Virginia Gun Owners Coalition

Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- VA Gun Owners; The good news is that Castle Doctrine passed the Senate but Constitutional Carry is being killed by its bill sponsor Mark Cole.

Castle Doctrine moves to the House.

The Senate vote is below.

YEAS–Black, Blevins, Carrico, Garrett, Hanger, Martin, McDougle, McWaters, Newman, Norment, Northam, Obenshain, Petersen, Puckett, Reeves, Ruff, Smith, Stanley, Stosch, Stuart, Vogel, Wagner, Watkins–23.

NAYS–Barker, Colgan, Deeds, Ebbin, Edwards, Favola, Herring, Howell, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, Marsh, McEachin, Miller, J.C., Miller, Y.B., Puller, Saslaw–17.

Constitutional Carry was going to be carried by some freshman delegates who got elected with my support but they got talked out of it by Republican Party Boss William Howell.

He convinced them to let one of his trusted chairmen, Mark Cole, run the bill. Now where is HB 139? No where! Not even assigned to a committee for a vote.

Why because Howell can’t trust the Democrats to kill the bills he wants killed.

That’s right!

HB 1052 allowing carry at airport baggage claims and ticket counters passed out of the kill committee 3-2.

Why?
Because an anti-gun Democrat was tired of Republican Party Boss Howell’s game of sending a bill he wants killed to a tiny sub-committee of 5 to be killed by 2 pro-gun delegates and 3 anti-gun delegates.

Three cheers for the smart Democrat.

That is funny enough in and of itself but what is really hysterical and a story for the  - Political Museum of 2nd Amendment Absurdities - is Republican Party Boss lap dog Mark Cole’s explanation to VGOC members as to why he sponsored a bill he planned to kill by doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING – - nothing except insure that a new delegate did not run the bill and get a recoded vote.

Below is Cole’s explanation in BLACK w ith my interpretation in RED

———————————————————————————————————————————

From: Mark Cole [mailto:DelMCole@house.virginia.gov]
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 11:31 AM
To: Ron Browne
Subject: Re: HB 139 Constitutional Carry.

Thank you for contacting me regarding HB 139. First let me say that no gun group (you and all the other members of VGOC who contacted me don’t count) or organization has contacted me with a request to discharge the committee considering HB 139. Unfortunately, I do not expect HB 139 to get a hearing this session (Because I intend to do nothing). It has a negative fiscal impact on state revenues, and since the budget is tight, even if it were to pass the Militia and Police Committee it would be sent to Appropriations where it would die due to lack of funding.it (Actually it won’t require funds but might lose some revenue and obviously taxes are more important than constitutional rights.)

Also, some legislators who are normally pro-gun, and whose votes we need for passage, are not sure HB 139 is a good idea. (They like being able to access your name in a government data base to use at election time to get your vote or raise money talking about how pro-gun they are). Sometimes ideas need to simmer a while before people eventually come around. It took nearly a decade (Which involved much pressure to discharge and multiple mailings into Senator Hanger’s District exposing him for actually killing the bill several times to protect anti-gun Reublicans from voting on the record) to get enough people to come around to repeal the restaurant ban. (Please try to forget that we had to wait to get a Democrat Senate Majority so that Hanger could no longer protect his anti-gun Republicans thus giving him an opportunity to run the bill and clean his skirts) The same for repealing one-gun-a-month, but we are on the verge of passing it.

If we had pushed too hard like some lobbyists had demanded back then, all it would have done was harden the opposition (Please don’t get mad at me for trying to blame gun owners for wanting their gun rights restored) and we would not have gotten them passed at all. (Please believe me when I say that all of us down here vote for what’s right not what makes our party bosses happy by keeping them in office by keeping controversial votes off the record. And please don’t talk to those lobbyists who threatened Senator Hanger’s job and motivated him to run the bill to clean his skirts.)

In Proverbs 25:15 the Bible offers us some good advice on what it takes to sway people on issues like this, patience and gentle persuasion. (Please don’t notice that this is in reference to kings who cannot be voted out of office even though patience and a soft tongue actually do break the political backbones of politicians when they think their job is on the line. The judge in Luke 18 is instructive but please don’t read that. And please don’t walk softly and carry a big stick when you approach me. It scares me.) It will probably take several years to get HB 139 passed IF we approach it correctly. If not, then it will never pass. (Which is really my plan and please don’t ask me why I ran the bill. It would embarrass me.)

I am pleased to report that 3 of my 4 gun bills are moving forward in the House this year (HB 22, HB 25, and HB 26). (I love to sponsor minor bills that are not controversial.) As I mentioned before, the House has passed a repeal of one gun a month and two years ago we were successful in repealing e restaurant ban. 2nd Amendment rights are moving forward in the Commonwealth!

I guarantee you that NONE of that would have happened had pro-gun legislators bowed to pressure from some gun lobbyists to make futile attempts to discharge committees (Please believe this because it will help me continue to sponsor legislation that I have no intention of even getting a hearing on. It is critical that I continue to teach gun owners what my party boss wants them to do. Remember I represent the party boss not gun owners. And please don’t ask me why in the world I sponsor bills that don’t even get a committee hearing, it will make me look foolish.) and add non-germane floor amendments to other bills. (And of course please don’t remind me that what is germaine is what the Speaker rules to be germaine.) Not every gun lobbyist knows how to get legislation through. In fact, some do more harm than good. (Because they won’t play by the rules we use to screw them.)

Again, thank you for contacting me.

Mark L. Cole
Delegate, 88th District
Spotsylvania, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Fauquier

ACTION ITEM: Email Mark Cole at DelMCole@house.virginia.gov the following:

Dear Mr. Cole,

Please don’t ever run Constitutional Carry again. We need someone who will use the rules to get recorded votes. We will never get controversial legislation passed if we never get votes on the record for use at election time. We hate losing but we would rather lose with a recorded vote than lose by sitting around waiting for ideas to “simmer”.

For Liberty,
Mike McHugh
President, VGOC

About:
Virginia Gun Owners Coalition is Virginia’s only no-compromise, non-partisan gun lobby patterned after Gun Owners of America on Capitol Hill. VGOC is a non-profit tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(4) of the IRS code. Because we lobby politicians to protect and defend the 2nd Amendment, contributions are not tax deductible for IRS purposes. Visit: www.vgoc.org

New Jersey Castle Doctrine Committee Volunteers Wanted

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- It is late at night in the dark of winter.

You pull into your driveway with your wife and family in the car.

You notice something is not right. You KNOW that light was not on when you left your home. Is that broken glass by the front door. Suddenly someone comes running out of your house with a gun in their hand.

What do you do? If you live in New Jersey, you can do nothing but experience the sheer TERROR of knowing that you and your family are at the mercy of some low-life animal.

OR

It’s the middle of the night, you think you hear something. You look out the window and you see someone breaking into your new car. Do you get your defensive handgun to protect yourself before going to your door. NOPE – not in New Jersey, unless you want to face a conviction for felony possession. Instead you can run to the phone and dial 911 as some (expletive deleted) career criminal drives away with $30,000.00 of your hard-earned money.

There are many other similar scenarios, all of which leave you, the law-abiding individual, to the whims of a potentially murderous dirt bag! The reason is that we who live and work in New Jersey are not protected by an adequate castle doctrine. This is a separate issue from being allowed to obtain a concealed carry permit. A Castle Doctrine is simply a body of laws which SHOULD be in place to protect our lives and loved ones when we are merely going about the daily routine of our lives, in our homes and vehicles.

I am not one to propose a problem without providing a solution. The solution is for us to form a DEDICATED sub-committee of the Legal/Legislative committee whose job it is to develop a comprehensive Castle Doctrine for New Jersey. Members will be able to glean the best ideas from those laws which are already in place in other states such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, Arizona and Florida. You don’t need a law degree to work on this committee. All that is required is a sincere belief and a desire to assist in the development and promotion of a comprehensive Castle Doctrine to protect our lives and loved ones.

It is my sincere belief that NOW IS THE TIME to begin working on this essential change to New Jersey’s Firearms Statutes. I personally refuse to believe we cannot achieve this goal. To those who say “Why not just go for the Holy Grail of CCW?”, all I can say is there are those we can convince to support a Castle Doctrine, who will NOT help us fight for CCW at THIS TIME. That is not to suggest that we will not go forward with plans to fight for CCW, but that may very well be decided in the courts.

A comprehensive Castle Doctrine is something *WE* can work toward RIGHT NOW!

If you agree, and would like to work on this committee, please contact legislation@nj2as.com. Please expect to be able to devote at LEAST one hour a week to this project. More is better.

Thank you,

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

Nebraska Firearms Owners Association - Victims Protection Act

Nebraska Firearms Owners Association

Omaha, NE --(Ammoland.com)- As I write this I have just finished preparing my testimony for the hearing on LB 804, scheduled for this afternoon. I am about to leave for the Capital. Before I do I wanted to get some important information to you.

