NRA ILA

News stories and press releases on the oral arguments before the Supreme Court in the McDonald v. City of Chicago case.

On Wednesday, March 10, the Virginia State Senate passed the four pro-gun bills (HB109, HB505, HB885, and HB1191) which will now head to Governor Bob McDonnell (R) for his consideration.

On Wednesday, March 10, thanks to pro-gun State Representative Jeff Duncan (R-15), House Bill 4220 was recalled from the House Ways and Means Committee, and placed on the calendar for a floor vote tomorrow, March 11. This bill, introduced by State Representative Mike Pitts (R-14), would permanently establish the tax holiday on firearms sales on the weekend following Thanksgiving, which is known as the Second Amendment Weekend. Please contact your State Representative and urge him or her to support H. 4220. Contact information can be found by clicking here. The South Carolina State House cancelled most post-adjournment committee meetings, including the House Judiciary General Laws Sub-Committee. After being previously removed from the calendar, House Bill 3994 is still in search of a hearing date and needs your help.

On Wednesday, March 10 the House Judiciary Criminal Practice Sub-Committee passed House Bill 3125 by a vote of 4-2. This legislation will now be heard by the House Judiciary Committee.

As session continues in Phoenix, numerous NRA-supported bills continue to move forward. Legislation that has seen recent action, at various stages, include Arizona’s Right to Hunt and Fish constitutional amendment (HCR 2008), advances in concealed carry reform (HB 2347, SB 1102), and preemption reform (HB 2543).

Yesterday, Tuesday, March 9, the Alabama Senate passed House Bill 330 by a vote of 34-0. HB330 now heads to the desk of Governor Bob Riley (R) for his consideration.

For years, legislators fought gun owners over funding a statewide licensing program that would provide uniformity and fairness to gun owners. Legislators didn't want taxpayers to fund a gun program. Gun owners are taxpayers, too, and wanted to use tax dollars.

For the second time in a week, a House panel dominated by downstate lawmakers signaled its approval of a law allowing Illinoisans to carry concealed weapons. The House Agriculture Committee voted 11-2 to endorse the proposed law, which is sponsored by state Rep. Brandon Phelps, D Harrisburg.

A new Georgia law could allow people with Right-to-Carry permits to take firearms onto college campuses and in churches and bars.

New Jersey's black bear population has soared to nearly 3,500, a level that can no longer be controlled solely by non lethal methods, a wildlife biologist said today as the state Fish and Game Council adopted a management policy recommending a six day hunt in December.

On Wednesday, March 10, two anti-gun bills are scheduled to be heard by the Crime Victims/Criminal Records Sub-Committee at 12:00 p.m. These bills have been vigorously and loudly opposed by NRA members and pro-firearm advocates but they are being heard at the request of their sponsor, anti-gun State Representative, Michael Paymar (DFL-64B).

On Monday, March 22, the Borough Council of Hatboro will vote on a resolution that would recommend to the State Legislature that it pass legislation requiring gun-owners to report lost or stolen firearms or face possible fines and imprisonment.

Senate Bill 515, introduced by State Senator Jeff Kessler (D-2), is currently being held in the House Judiciary Committee. With only two days remaining for the committee to meet, it is important that Chairman Tim Miley (D-41) schedule and pass SB 515 in order for it to receive a vote by the full House.

The Alabama State House Commerce Committee will hear Senate Bill 360 on Wednesday, March 10, at 9:00 a.m. This bill passed the Senate last week by a vote of 26 to 2.

As we have previously reported, House Bill 1065 is currently pending consideration with Governor Mitch Daniels. Despite passing the Indiana House and Senate with broad bi-partisan support, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Manufacturer's Association are shamefully urging Governor Daniels to veto this important pro-gun bill.