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Wisconsin State Legislature Passes Landmark Right-to-Carry Legislation

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 26 06/24/11

WISCONSIN STATE LEGISLATURE

PASSES LANDMARK RIGHT-TO-CARRY LEGISLATION

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Both chambers of the Wisconsin state legislature have voted to approve one of the nation's strongest Right-to-Carry bills, by solid bipartisan margins. Senate Bill 93, which was strongly backed by NRA, now goes to Governor Scott Walker (R) for his expected signature. When signed, it will leave Illinois as the only state that provides no way for citizens to carry concealed firearms for self-protection outside their homes or places of business.

"For more than a decade, NRA has fought for Right-to-Carry in Wisconsin. That perseverance and determination has paid off. Now, Wisconsinites are one step closer to being able to defend themselves outside their homes," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. "Thanks to the actions of a bipartisan majority of state legislators, honest people who choose to get a permit will be less vulnerable to criminal attacks outside their homes. NRA is grateful for the unwavering leadership of Senators Pam Galloway, Rich Zipperer and Neal Kedzie, Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder and Representative Jeffrey Mursau who fought for the passage of Right-to-Carry in Wisconsin."

GIVING UP THE HELMKE -- Brady President to Step Down: Back in 2006, we reported that "transition" seemed like a good word to describe the Brady Campaign's trials and tribulations over the years. Based upon focus group polls, the group changed its moniker from Handgun Control, Inc., to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, but that change in semantics didn't achieve the desired results. The group then hired former Maryland Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Barnes as its President, which again turned out to be a big flop, as during Barnes' tenure, the group suffered a series of legislative and political losses. The group then tried to "right the ship" and appear "mainstream" by hiring former Ft. Wayne, Ind. mayor, Paul Helmke -- a Republican -- as its new president (though at the time of Helmke's hiring, it was reported that 93 percent of the Brady campaign's previous donations to political candidates went to Democrats).

FAST AND FURIOUS UPDATE: Congressional hearings on BATFE's Fast and Furious program paused last week, after revealing how straw purchasers were allowed to buy up to 2,500 guns for Mexican drug cartels and walk away freely, over the objections of BATFE agents in the field. The pause may be brief, however. A spokesman for Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which conducted the hearings, said early this week that "The investigations are far from over."

OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK -- "Impartial" Journalist Turns Activist: A recent article by Chad D. Baus featured on the Buckeye Firearms Association website examined the biased, unethical, and unprofessional practice of "advocacy journalism" as it relates to the gun debate. Bias in the media -- especially when it concerns the Second Amendment and "gun control" -- is certainly not a new concept, but the article describes one of the most blatant cases we've seen to date.

URGE YOUR U.S. SENATOR TO SIGN SEN. MORAN'S LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OPPOSING THE UN ARMS TRADE TREATY: NRA will be in full attendance at the UN's Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) "Preparatory Committee" meeting in New York, July 11-15. The so-called "Prep. Com." will be laying the ground work for a final negotiation session in 2012. NRA's message will be simple and strong – an ATT which in any way, shape or form affects the constitutional rights of American gun owners is simply unacceptable. Civilian firearms must not be within the scope of an ATT. There will be no compromise on this crucial point.

SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2010 NRA-ILA VOLUNTEER AWARDS: The NRA-ILA "Jay M. Littlefield Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award" is an annual honor that recognizes an NRA member who demonstrates exceptionally meritorious activism in defense of our Second Amendment rights. Similarly, the "NRA-ILA Volunteer Organization of the Year Award" is bestowed upon a group that has gone above and beyond in defending and promoting our rights over the past year. Nominations for these honors for last year (2010) should be submitted to: NRA-ILA Volunteer Awards, c/o Krista Cupp, NRA-ILA Grassroots Division, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030. Nominations may also be faxed to Krista at (703) 267-3918, or e-mailed to [email protected]. All nominations must be submitted by NRA members in good standing and be accompanied by a one-page description of why the nominee is deserving. Winners will be selected by NRA-ILA staff and will be acknowledged at this Fall's NRA Board of Directors Meeting. The deadline for submissions is July 1, 2011.

URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR H.R. 822, THE NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT: 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.

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.

CALIFORNIA: Anti-Gun Bills Still Alive

The state Senate and Assembly Public Safety Committees passed several anti-gun bills that now go to the state Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees. Senate Bill 427 is an ammunition sales registration extension bill; Senate Bill 819 would further raid the background check fund (DROS); and Assembly Bill 809 is a long gun sales registration bill. Pro-gun Senate Bill 610 is a concealed weapons reform bill. Please contact your state legislators to oppose SB 427, SB 819 and AB 809 and support SB 610.

DELAWARE: House Committee Tables Gun "Buy-Back" Legislation

On June 22, the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee voted to table Senate Bill 25, essentially defeating it for this session. SB 25 sought to create the Community Firearm Recovery Program, a pilot program that would use state appropriated funds to purchase surrendered firearms for police. Senate Bill 25 lacks fiscal accountability and opens the door to potential misappropriation of funds, while in no way deterring crime.

GEORGIA: Jackson County Board of Commissioners Vote Against Discharge Ban

On June 20, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted down a poorly written proposed ordinance that would have prohibited the discharge of any type of firearm by private land owners on less than ten acres in Jackson County, except in defense of life or property.

ILLINOIS: Senate Passes Firearm Owners Identification Card FOIA Exemption Bill!

On May 20, the state Senate passed House Bill 3500, which would ensure that the personal information of those who have applied for or received a Firearm Owners Identification Card shall not be disclosed. Governor Pat Quinn's (D) approval is still needed on this legislation so please continue to contact the Governor and urge him to sign HB 3500 into law.

IOWA: Make Plans To Attend The Second Annual "Second Amendment Rally" hosted by Iowa Firearms Coalition and NRA. This event will take place on July 23, 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at Big Springs Range Complex, 4945 Hwy 146, in Searsboro. The event will feature an NRA-ILA Grassroots Workshop, shooting, training, pro-Second Amendment lawmakers and speakers, and more! The event is free to attend and range fees will be waived with IFC or NRA membership. For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.iowafc.org/2arally.

LOUISIANA: Two More Pro-Gun Bills Head to Governor

Senate Bill 39 and House Bill 489 are currently awaiting Governor Bobby Jindal's (R) signature. SB 39 would clarify that Louisianans may purchase long guns in any state, and allow citizens of other states to purchase long guns in Louisiana, so long as both states allow such purchases. HB 489 would also remove the requirement that an individual must wait six months to acquire "resident" status to apply for a concealed handgun permit. Please contact Governor Jindal and urge him to sign SB 39 and HB 489 into law.

Draft Plan for Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge Supports Hunting

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a draft plan to manage the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. The refuge was established in 1980 and is one of eight refuges managed as part of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge System complex. The headquarters for managing the 36,000-acre refuge is near Slidell, Louisiana.

The refuge offers whitetail deer, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl and hog hunting, as well as fishing. The draft plan presents two management options that differ from the current approach (described as Alternative A). Resource management is the focus of Alternative B and public use activities is the focus of Alternative C. All alternatives would continue hunting programs, but Alternative C would put greater staff time and efforts toward public uses like hunting and fishing.

The draft plan can be found at http://southeast.fws.gov/planning under "Draft Documents." This site gives you the opportunity to comment by e-mail. The Service is inviting comments on the plan until June 27. If you have any questions, you may contact the Service at (731) 432-0981.

If the Bogue Chitto is a place where you go to hunt or fish, please take the time to send the Service an e-mail in support of continuing, and even expanding, hunting and fishing on the refuge.

MAINE: Governor Signs Three Self-Defense Firearm Bills into Law

On June 21, Governor Paul LePage (R) signed three NRA-backed bills into law. Legislative Document 35 is worker protection legislation, Legislative Document 446 allows current or retired law enforcement officers who are residents of other states to carry firearms in Maine without concealed carry permits, and Legislative Document 1347 allows concealed carry permit holders to carry a concealed firearm in state parks and historic sites.