What many have referred to as Castle Doctrine has been a priority of ours for the past few years. With LB 804, we have a shot this year. But we need Nebraskans to act. I need your help. Do you use Facebook? Share the ProtectVictimsNow.org website. Tell your friends about this important legislation. Please forward this note to your family and friends. Talk about this issue with your neighbors.

The 2012 Legislative session is in full swing. New Bills have been introduced and some of them have already been placed on the hearing schedules. This year we are only getting 7 days notice for hearing schedules. It was 10 or 11 days last year. Since this is a short session year things are moving fast

We tried something new this year for voting on the issues. In the past all voting occurred on our website, or the forum. This year we sent a link to the survey out with a newsletter in order to get wider exposure to the membership. If you haven’t voted, you still can. The link to the survey is here. Please take a moment and let us know what position you’d like the NFOA to take on these important pieces of legislation.

Priority Bill Needs Your Help
The NFOA has spent the last 3 years tirelessly working with the Legislature to pass a Victims Protection Act in Nebraska, which some have called the Castle Doctrine. In past years, we’ve been blocked by the stubborn resistance from several liberal senators on the Judiciary Committee who choose to protect criminals over victims. But this year will be different. This year, we have a new bill introduced: LB 804, and we see this bill making it out of the Judiciary Committee, to the floor for a general vote, and ultimately passing.

Our approach this year is much more aggressive. As an NFOA member, you know that we’ve launched ProtectVictimsNow.org, a website dedicated to educating Nebraska voters on the Victim Protection Act. But we need to reach Nebraskans who haven’t joined the NFOA yet. We need them to call and write their senators, just like you have been doing. So to reach them, we have prepared a radio ad ready to air on stations throughout Nebraska to call those Nebraskans to action and join you and I in working to get the Victims Protection Act passed.

The challenge is that airing radio ads costs money. And as a non-profit organization, the NFOA must raise those funds through donations. As a non-profit organization, we have worked out a greatly reduced rate of just under $5000 to air over 100 Victims Protection Act radio ads throughout the State that will reach over 70,000 Nebraska voters. That’s a lot of money, but we have well over 5000 NFOA members and if every single one of us chipped in, as little as $1, we can mobilize well over 10 times our NFOA membership and push this bill beyond the few obstructive senators in Judiciary Committee and to the Unicameral floor, where we know there is enough support for the Victim Protection Act to pass.

Do you want to be secure in knowing that your home is your castle? Do you want to have the piece of mind knowing that if you ever have to legally defend yourself or your family that the violent criminal (or his family) won’t be able to hire an ambulance-chasing lawyer to sue you for your life savings? Then please consider donating to the ProtectVictimsNow.org operation. Together we can get LB804 passed and have a Victims Protection Act in Nebraska this year!

Member voting
The position we take to the Legislature and lobby for is what you our members tell use to take. Take the legislative survey here.

To participate in discussions of these bills please join us in the forums.

Mission -
Nebraska Firearms Owners Association (NFOA) is organized for the purpose of voicing the opinion of its membership to the Nebraska Legislature and other law making bodies within the state as well as Federal level, as it pertains to firearms. NFOA members will also make it a priority to educate residents on firearms related issues.
On the web: www.NebraskaFirearms.org or email: AAllen@NebraskaFirearms.org for more information

Michigan's Castle Doctrine & No-Retreat Legislation Review

Michigan Coalition For Responsible Gun Owners

Michigan - -(Ammoland.com)- Occasionally we like to review Michigan’s version of the Castle Doctrine and No-Retreat Laws.

Each of these Bills provide rather specific circumstances and protections which, taken as a whole, provide strong protection for a person who is forced to defend himself from criminal attack (which here means grievous bodily injury, rape, or death)

PA 311 provides a “rebuttable presumption” in a civil or criminal case that a person who defends himself believes that criminal attack is threatened if (1) he is in a dwelling or business, or (2) the criminal is attempting to remove someone from a dwelling, business, or vehicle. This does not apply if the alleged criminal has a legal right to be in the dwelling or business, or if the person defending himself is committing a crime, or if the person entering is a law enforcement officer in the course of his duties.

PA 310 states that a prosecutor may still charge a person who has defended himself if the prosecutor can present to the court evidence that the person did not believe he was threatened with criminal attack. This represents a substantial change from the prior law which puts the burden of proof on the person defending himself to show that he did believe he was subject to criminal attack.

PA 309 says that if a person is anywhere he has a legal right to be, he has no duty to retreat if he believe he is threatened by criminal attack. Note that this differs from the home/business situation where it is presumed that he believes he is subject to criminal attack.

PA 313 is subtle: “Sec. 21c. (1) In cases in which section 2 of the self-defense act does not apply, the common law of this state applies except that the duty to retreat before using deadly force is not required if an individual is in his or her own dwelling or within the curtilage of that dwelling.”

PA 314 states that a person who defends himself (or in defense of another individual) with deadly force or less than deadly force anywhere he has a right to be is immune from civil liability for damages.

PA 312 provides attorney fees to a defendant if a civil suit is filed and the court determines that the defendant is immune from civil liability under PA 314. .

About:
The Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Formed from just eight people in 1996, we now have thousands of members and numerous affiliated clubs across the state. We’re growing larger and more effective every day.

Our mission statement is: “Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation” Visit: www.mcrgo.org

Iowa Firearms Coalition

IOWA – -(Ammoland.com)- Progress at the Capitol!This has been a busy, busy couple of weeks for IFC, your Iowa NRA Affiliate Club!

We have 3 issues to update you on, a new state added recognition of Iowa’s Permit to Carry, steady progress on the Traditional Ammunition Ban front and most importantly Stand Your Ground legislation is moving forward!

Iowa Permit Now Recognized in Georgia
IFC has been working with NRA, and also with Gary Slider at www.hangunlaw.us, to help get Georgia to recognize Iowa’s Permit to Carry.

Thanks to all parties involved for their efforts. Georgia law was written such that it would recognize states that honored Georgia’s permit, but bureaucracy was getting in the way of making it official. That hurdle has now been overcome!

Your Iowa Permit to Carry is now valid in 27 other states.

Traditional Ammunition Progress
Tuesday, Senate Joint Resolution 2001 passed in the state Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee by a 9 to 3 vote. State Senators Dennis Black (D-21), Dick Dearden (D-34), Joni Ernst (R-48), James Hahn (R-40), Shawn Hamerlinck (R-42), Tom Hancock (D-16), Tim Kapucian (R-20), Brian Schoejahn (D-12) and Kent Sorenson (R-37) voted to pass SJR 2001, while Senators Robert Hogg (D-19), Amanda Ragan (D-7) and Joe Seng (D-43) voted against it.

Today, House Joint Resolution 2001 passed in the state House Natural Resources and Environment Committee by a 17 to 4 vote. State Representatives Henry Rayhons (R-11), Jeff Smith (R-6), Richard Arnold (R-72), Clel Baudler (R-58), Joel Fry (R-95), Mary Gaskill (D-93), Bob Hager (R-16), Chris Hall (D-2), Mark Lofgren (R-80), Steven Lukan (R-32), Jim Lykam (D-85), Helen Miller (D-49), Dan Rasmussen (R-23), Annette Sweeney (R-44), James Van Englehoven (R-71), Guy Vander Linden (R-75), John Wittneben (D-7), while Curtis Hanson (D-90), Dan Kelley (D-41), Sharon Steckman (D-13) and Phyllis Thede (D-81) voted against it.

We will keep you updated and let you know when these bills get scheduled for a floor vote.

Stand Your Ground Progress
Tuesday the House Public Safety Subcommittee passed HF 573 by a 2 to 1 vote. This important piece of “stand your ground” self-defense legislation will now be heard by the full House Public Safety Committee as early as Tuesday of next week.

Representative Matt Windschitl (R-56) has been working on this legislation since 2007. Previously the legislation had struggled largely due to Democratic control in the House. Since the power balance in the House has shifted Rep. Windschitl has worked hard with NRA and IFC on crafting a solid self-defense bill for Iowans.

Please take time to e-mail or call Representative Windschitl and thank him for working with IFC and the NRA. Ensure him that you will be helping get behind his effort to pass this important piece of legislation this year! He has been a strong Second Amendment advocate for the Iowans at the Capitol.IFC will be putting together an action alert on this issue soon, so keep an eye out. It’s your voice from the grassroots that really helps us get things done in Iowa!

About Iowa Firearms Coalition:
The mission of the Iowa Firearms Coalition is to be THE firearms rights organization in Iowa, representing Second Amendment concerns for all firearms owners in the state. We will staunchly defend the rights of hunters and sportsmen as well as the rights of all Iowans to defend themselves and their loved ones. We seek to partner with other like-minded organizations to increase our effectiveness in accomplishing these goals. Visit: www.iowafc.org

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- Contact Your Senators Now: In a long meeting of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee today, two important pro-rights bills were reported out of the committee and are now headed to the Senate floor. Both bills are top priorities of VSSA’s legislative agenda.

