA.

OKLAHOMA: Mourning the Loss of a Second Amendment Leader and Fighter
Oklahoma firearm owners lost a loyal friend on April 6, when state Representative Sue Tibbs passed away after a strong and courageous battle with cancer. Sue Tibbs was 77 years old and in her final term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Firearms Reform Bills Continue to Advance
After passing their chamber of origin, three NRA-backed bills continue to garner support in the Oklahoma Legislature. On April 4, Senate Bills 1760 and 1743 were each passed in their respective House committees with overwhelming approval, while Senate Bill 1420 cleared the House yesterday. Please continue to encourage your state Representative to support protections to your gun rights and hunting heritage.

OREGON: Governor Signs CHL Confidentiality Bill into Law
On April 11, Governor John Kitzhaber signed House Bill 4045 into law. This important Concealed Handgun License (CHL) confidentially law went into effect immediately.

Hunting to be Expanded in Plan for Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
A plan that will guide management of the 187,000-acre Malheur National Wildlife Refuge for the next fifteen years has been released to the public for comment. Located in Harney County, the Refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 to protect colonial nesting bird populations and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Refuge is currently open to hunting, but the USFWS intends to expand existing hunt opportunities. Under Alternative 2, the preferred action alternative, upland game hunting would open three weeks earlier than under the current program. Existing waterfowl hunt areas would be tremendously expanded by opening a portion of the south-central area of Malheur Lake, adding a new boat launch at headquarters, and by opening the Buena Vista Unit.

UTAH: Governor Signs Three NRA-Supported Bills into Law
Governor Gary Herbert has signed three pro-gun bills into law: House Bill 117, House Bill 129 and House Bill 395. All three laws went into effect immediately upon the Governor signing them. HB 117 repeals the limitation on carrying a concealed firearm while hunting. HB 129 clarifies and strengthens Utah’s statute which protects a property owner from civil liability if the person is justified in defending his or her home and family against criminal activity. Finally, HB 393 will make a number of positive changes to existing law, including model language from the NRA’s Fraudulent Firearm Purchase Prevention Act.

VIRGINIA: Planning Process Underway for James River National Wildlife Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is writing a new management plan for the James River National Wildlife Refuge which is located along the James River in Prince George County, eight miles southeast of Hopewell and thirty miles southeast of Richmond. The 4,325-acre refuge is open to deer hunting. The USFWS is inviting public comments to help shape management decisions on the refuge for the next fifteen years. Once a plan is drafted it will be made available for public review and comment. The Service has identified several preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities, including the amount and distribution of public use. If you want to become involved in the planning process, you may submit comments to fw5rw_evrnwr@fws.gov. Please include “James River CCP” in the subject line. For further information you may call Meghan Carfioli, the Planning Team Leader, at 804-829-5413.

WEST VIRGINIA: Governor Signs Three NRA-Backed Bills Into Law
On April 2, West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed three NRA-backed bills into law: SB 149, a firearms destruction prohibition bill; SB 353, important background check exemption legislation; and SB 478, legislation that creates an apprentice hunting license. All three laws will take effect on June 8, 2012.

WISCONSIN: Governor Walker Signs Two Important Hunting Bills
On April 4, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed into law two important hunting initiatives. Assembly Bill 311, the Hunting Heritage Act, and Senate Bill 411 which creates a regulated gray wolf hunting season, passed by large bipartisan majorities in both houses of the state legislature and will help preserve Wisconsin’s rich hunting heritage.