MISSOURI: Governor Jay Nixon Still Needs to Take Action on Omnibus Pro-Gun Bill!

On May 13, House Bill 294 was passed in the Missouri General Assembly and sent to Governor Jay Nixon (D) 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 Nixon and ask him to sign HB 294 into law!

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Self-Defense Bill Heads to Governor

On June 22, the Conference Committee report for Senate Bill 88 was adopted in the state House and Senate. SB 88, which will strengthen an individual's right to self-defense, is now headed to Governor John Lynch (D) for consideration. Please contact Governor Lynch and urge him to sign SB 88 into law.

NORTH CAROLINA: Governor Signs NRA-Backed Omnibus Gun Bill

On June 23, Governor Bev Perdue (D) signed into law House Bill 650. HB 650 contains "Castle Doctrine" language, Fraudulent Firearms Purchase language, allows Right-to-Carry permit holders to store firearms in their vehicles when parked on the grounds of certain state properties and courthouses, allows for the purchase of rifles and shotguns by North Carolina residents in other states, and makes other improvements.

OREGON: Senate Democrats are Trying to Avoid Voting on Concealed Firearm Bill

House Bill 2797 B-Engrossed, which was intended to clarify the definition of "readily accessible" for the purpose of the prohibition on possessing a readily accessible, concealed handgun within a vehicle, such as a snowmobile, motorcycle, or all-terrain vehicle, passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee bearing no resemblance to the original bill. In response, a minority report has been prepared that includes language very supportive of our Second Amendment rights. Please contact your state Senator and ask him or her to support the pro-gun Senate minority report amendments to HB 2797.

OHIO: Concealed Carry Reform Bill Goes to Governor

Senate Bill 17, which would eliminate the current confusing standards for carrying a firearm in a motor vehicle and allow permit holders to carry firearms for self-defense in restaurants, has been sent to Governor John Kasich (R) for his approval.

PENNSYLVANIA: "Castle Doctrine" Bill Passes State Senate

On June 20, House Bill 40, NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" legislation, passed in the state Senate and will now go to Governor Tom Corbett (R) for his consideration. Please thank both state Representative Scott Perry (R-92) and Senator Richard Alloway (R-33) for sponsoring this important self-defense legislation. Also, please contact Governor Corbett and urge him to sign HB 40 into law.

Urge Your State Representative to Cosponsor Sunday Hunting

State Representative John Evans (R-5) is currently circulating a cosponsorship memorandum for Sunday hunting legislation. The prohibition on Sunday hunting is an old blue law left on the books in just a handful of states. Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to sign on to this important legislation.

TENNESSEE: White County Board of Commissioners Chooses Not to Adopt Firing Range Restrictions

On June 20, the White County Commission met to discuss and vote on an anti-gun resolution regarding the future of new firing ranges within the county. Since no one offered a motion to vote on the resolution restricting gun ranges, this proposal is now considered dead.

TEXAS: Governor Perry Signs Important Pro-Gun Measures into Law

Governor Rick Perry (R) has signed into law Senate Bill 321, worker protection/parking lot legislation. The Governor also signed legislation to extend the right to carry to your boat or personal watercraft (House Bill 25); to allow properly-permitted landowners or helicopter owners to contract with third parties to ride on helicopters and take depredating feral hogs and coyotes (House Bill 716); to prevent rules restricting a foster parent's ability to transport a foster child in a private vehicle if a handgun is present (House Bill 2560); and to limit the ability of local governments to sue owners or operators of sport shooting ranges (Senate Bill 766). Please contact Governor Perry's office to thank him for supporting the Second Amendment this session.

WISCONSIN: State Legislature Passes Landmark Right-to-Carry Legislation

Both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature have voted to approve one of the nation's strongest Right-to-Carry license bills, by solid bipartisan margins. Senate Bill 93 now goes to Governor Scott Walker (R) for his announced signature. When signed into law, it will leave Illinois as the only state that provides no way for citizens to carry concealed firearms for self-protection outside their homes or places of business.

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