First is SB 323, Senator Bill Carrico’s bill to repeal Virginia’s Handgun Rationing law. The vote was 8-7 on the GOP-controlled committee, with Sen. John S. Edwards, D-Roanoke, voting for passage with seven Republicans.

Please contact the following Senators and thank them for their vote in favor or your rights:

Edwards, Obenshain, McDougle, Stuart, Vogel, Stanley, Reeves, Garrett

Also reported out of committee was SB 4, Senator Stuart’s Castle Doctrine bill. It was reported on a party line vote of 8-7, with Senator Norment being absent and the GOP members casting a yea vote for him. It remains to be seen if Senator Norment actually supports the bill or whether he will re-refer it back to committee when it gets to the floor.

Please contact the following Senators and thank them for their vote in favor of your right to self-defense:

Norment (Chairman), Obenshain, McDougle, Stuart, Vogel, Stanley, Reeves, Garrett

Also passed by the committee was SB 67, Senator Stanley’s bill to remove the option for localities to require fingerprints for concealed handgun permit applications. A substitute bill passed the committee.

Voting with gun owners were:

Edwards, Obenshain, McDougle, Stuart, Vogel, Stanley, Reeves, Garrett

Please contact your senator now and urge them to support SB 323 and SB 4, and SB 67. All three bills will be on the floor for a final vote on Friday or Monday. VSSA will keep you posted before the final vote is scheduled.

Additionally, a number of bills are scheduled to be heard Thursday evening in House Militia, Police and Public Safety Subcommittee #1. Please contact members of this Subcommittee and respectfully request that they oppose HB 364 and HB 458 and support HB 20, HB 22, HB 26, HB 375 and HB 940.

Bills to be considered in the subcommittee Thursday:

Anti-Gun Legislation:

• House Bill 364 would prohibit the private sales of firearms at gun shows by requiring that all sales conducted at a gun show go through a federally licensed dealer. Make no mistake, if passed, supporters of this legislation will soon be calling for a ban on all private sales in Virginia.
• House Bill 458 seeks to weaken Virginia’s preemption law by allowing localities to adopt an ordinance that prohibits firearms, ammunition, or components, or a combination thereof, in libraries owned or operated by the locality.

Pro-Gun Legislation:

• House Bill 20 would update Virginia’s Emergency Powers doctrine by adding lawful carrying and transportation to the list of actions that cannot be prohibited during a declaration of emergency.
• House Bill 22 would establish that no locality or entity may participate in compensated consfiscation schemes (gun “buyback”) where individuals are given anything of value or money in exchange for surrendering a firearm to the locality unless the governing body first passes an ordinance authorizing the gun “buyback.” This legislation also requires that any locality holding gun “buybacks” sell the firearms to a federally licensed dealer “or be disposed of in any appropriate manner” if they could not be sold.
• House Bill 26 would allow a court to waive a $25 dollar fine upon presentation of the permit to the court, if a person fails to display his concealed handgun permit when requested by a law enforcement officer.
• House Bill 375 would prohibit localities from adopting any workplace rule that prevents an employee from storing a lawfully possessed firearm and ammunition in his locked motor vehicle. The firearm must be in a secured container or compartment in the vehicle.
• House Bill 940 repeals Virginia’s handgun rationing which prohibits the purchase of more than one handgun in a thirty-day period.

About:
The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) was originally founded as the Virginia State Rifle and Revolver Association in 1938. VSSA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. VSSA is also closely affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), Virginia Outdoor Sports Information Network (VOSIN), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Virginia Gun Collectors Association, and the Virginia Wildlife Federation (VWF). Visit: www.myvssa.org

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- On Wednesday, January 25th, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee is scheduled to hear a number of firearm related bills.

The meeting will begin 1/2 hour after the adjournent of the Senate Session.

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Madison, Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Until Dec. 7, Wisconsin was one of just 22 states without some form of “castle doctrine” or “Make-My-Day” law.

But passage of Assembly Bill 69 on that date changes everything by improving legal protections for home owners who use deadly force in self-defense.

“A person has a right to defend themselves and their family in their dwelling,” said Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine), a lead sponsor of the legislation as reported on jsonline.com. “The fundamental issue is about protecting life, not property.”

The bill passed the State Senate 26-7 on November 3, and was sent to Governor Walker for final passage into law on Dec. 7.

According to Wisconsin Gun Owners, (WGO) the legislation — which was rammed through at 5 am in the morning — is a step in the right direction but could have been stronger.

The bill, said WGO, affirmed only the “privilege of self-defense, not the right (as enumerated in the Wisconsin Constitution’s Right to Bear Arms); it also didn’t include the language “any place you may legally be.

“Under AB 69 criminal courts can still litigate against gun owners like you, potentially costing you thousands of dollars in attorney fees,” said Dudley Brown, Executive Director of the National Assoc. for Gun Rights. “While AB 69 is not great it does significantly advance legal protections for Wisconsin’s gun owners because, unlike other states, it includes your home, car, and workplace.”

WGO plans to continue pushing for a better law, but aren’t holding our breath waiting for the institutional gun lobby to take up that torch.

In the meantime, anti-gun lawyers with the State Bar of Wisconsin — a group representing more than 600 criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, academics and other numbskulls — opposed the bill crying foul that it would enable homeowners to shoot “trick-ortreaters.”

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Castle doctrine signed into law. Today Governor Scott Walker signed AB69 into law, reinforcing civil liability immunity in self-defense cases that happen in the home, vehicle or place of business.

AB69 — known as castle doctrine — provides legal protection to those who in cases involving “Use of force in response to unlawful and forcible entry into a dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business.”

Click here to download AB69

Similar legislation was shot down by past Governor Jim Doyle in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Van Wanggaard, passed both the Assembly and Senate along bipartisan lines. There are 30 other states that have some form of the “Castle Doctrine” in place.

“When faced with a threatening intruder, you shouldn’t have to worry about criminal or civil liability concerns. At that point, your only concern should be your safety. There is no place where a person has more of a right to be safe than in their own home,” Wanggaard reportedly said.

The language in the bill was not as strong as it could have been, according to Wisconsin Gun Owners, Inc. (WGO). The state’s only no-compromise gun rights organization had lobbied to change the word “privilege” of self-defense to “right” of self-defense. WGO also did not want to limit the liability protection to the home, motor vehicle or place of business, but to “any place a person may legally be.”

The organization plans to continue pushing for a better law, though they aren’t holding their breath waiting for the institutional gun lobby to take up that torch.

In the meantime, anti-gun lawyers with the State Bar of Wisconsin — a group representing more than 600 criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, academics and other numbskulls — opposed the bill crying foul that it would enable homeowners to shoot “trick-or-treaters.”

Of course, that scare tactic didn’t work, and the act itself states that force may only be used against an intruder, “after unlawfully and forcibly entering it, the actor was present in the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business, and the actor knew or had reason to believe that the person had unlawfully and forcibly entered the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business.”

What’s one way you can help us improve this law? Join us in this battle: Click here to join WGO

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

“‘Castle Doctrine’ establishes the presumption that an individual who forcibly enters ones home, business or occupied motor vehicle [emphasis added] is there to cause death or great bodily harm, and allows force, including deadly force, against that person.” – NRA-ILA e-mail alert 10/28/11

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- When you read the quote above, you’re no doubt thinking, “That sounds like a good thing.”

But upon closer examination you will notice that the “privilege” of self-defense that AB69 and SB79 purport to advance only apply to your home, business or inside your vehicle.

Inside your vehicle…?

Think about that for a moment.

Why is State Rep. Dean Kaufert refusing to amend castle doctrine legislation to include all areas where free people may go? Why is he restricting self-defense to the interior of your vehicle?

Bad guy approaching your car. Bad guy drawing weapon. Bad guy pointing weapon at your children.

At this point, you still don’t have the “privilege” of self-defense (according to this legislation), so hang tight and let him get closer … much closer.

Bad guy grabbing your car door. Bad guy … climbing inside. Is he inside the car? Is he close enough to touch your wife and grab your kids?

OK, NOW you may defend yourself.

Let me tell you something: If an attacker is inside your car, it’s too late.

The most outrageous thing about these bills is how Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-55th) and the establishment republicans are refusing to expand the legislation to “any place a person may legally be.”

This should be a very simple thing for a pro-gun legislator to do. So what’s the problem?

They’ve already refused to listen to gun owners who wanted the legislation to recognize the “right” of self-defense, and have instead opted to insult us by codifying this most basic of inalienable rights as a “privilege” – a clear step backwards.

Now, without this much-needed amendment, the legislation will be lacking in necessary areas of protection.

Is the institutional gun lobby silently ushering this bill along to give cover to state politicians?

Why won’t Rep. Dean Kaufert and the republican caucus act like they’re in power and make this bill a real slam-dunk pro-gun piece of legislation?

Why are they surrendering this fight when they control the legislature? (Did gun owners waste their votes on them?)

A vote is scheduled for today, Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 11 am. Therefore, you need to act quickly.

ACTION:

1. It is urgent that you call and e-mail Rep. Dean Kaufert 608-266-5719(Rep.Kaufert@legis.wisconsin.gov) and your representative (Click Here to find your state representative) urging them to amend AB69 and SB79 to include “any place a person may legally be.”
2. Contribute something to this lobbying campaign so we can effectively amend what should be good pro-gun legislation but is instead being hi-jacked by incompetence.

P.S. If you believe you have a right to self-defense any place you happen to be, then State Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-55) is working against you by refusing to amend castle doctrine legislation to include “any place you may legally be.” Rep. Kaufert and the republican caucus seem to think you need to let a mass murderer inside your vehicle before you may legally use deadly force in self-defense.

A vote is scheduled for Tuesday morning, 11/1, so call Rep. Kaufert immediately at 608-266-5719 and e-mail: Rep.Kaufert@legis.wisconsin.gov

Tell Rep. Kaufert you want AB69 amended and the vote delayed.

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators Inc.

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators (Wisconsin FORCE) applauds the Department of Administration (DOA) for its decision on concealed carry within public buildings.

The decision, announced earlier today, will allow concealed carry permit holders to lawfully carry in many public buildings including most of the state capitol building, accurately following the legislative intent of Act 35. Existing federal and state law specifies some locations where concealed carry will not be allowed and this decision does not affect them. These include police stations, court houses, mental health facilities, probation and parole offices, and more.

“Concealed carry is a right we’ve spent years fighting for here in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin FORCE president Jeff Nass. “Several other states have similar policies regarding public buildings and we’re very pleased to see Wisconsin following suit.”

“Law-abiding permit holders are viewed in the majority of states as posing no threat while they are carrying – whether inside a building or not. In fact, if permit holders were to be prohibited from carrying inside a public building they would obey the law, while those willing to misuse firearms would ignore the law anyway.”

Concealed carry permits can be applied for starting Tuesday, November 1st. Permits will be available to applicants 21 and older who pass a background check and have proof of firearm training. A basic firearm safety course is required. Qualifying courses include hunter safety, courses certified by national and state organizations, U.S. Military training, law enforcement training, or photo copy of a current or expired license to carry a firearm.

As an advocate of civil rights, Wisconsin FORCE worked very closely with The Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition and the National Rifle Association to insure all Wisconsinites had access to the lawful use of firearms for self-defense.

For more information please contact: Jeff Nass at 920.687.0505

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators Inc.

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- As the 2011 legislative session progresses, legislators are once again continuing their efforts to guarantee a person’s right to self-defense within the state.

Following in the same vein as the Personal Protection Act, the state House and Senate versions of “Castle Doctrine” self-defense legislation are expected to receive a full vote in their respective chambers early next week.

Also of note is the Department of Administration’s recent efforts to establish a policy which would allow permit holder to carry in the state capital for self-defense.

Wisconsin Assembly Bill 69 and Senate Bill 79 commonly known as the “Castle Doctrine,” would provide essential protections for law abiding citizens who defend themselves and their families from a criminal looking to do them harm. “Castle Doctrine” establishes the presumption that an individual who forcibly enters ones home, business or occupied motor vehicle is there to cause death or great bodily harm, and allows force, including deadly force, against that person.

This bill also eliminates any “duty to retreat” so that law abiding citizens no longer must turn their back on a criminal and try to run when attacked. Finally, AB 69 and SB 79 would provide that any person who uses force authorized by law shall not be prosecuted for using such force. It also prohibits criminals and their families from suing victims for injuring or killing the criminals who have attacked them. In short, it gives rights back to law-abiding people and forces judges and prosecutors to focus on protecting victims.

NRA supports this bill and the amendment to be offered by Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder (R-69) that would ensure those not covered under the areas protected by “Castle Doctrine” will continue to have the same protections they do today under current law.

Please contact your state Representative and Senator and respectfully urge ask them to support AB 69 and SB 79 along with the Suder amendment.

DOA sets policy on Concealed Carry!
With the new Personal Protection Act becoming law, effective November 1, the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) has devised a policy which would allow Concealed Carry Permit holders to lawfully carry concealed in the state Capitol and other public buildings (which have yet to be determined). In light of several protests during the legislative session this year and years past, legislators have felt unsafe thanks to threatening e-mails and phone calls. The DOA’s new policy would allow citizens, legislators and staff to lawfully carry concealed in most parts of the Capitol. Under the DOA rules individual legislators will be able to post their offices if they choose and the Senate and Assembly have the ability to set rules for their chambers and proceedings. A number of legislators have already voiced their support for this policy and we expect many more to follow.

Please contact DOA and thank Secretary Mike Huebsch for supporting Wisconsin citizen’s right to defend themselves while visiting the Capitol. You may contact The Wisconsin Department of Administration at doaweb@doa.state.wi.us.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- How can any American – much less any American Jew – view the mob lunacy that recently ravaged London and other cities and not contemplate the possibility of similar chaos on our own shores?

Armed with the knowledge that Londoners would be universally disarmed by England’s “enlightened” “gun control” laws, rioters plundered and pillaged orgiastically while timid citizens cowered in hiding.

This was the same nation that faced Adolph Hitler and the Nazi German war machine with heartrending courage? The video footage of this “new Britain” is horrifying, appalling, and shameful.

Let’s not kid ourselves. Anglo/European style “gun control” is the model that our social engineers, nanny state politicians, liberal elites, and authoritarian high-brows wish upon us. It is their not-so-hidden agenda. Some may try to dissuade us from spotting this agenda by throwing around comforting banalities like “reasonable”, “responsible” and “common sense”, but more and more Americans are learning to ignore their words and watch their actions.

Obama even warned us to watch for such duplicity: “Under the radar” as he described it.

While the grass-roots so-called “gun lobby” applies counter pressure with whatever direction and force we can morally and financially muster, the authoritarian collectivists and cultural Marxists are funded by at least two BILLIONAIRES, George Soros and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

So, with an understanding that America is likely headed towards more, not less, troubled times, and the parallel understanding that a controlling faction of our political and bureaucratic upper crust wants us disarmed, what is the average American citizen to do?

It cannot be more obvious: Buy more guns and more ammunition WHILE YOU STILL CAN.

Its The American Way
No law-abiding American home should be without reliable defensive firearms, whether a pump-action shotgun, handgun, or both. A rifle of some sort is of course a desirable addition to these basics. Learn how to use these firearms and to use them well. Jewish Law requires us to take defensive measures against threats we can expect or anticipate; these are the tools of defense against such threats.

If you are an urban dweller, it isn’t difficult to imagine a “flash mob” of “youths” raging down the street towards your home or business, leaving smashed cars, looted buildings, and bleeding victims in its wake. The “castle doctrine” and “stand your ground” laws of your state – and possibly of your city – will dictate when and how you are legally justified in using deadly force to protect yourself and others. Know these laws in advance as part of your preparatory training.

Jewish Law may allow you to use deadly force to defend any innocent bystander from violence, but Nanny States like New Jersey do not.

You will have to make split-second moral decisions if you see rioters physically attacking your neighbors or fellow business owners.

While the primary objective of armed self defense is to STOP THE ATTACKER, turning back a mob may very well involve more forceful measures. Ask yourself now, before you are in the situation, if you are prepared to take measures against multiple assailants. Can you live with yourself knowing that you left a dozen wounded lying on the pavement? Can you live with yourself knowing that you chose not to do so and instead allowed the mob to attack your neighbor?

In addition to your firearms, remember to keep an adequate supply of ammunition for each of your firearms. A couple hundred rounds of other common calibers, even if you don’t own a matching gun, is not a bad idea. You don’t want your neighbor, your brother in arms, running out of ammo, do you? The Brady Bunch may call that “hoarding” or “stockpiling”, but in Texas it’s just called “a few extra rounds” — “supplies for a rainy day.”

Rabbi Said What?
Why are you hearing this from a rabbi? I’m a man of peace. I relish life and respect the traditional American “live and let live” philosophy. This moral shelter has protected the Jewish people since our first arrival in America centuries ago. But the realization that it is the Second Amendment that protects the First has turned me into a gun owner, a certified firearms instructor, and then a co-leader of America’s most aggressive civil rights organization, Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership. The pen may be mightier than the sword, but the Jewish People have lived by the pen and died by the sword for millennia. We now live in a country that recognizes the G-d-given right of self-defense; to fail to exercise that right when threatened is to hold G-d’s gift of life in contempt.

I remember the anti-Jewish riots in Crown Heights, just twenty years ago. Could such a rampant outburst happen again? Can anyone deny the possibility?

Jewish community centers, synagogues, and even the Holocaust Museum have been attacked by gun fire; innocents have been killed, injured, and traumatized by violent acts of Jew hatred. I watch these events and understand them both as a Jew and as an American.

Far too many Jews have been on the wrong side of the issue of self-defense, helping to con our nation into “gun control” rather than fighting against it. There are far too many Bloombergs, Schumers, Soros’s, Feinsteins, Foxmans, and others, misguided or ignorant of Jewish history and Jewish Law, and they have been too loud on this issue for too long. I will not be silent in the face of their distortions and lies.

And so I recommend as a first step: Get a gun. While you still can. Exercise your Second Amendment rights. Rejoice in the freedom of America.

With blessings of Shalom,

Rabbi Dovid Bendory
Rabbinic Director
Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership
(http://jpfo.org)
Rabbi Bendory is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor.
The Rabbi’s Archive page.

Rabbi Dovid Bendory

About:
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership Mission is to destroy “gun control” and to encourage Americans to understand and defend all of the Bill of Rights for everyone. Those are the twin goals of Wisconsin-based Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO). Founded by Jews and initially aimed at educating the Jewish community about the historical evils that Jews have suffered when they have been disarmed, JPFO has always welcomed persons of all religious beliefs who share a common goal of opposing and reversing victim disarmament policies while advancing liberty for all.

JPFO is a non-profit tax-exempt educational civil rights organization, not a lobby. JPFO’s products and programs reach out to as many segments of the American people as possible, using bold tactics without compromise on fundamental principles. Visit www.JPFO.org – Copyright JPFO 2011

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Celebrate by knowing you just won back a little piece of your freedom!

Generally, gun rights supporters can expect to get slammed in news interviews. At best, they might get a 15-second sound bite.

So imagine our surprise when WRAL reporter Stacy Davis contacted us to do a reasonably extensive piece on Castle Doctrine.

Then imagine our delight when the piece turned out to be well thought out and balanced, and even dispels common misconceptions about the topic.

HELP ENSURE PRO-GUN MEDIA LIKE THIS IN THE FUTURE:

• View the complete article  and video by going to: http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/story/9805007/

Thank Stacy Davis and WRAL for the balanced piece:

• WRAL: http://www.wral.com/apps/feedback/feedback/?d_id_person=525
• Stacy Davis: http://www.wral.com/rs/bio/3463714/

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- All but one state has granted some form of concealed carry and a growing number of states have returned to full Constitutional freedom in the right of uninfringed Constitutional Carry.

Yet there is another movement sweeping across our land that should also cause great rejoicing.

At this time, 38 states have some level of Castle Doctrine self-defense law. While some are more comprehensive than others, all are of significant benefit.

Self-Defense From Frivolous Prosecution
If you’re not familiar with the Castle Doctrine right of Self-Defense, a very basic description provides immunity from prosecution for an act of self-defense for any person who uses deadly force to stop an aggressor’s attack who has illegally entered his residence. Often this immunity also protects from civil lawsuits which can cause the defender great expense in legal defense and awarded judgments even if the defender was found innocent by reason of self-defense. Many states expand this immunity to other locations in addition to the residence, i.e. on one’s property; in one’s business; and in one’s vehicle. More comprehensive laws include “any place you may legally be” when attacked. Usually any duty to retreat from the attacker is removed and a defender may “stand his ground.”

While the term “Castle Doctrine” sounds strange to our ears, this situation has come about because of the ongoing attack against a property owner’s right to defend his life and property with force when necessary. Our Founding Fathers would have considered it an unbearable infringement upon their right of life and property to be required to retreat and flee from an aggressor.

Yet the courts of the last fifty years have — by ignoring and reinterpreting the Constitution — granted greater protection to the attacker than are granted to the one attacked. The right of deadly force to protect one’s life and freedoms was first granted by Almighty God as expressed in Exodus 22:2. “If a thief be found breaking in and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.” If the thief be caught in the daytime, he must make full restitution or be sold (into slavery) for his theft.

Early English common law firmly upheld the principle of Castle Doctrine. In 1758 the noted English Jurist William Blackstone wrote concerning the Laws of England, “The law of England has so particular and tender a regard to the immunity of a man’s house, that it stiles it his Castle, and will never suffer it to be violated with immunity … For this reason no doors can in general be broken open to execute any civil process.” (Even to the agents of the crown who attempted to enter without the proper warrant.) Our country’s founders realized the wisdom of English common law and made it the foundation of our early system of law.

The foundation for the principle of Castle Doctrine and the fabric of our system of law was based upon two eternal principles:

1. The Sovereignty of the individual citizen. Note: the sovereignty of every level of American government depends upon the basic sovereignty of the individual citizen for its delegated sovereignty granted by each individual citizen in union with other sovereign citizens. Declaration of Independence, “That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
2. The right of private property: United States Constitution Fourth amendment. Note: from this right flows every other right, even the sustenance of life itself.

Take courage fellow citizens. The pendulum of freedom is swinging back from the rights of the law breakers and violent attacker to the rights of the law-abiding and conscientious citizen. Call your legislators, in Wisconsin, to support AB69 and SB79 with the inclusion of protection “any place you may legally be.”

David Smail is a member of Marinette County A.C.E. and the Marinette County Republican Party

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Congratulations! Your calls and emails have proven once again the power you wield.

Despite an orchestrated effort by anti-gunners and their associates in the media to depict this bill as dangerous with little public support, HB 650 has been signed into law by Governor Beverly Perdue.

Once it became clear that all our provisions had to be included in one large gun bill, GRNC fought to include Castle Doctrine and Carry in Parks provisions in this bill.

Of course none of this would have been possible had GRNC not managed to remove former House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman from his position in the last election.

Holliman had blocked Castle Doctrine from coming to a vote for several years. The Parks Carry provision caps an effort GRNC spearheaded dating back to 1997.

You - our supporters - have accomplished a vast amount in this one session on the heels of your hard work in the last election.

GRNC rewards cooperation. In this spirit, Governor Perdue has managed to raise her GRNC star rating due to her timely signing of this valuable law.

Thank These People:

Rep. Mark Hilton – 919-733-5988, Mark.Hilton@ncleg.net
Sen. Buck Newton – (919) 715-3030, Buck.Newton@ncleg.net
Gov. Beverly Perdue – Phone: (800) 662-7952 or (919) 733-2391, Fax: (919) 733-2120, governor.office@nc.gov

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- We’ve respectfully asked the Governor to act quickly on HB 650, but that hasn’t happened.

Let’s push a little harder to finish this job that we’ve all worked so hard on.

There is no reason that HB 650 should not be signed. Let’s CALL the Governor and let her know that delays are unacceptable.

Here are some points to make, and respectfully ask the staff member you speak with to write them down and tell Governor Perdue:

• HB 650 has been stripped of “lightning rod” issues.
• It has been thoroughly vetted by parties affected.
• It passed both House and Senate with bipartisan support.
• It is supported by both GRNC and NRA.
• Signing the bill into law will strengthen the Governor’s pro-gun reputation.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:

Contact
Make plans to Call Governor Perdue Monday morning at: (800) 662-7952 or (919) 733-2391.
Politely make the points detailed above and respectfully request that the Governor sign HB 650 into law without delay.

Find Your Representatives

• NC STATE House & Senate: http://www.grnc.org/contact_reps.htm
• FEDERAL Congressman: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
• FEDERAL Senators: http://www.senate.gov/

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Senators NEED TO SUPPORT THIS BILL WITHOUT ANY AMENDMENTS!

The political games being played in our General Assembly are becoming sillier by the hour, but this may work in our favor in-terms of getting desperately-needed Castle Doctrine and Carry in Parks legislation passed.

These laws have now been “hidden” in SB 679 to soothe gutless legislators worried that pro-gun laws “don’t poll well“.

Our Senators Need Some Reminding …

The RIGHT to Keep and Bear Arms is not subject to opinion polls. Castle Doctrine protection is LONG OVERDUE.

Gun-free zones are magnets for violent crime and only disarm law-abiding citizens that deserve an effective means of defense.

IMMEDIATELY CONTACT ALL MEMBERS OF THE NC SENATE

Contact

Email all members of the Senate (there are TWO address lists following the message).
Send TWO emails contacting half the Senators at a time (The list below is broken into two parts for convenient copy-and-paste addressing as emails to the entire Senate are now flagged as spam, and not delivered).

Deliver this message:

Dear Senator:

SB 679, “An Act To Amend The Castle Doctrine, To Allow Persons With Concealed Handgun Permits To Carry A Handgun in a Park…,” has become essential legislation. Please disregard misleading opinion polls and concentrate on restoring essential rights of law-abiding North Carolinians. Citizens need, deserve and have the right to effectively defend home and hearth, and themselves in parks that have become “gun-free zone” magnets for violent crime.

I urge you support and pass this important bill without ANY amendments, however well-intentioned they may appear. I will be monitoring the progress of SB 679 and your actions on this matter through the alerts of Grass Roots North Carolina.

Sincerely,

A Concerned North Carolina Voter

COPY AND PASTE CONTACT LIST EMAIL NOW!

Contact these Senators in your first email:

Austin.Allran@ncleg.net, Tom.Apodaca@ncleg.net, Bob.Atwater@ncleg.net, Doug.Berger@ncleg.net, Phil.Berger@ncleg.net, Stan.Bingham@ncleg.net, Harris.Blake@ncleg.net, Dan.Blue@ncleg.net, Andrew.Brock@ncleg.net, Harry.Brown@ncleg.net, Peter.Brunstetter@ncleg.net, Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net, Daniel.Clodfelter@ncleg.net, Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net, Charlie.Dannelly@ncleg.net, Jim.Davis@ncleg.net, Don.East@ncleg.net, James.Forrester@ncleg.net, Linda.Garrou@ncleg.net, Thom.Goolsby@ncleg.net, Malcolm.Graham@ncleg.net, Rick.Gunn@ncleg.net, Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net

Contact these Senators in your second email:

Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net, Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net, Neal.Hunt@ncleg.net, Brent.Jackson@ncleg.net , Clark.Jenkins@ncleg.net, Edward.Jones@ncleg.net, Ellie.Kinnaird@ncleg.net, Eric.Mansfield@ncleg.net, Floyd.McKissick@ncleg.net, Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net, Martin.Nesbitt@ncleg.net, Buck.Newton@ncleg.net, Louis.Pate@ncleg.net, Jean.Preston@ncleg.net, William.Purcell@ncleg.net, Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net, Gladys.Robinson@ncleg.net, David.Rouzer@ncleg.net, Bob.Rucho@ncleg.net, Dan.Soucek@ncleg.net, Josh.Stein@ncleg.net, Richard.Stevens@ncleg.net, Jerry.Tillman@ncleg.net, Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net, Don.Vaughan@ncleg.net, Michael.Walters@ncleg.net, Stan.white@ncleg.net

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- HB 650 On Wednesday, the NC House Judiciary C Committee took on House Bill 650, “Amend Various Gun Laws.”

Thanks to the efforts of Sponsors Mark Hilton (R-Catawba, GRNC ****), Steven LaRoque (R-Greene, Lenoir, Wayne, ****), George Cleveland (R- Onslow, ****) and Kelly Hastings (R- Cleveland, Gaston, ****), plus the leadership of Rules Chairman Tim Moore (R- Cleveland, ****) and Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Meckleburg, ****), the bill is likely to receive a committee vote next Wednesday.

Gun rights supporters should immediately e-mail these courageous legislators with thanks.

HB 650 is a huge and aggressive bill, meaning it will be difficult to pass. But if passed, it will go far toward reversing the creeping encroachment on gun owners’ rights perpetuated in previous sessions of the legislature, including (but not limited to):

• Castle Doctrine (yet another vehicle for popular Castle Doctrine is now moving);
• Reducing penalties for carrying firearms on “educational property,” including a protection against accidentally becoming a criminal by requiring that offenders “knowingly” brought the gun onto educational property;
• Enabling concealed carry at events for which admission is charged;
• Reducing penalties for a host of minor (often inadvertent) gun violations;
• Adding protections for gun owners whose guns are confiscated pursuant to domestic protective orders;
• Improves concealed handgun reciprocity to straight recognition of out-of-state permits;
• Removes provisions for concealed handgun applicants under which sheriffs are conducting intrusive investigations of medical history; and
• Enabling employees to keep guns in locked vehicles at places of employment.

FIRST COMMITTEE FIGHT
As Chairman Moore brought up the bill, Rep. Hilton pointed out that it simply attempted to mirror and conform with federal law. Opposition was brought by the usual leftists, including Joe Hackney (D- Chatham, Moore, Orange, GRNC 0-star), Verla Insko (D-Orange, 0-star) and Jennifer Weiss (D-Wake, 0-star). Reps. Hilton, Cleveland, Hastings and Jonathan Jordan (R- Ashe, Watauga, ****) did an outstanding job of defending it. Thanks also go to Chairman Moore for allowing GRNC president Paul Valone to dispel numerous misconceptions regarding state and federal gun laws.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

Contact

E-MAIL THANKS to Reps. Hilton, Tillis, Moore, Hastings, LaRoque and Cleveland using the following e-mail addresses: Mark.Hilton@ncleg.net; Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net; Tim.Moore@ncleg.net; Kelly.Hastings@ncleg.net; Stephen.LaRoque@ncleg.net; George.Cleveland@ncleg.net

CONTACT JUDICIARY THE C COMMITTEE MEMBERS as listed below and urge them to support HB 650, pointing out that they MUST attend the meeting on Wednesday to vote for the bill. Johnathan Rhyne, Jr. – 919-733-5782, Johnathan.Rhyne@ncleg.net; Rayne Brown – 919-715-0873, Rayne.Brown@ncleg.net; Jimmy Dixon – 919-715-3021, Jimmy.Dixon@ncleg.net; Bert Jones – 919-733-5779, Bert.Jones@ncleg.net; Jonathan C. Jordan – 919-733-7727, Jonathan.Jordan@ncleg.net

SEND US YOUR STORIES: By reducing the number of “no carry” zones, including accidentally carrying firearms onto “educational property” (including places that are not even campuses), the bill seeks to allow law-abiding gun owners to remain law abiding. To support the bill, please send examples of when you accidentally violated gun laws despite your best efforts. All stories will be de-identified before distribution. Send them directly to Paul Valone at President@GRNC.org

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Dear Representative:

I am writing to express my support for HB 650, “Amend Various Gun Laws.” Your support is instrumental in passing the many important measures in this sweeping bill. In order to achieve this, it is vital that you attend the Judiciary Sub Committee C meeting on Wednesday and give your full support to HB 650.

I will be eagerly awaiting a positive outcome for this bill Wednesday and will be tracking its progress through the alerts of Grass Roots North Carolina.

Sincerely,

A Concerned North Carolina Voter

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- The fate of pro-gun bills such as HB 111, the parks and restaurants bill, and the Castle Doctrine will be discussed this week by NC Senate leadership.

As you have likely heard, many polls are being crafted to misrepresent public opinion on CCW in parks and restaurants.

So it is vital that they hear from you that this is a priority. If HB 111 is to pass before intended adjournment on July 1, they must begin moving it now. See the important points that you need to make below:

Permit-Holders Proven Responsible
According to the NC State Bureau of Investigation, 336,743 concealed handgun permits have been approved, yet only 1007 (0.29% — less than 1/3 of a single percent) have been revoked for any reason, with most revocations unrelated to guns.

Although the SBI doesn’t track reasons for revocation, evidence from elsewhere suggests the vast majority of revocations are for reasons unrelated to guns. In Florida, for example, where 1,935,222 permits were issued, only 168 (.009%) were revoked due to misuse of firearms.

As in the 37 other states with concealed handgun laws, North Carolina permit-holders have a 16 year track record of proving themselves sane, sober and law-abiding.

“Wild west” predictions of “shootings at traffic lights” by the law’s opponents have proven false in North Carolina as in all of the 37 states which have adopted such laws.

Why Parks?
State parks: Although violent crime overall has dropped by 27.7% since inception of concealed carry, ostensibly “gun free” state parks have not benefited from the deterrence effect of the law, experiencing only an estimated drop of 8.93%, including an estimated 72 violent crimes and 1278 property crimes.

Municipal parks: Violent crime rates for municipal parks are not tracked by the State Bureau of Investigation, but urban settings and frequent news reports of rapes, murders and assaults suggests a much higher rate and number of violent crimes, perhaps numbering in the thousands.

Deterrence effect: Controlled, multi-variate studies of concealed handgun permit laws around the country show they deter murder, rape and aggravated assault.

Net benefit: Beyond allowing joggers, hikers and families enjoying North Carolina’s state and municipal parks to protect themselves against violent predators, HB 111 is likely to create a drop in crime by deterring criminals who search for unarmed victims.

Why Restaurants?
Restaurant carry is not untested: Even The New York Times admits that at least 39 states (by some counts, 40 states) permit concealed carry in restaurants.

Even a simple buffet restaurant is off limits to concealed carry if it has an on-premises alcohol consumption permit. When concealed handgun permit-holders go to such restaurants, they and their families are unprotected not only there but also in surrounding neighborhoods and parking lots.

Nothing would change the current prohibition on consuming alcohol while carrying concealed firearms contained in § 14-415.11 (c).

Restaurant owners would still have the option of posting against firearms under § 14-415.11 (c).

The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) has said that it does not oppose the bill.

GRNC strongly advises you to oppose the “Guice Amendment,” made in the House, under which municipalities could ban firearms in recreational facilities. Those facilities are precisely where permit-holders most need to protect family members.

Both Virginia (4/10) and Tennessee (6/10) have adopted restaurant carry without reported problems.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

Contact

Contact the members of the Senate Judiciary II Committee (listed following the message).
Deliver this message:

Dear Senate Judiciary II Committee Member:

I am writing you to let you know that HB 111, “Handgun Permit Valid in Parks & Restaurants,” is a priority. In order to meet your intended adjournment of July 1 – as has been stated as a goal – it is vital that you communicate to your leadership to get HB 111 moving now. Another top priority is the long awaited Castle Doctrine. Remember, there are former legislators who are now at home rather than in Raleigh for opposing this important measure. Recently anti-gunners in the media and academia have concocted skewed polls to scare you into inaction on these important matters. Don’t be fooled. Also do not buy the misinformation campaign on the issues.

Permit holders have proven to be sane, sober and law abiding over the last 16 years. Less than one-third of one percent of permits has been revoked for any reason – mostly non-gun related. Many of the less reasonable in society crowed that there would be “wild west” scenarios leading to shootouts at every minor clash, such as fender benders. That simply has not happened. It is important that HB 111 pass for a number of reasons. The 27.7% drop in violent crime since the inception of the concealed carry law has not been reflected in the gun free zones of state parks, which have only seen a decrease of 8.93%. The correlation between arming those who would otherwise be victims and drops in crime is clear. In restaurant carry – despite outright falsehoods being reported – nothing would change in relation to disallowing those consuming alcohol from being armed, however; those not imbibing would have the option of armed self protection within the restaurant and even more importantly, the highly vulnerable parking lots outside. It is important to note that despite outside pressure, the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) does not oppose HB 111.

I urge you support and pass this important bill. I will be monitoring the progress of HB 111 and your actions on this matter through the alerts of Grass Roots North Carolina.

Sincerely,

A Concerned North Carolina Voter

Contact these legislators:

COPY & PASTE CONVENIENCE LIST
(pick the method that works for your email program)

(with commas)

Austin.Allran@ncleg.net, Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net, Buck.Newton@ncleg.net, Doug.Berger@ncleg.net,
Stan.Bingham@ncleg.net, Dan.Blue@ncleg.net, Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net, Jim.Davis@ncleg.net,
Don.East@ncleg.net, James.Forrester@ncleg.net, Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net, Edward.Jones@ncleg.net,
Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net, Don.Vaughan@ncleg.net, Harris.Blake@ncleg.net, Charlie.Dannelly@ncleg.net,
Floyd.McKissick@ncleg.net

(with semi-colons)

Austin.Allran@ncleg.net; Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net; Buck.Newton@ncleg.net; Doug.Berger@ncleg.net;
Stan.Bingham@ncleg.net; Dan.Blue@ncleg.net; Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net; Jim.Davis@ncleg.net;
Don.East@ncleg.net; James.Forrester@ncleg.net; Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net; Edward.Jones@ncleg.net;
Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net; Don.Vaughan@ncleg.net; Harris.Blake@ncleg.net; Charlie.Dannelly@ncleg.net;
Floyd.McKissick@ncleg.net

(space delimited)

Austin.Allran@ncleg.net Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net Buck.Newton@ncleg.net Doug.Berger@ncleg.net
Stan.Bingham@ncleg.net Dan.Blue@ncleg.net Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net Jim.Davis@ncleg.net
Don.East@ncleg.net James.Forrester@ncleg.net Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net Edward.Jones@ncleg.net
Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net Don.Vaughan@ncleg.net Harris.Blake@ncleg.net Charlie.Dannelly@ncleg.net
Floyd.McKissick@ncleg.net

Full Contact Info

Senator Austin M. Allran
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 625
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-5876
Austin.Allran@ncleg.net

Senator Warren Daniel
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 411
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 715-7823
Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net

Senator E. S. (Buck) Newton
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 410
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 715-3030
Buck.Newton@ncleg.net

Senator Doug Berger
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 516
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 715-8363
Doug.Berger@ncleg.net

Senator Stan Bingham
16 W. Jones Street, Room 2117
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
(919) 733-5665
Stan.Bingham@ncleg.net

Senator Dan Blue
16 W. Jones Street, Room 1117
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
(919) 733-5752
Dan.Blue@ncleg.net

Senator Debbie A. Clary
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 314
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 715-3038
Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net

Senator Jim Davis
16 W. Jones Street, Room 2111
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
(919) 733-5875
Jim.Davis@ncleg.net

Senator Don East
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 522
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-5743
Don.East@ncleg.net

Senator James Forrester
16 W. Jones Street, Room 1028
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
(919) 715-3050
James.Forrester@ncleg.net

Senator Fletcher L. Hartsell, Jr.
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 300-C
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-7223
Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net

Senator Ed Jones
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 518
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 715-3032
Edward.Jones@ncleg.net

Senator Tommy Tucker
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 311
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-7659
Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net

Senator Don Vaughan
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 515
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-5856
Don.Vaughan@ncleg.net

Senator Harris Blake
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 408
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-4809
Harris.Blake@ncleg.net

Senator Charlie Smith Dannelly
16 W. Jones Street, Room 1127
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
(919) 733-5955
Charlie.Dannelly@ncleg.net

Senator Floyd B. McKissick, Jr.
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 520
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-4599
Floyd.McKissick@ncleg.net

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Fairfax, VA --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-News is a valued partner that continues to cover breaking gun rights news with a new and improved short video format in the “NRA News Minute” videos.

Cam Edwards talks to Iowa State Representative Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, the bill’s sponsor, about the advancing Castle Doctrine bill in Iowa.

To view the current firearms or gun rights news video, please click above:

Read More on these topics:

• Pennsylvania Castle Doctrine Legislation Dies Under Rendell’s Pen
• North Carolina Castle Doctrine Proposal Is A Ruse
• Michigan’s Castle Doctrine Law and You

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- BEHOLD: ‘The STAM SCAM’ DOES REPUBLICAN HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER THINK YOU’RE STUPID?

To paraphrase a colloquialism, Republican House Majority Leader Paul Stam is trying to feed you manure by calling it a sandwich.

As you recall, Stam led the attack against Castle Doctrine bill HB 74 in its House Judiciary subcommittee hearing. In relentless questioning apparently intended to tie up the bill, he painted scenarios of drug dealers shooting it out and using Castle Doctrine as a legal defense (this was rebutted by committee counsel), likening the bill to “expedited execution.” Using phrases like “dead people on the floor” and “shoot first and ask questions later,” Stam eventually produced handwritten language he claimed would accomplish “95%” of what bill supporters want.

Now the full proposal is out, and it is worthless!

Not only does it fail to offer the presumption of reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury for victims whose homes, vehicles or workplaces are forcibly and unlawfully entered, the defense offered victims does nothing. Says the legal counsel for the legislature: “The State currently has the burden of disproving the defense, so the new subsection wouldn’t change current law.”

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

• CALL AND E-MAIL MAJORITY LEADER ‘SKIP’ STAM AGAIN: Remind him that gun owners helped replace previous leadership over precisely this issue. Reach him at: Paul.Stam@ncleg.net and 919-733-2962. The message to deliver is below.
• E-MAIL SPEAKER THOM TILLIS AGAIN: Pro-gun Speaker Tillis (R-Mecklenburg, ****) supports Castle Doctrine, but needs POLITE AND CONSTRUCTIVE input to rein in Majority Leader Stam. At this point, gun owners from outside his district should e-mail only. Constituents should call. Reach Tillis at: Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net. The message to deliver is below.
• USE GRNC’s AUTOMATED EMAIL: Contact all members of the House Judiciary Committee by going to:  www.grnc.org/alerts/email2_25_11.htm to deliver a preset but customizable message. If you are unable to use the automated e-mail, copy-and-paste e-mail addresses for the Judiciary Committee are below the message for the committee.

Deliver These Messages

It is crucial to turn up the heat RIGHT NOW. If you e-mailed once, e-mail again. If you called once, call again. To reiterate: A light touch is all that is required for Speaker Tillis and members of the Judiciary Committee.

—————————————————

Representative Stam:

Do legislators think North Carolina gun rights supporters are stupid? Your proposal for HB 74 has all the appearances of a ruse designed to make North Carolinians think they are getting something to protect themselves against violent crime while, in reality, doing little or nothing at all.

Rest assured I will be monitoring your actions via Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts. Any vote for your proposal will be construed as anti-gun. Unless you want to put Republicans on the wrong side of a gun vote, as Representative Joe Kiser once did, I would suggest you shelve it and support HB 74 in its present version.

We didn’t put Republicans in power to undermine our rights. I strongly suggest you consider the fate of the last House Majority Leader.

Respectfully,

———————————————–

Dear Speaker Tillis:

I am alarmed by Majority Leader Paul Stam’s attack on Castle Doctrine bill HB 74. In the last election, Second Amendment voters supported new leadership because previous leaders worked to undermine gun rights. Indeed, gun owners were central to the transfer of power in both chambers of the General Assembly.

So imagine my surprise when a Republican and member of leadership began to attack efforts to bolster the ability of lawful North Carolinians to defend themselves against violent predators. Is this our reward? Representative Stam’s proposal for HB 74 is nothing but a ruse designed to make gun owners think they are getting something when, in fact, it does little or nothing.

I look forward to telling family, friends and co-workers how leaders in both the House and Senate passed legislation to bolster the rights of North Carolina gun owners.

Respectfully,

——————————————–

Honorable Members of the House Judiciary Committee:

I strongly urge you to support HB 74: “Castle Doctrine” in its present form. Absent a presumption of reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury for victims of forcible entries into homes, vehicles, and workplaces, the bill would be worthless.

Sadly, House Majority Leader Paul Stam seems to have forgotten that Second Amendment supporters were instrumental in bringing a pro-gun majority to the General Assembly. He not only voted against the bill in its subcommittee, but now intends to offer gun owners a shell designed to create the impression of an effective bill while actually offering little or nothing.

A nearly identical bill just passed Second Reading in the Senate, attracting bipartisan support. I strongly urge you to contact Representative Stam and ask him to shelve his Proposed Committee Substitute. I will be monitoring this bill via Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.

Respectfully,

If you are unable to use the link for the automated e-mail to the full Judiciary Committee, copy and paste the e-mails below:

Leo.Daughtry@ncleg.net, Justin.Burr@ncleg.net, David.Guice@ncleg.net, Grey.Mills@ncleg.net, Tim.Moore@ncleg.net, Shirley.Randleman@ncleg.net, Johnathan.Rhyne@ncleg.net, Martha.Alexander@ncleg.net, Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net, John.Blust@ncleg.net, Alice.Bordsen@ncleg.net, Rayne.Brown@ncleg.net, Angela.Bryant@ncleg.net, Jim.Crawford@ncleg.net, Jimmy.Dixon@ncleg.net, John.Faircloth@ncleg.net, Bill.Faison@ncleg.net, Rick.Glazier@ncleg.net, Joe.Hackney@ncleg.net, Phillip.Haire@ncleg.net, Larry.Hall@ncleg.net, Pricey.Harrison@ncleg.net, Julia.Howard@ncleg.net, Dan.Ingle@ncleg.net, Verla.Insko@ncleg.net, Darren.Jackson@ncleg.net, Bert.Jones@ncleg.net, Jonathan.Jordan@ncleg.net, Ric.Killian@ncleg.net, Grier.Martin@ncleg.net, Chuck.McGrady@ncleg.net, Mickey.Michaux@ncleg.net, Annie.Mobley@ncleg.net, Gaston.Pridgen@ncleg.net, Deborah.Ross@ncleg.net, Paul.Stam@ncleg.net, Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.net, Jennifer.Weiss@ncleg.net

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

• Republican House Majority Leader attacks HB 74, portending battles to come
• Senate version passes 2nd Reading: 3rd Reading Monday

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Two Castle Doctrine bills are working their way through the NC legislature. Which bill might ultimately be enacted into law remains to be seen.

SB 34 has been much improved from its original weak version and today passed its 2nd Reading Senate by a vote of 33-17. Vote details for particular Senators will be published when they become available.

Generally (although not always), 3rd Reading is a formality. Both may be accomplished in a single day provided no member of the body objects.

Apparently, one of the perennial anti-gun members objected, delaying 3rd Reading until Monday.

AMBUSH IN THE HOUSE
HB 74, originally the stronger Castle Doctrine bill, met far tougher resistance in a House Judiciary subcommittee, however, as it was repeatedly attacked not only by anti-gun Democrats, but also by Republican House Majority Leader Paul “Skip” Stam (R-Wake, formerly GRNC ****).

In relentless questioning apparently intended to tie up the bill, painted scenarios of drug dealers shooting it out and using Castle Doctrine as a legal defense (this was rebutted by committee counsel), likening the bill to “expedited execution.” Using phrases like “dead people on the floor” and “shoot first and ask questions later,” Stam eventually produced handwritten language he claimed would accomplish “95%” of what bill supporters want, but which actually offered crime victims few protections beyond current law.

Equally obstructionist were Reps. Darren Jackson (D-Wake, 0-star), and Grier Martin (D-Wake, GRNC 0-star), both of whom repeatedly demanded impossible statistics on home invasions until both GRNC president Paul Valone and representatives of the Administrative Office of the Courts pointed out that such statistics are not kept.

Advocating passage of the bill were subcommittee chair Mark Hilton (R-Catawba, ****), stalwart George Cleveland (R-Onslow, ****), freshman Jonathan Jordan (R-Ashe, ****) and Shirley Randleman (R-Wilkes, ****). Hilton, Cleveland and Randleman are primary sponsors for HB 74.

The bill eventually passed in a 5-3 vote with Reps. Cleveland, Jordan, Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke, ****), Rayne Brown (R-Davidson, ****) and Ric Killian (R-Mecklenburg, ****) voting for it, and Stam, Jackson and Martin voting against it.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
HB 74 now heads for the full Judiciary Committee, where it will undoubtedly meet resistance not only from the same individuals but other anti-gun Democrats including Deborah Ross (D-Wake, 0-star), who chaired the committee which in the last session killed Castle Doctrine by denying it a hearing. Moreover, when the senate bill, SB 34, crosses to the House, it will also be referred to the same committee, portending tough battles for both bills.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

• CALL AND E-MAIL MAJORITY LEADER SKIP STAM: Remind him that gun owners helped replace previous leadership over precisely this issue. Reach him at: Paul.Stam@ncleg.net and 919-733-2962.  Note: If his office complains about the subcommittee hearing giving “no public notice,” remind them that ad hoc committees are not required to and rarely do. If he says his proposal is “better,” remind them that HB 74 mirrors every other state which has adopted Castle Doctrine.
• E-MAIL SPEAKER THOM TILLIS: Pro-gun Speaker Tillis (R-Mecklenburg, ****) supports Castle Doctrine, but needs POLITE AND CONSTRUCTIVE input to rein in Majority Leader Stam. At this point, gun owners from outside his district should e-mail only. Constituents should call. Reach Tillis at: Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net

In future alerts, you will be given contact information for House Judiciary members.

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE: Copy and paste, changing it as you prefer. Again: Tillis is on our side. PLEASE BE COURTEOUS.

——————————–

Dear Speaker Tillis:

It is with profound disappointment that I learned of Majority Leader Paul Stam’s attack on Castle Doctrine bill HB 74. After decades of opposition to Second Amendment interests in the legislature, the current session has been both exhilarating and encouraging. I urge you to continue that course.

I look forward to telling family, friends and co-workers how leaders in both the House and Senate passed legislation to bolster the rights of North Carolina gun owners.

Respectfully,

——————————–

• You may find your NC STATE representative by going here:www.grnc.org/contact_reps.htm
• You may write your FEDERAL congressman by going here: www.house.gov/writerep/
• You may write your FEDERAL senators by going here: www.senate.gov/

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- What Castle Doctrine Does, What Makes Hb 74 Better?
ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS OF HB 74

INTRODUCTION
HB 74: “Castle Doctrine” was filed by Representative Mark Hilton, Shirley Randleman, George Cleveland, and Rayne Brown today in the North Carolina General Assembly.

One of three such Castle Doctrine bills thus far offered in what may become the most pro-gun legislative session in NC history, Hilton’s bill offers significantly greater protection for those forced to use deadly force in self-defense.

WHAT CASTLE DOCTRINE DOES
In general terms, Castle Doctrine laws offer some or all of the following protections:

• “Stand your ground”: No duty to retreat if faced with a reasonable threat of imminent death or great bodily injury;
• A presumption of reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury if the victim’s home or motor vehicle is forcibly entered by an attacker;
• Protection against kidnapping;
• Protection against malicious prosecution (think “Mike Nifong”); and
• Protection against civil suits
• filed by the attacker, his survivors or others.

WHAT MAKES HB 74 BETTER?
Last Friday, the NRA issued an alert backing SB 34, sponsored by Senators Andrew Brock, Doug Berger and Kathy Harrington. While the pro-gun sponsors have the best of intentions, SB 34 and its companion bill, HB 52, (Reps. Tim Spear, Bill Owens and Jim Crawford) are dangerously flawed.

SB 34 and HB 52 are substantially similar to SB 928, which passed the Senate in the last session but was killed in the House when Rep. Deborah Ross and former Rep. Hugh Holliman (who was defeated by GRNC in the last election) denied it a committee hearing.

The problem is that SB 928 passed the gun-hostile Senate in a greatly weakened fashion: Although the original Edition 1 offered victims protection both inside and outside the home, particularly in motor vehicles, the amended Edition 2 offered protection ONLY WITHIN THE HOME, meaning it offered little beyond present law.

By contrast, HB 74 is the result of longstanding collaboration between Rep. Hilton and GRNC. Drafted by GRNC in 2005, it was substantially improved by Hilton and legislative staff in the 2009-2010 session, when it was introduced as HB 1131.

The bottom line is that while SB 928 might have been the best bill attainable in the last, gun-hostile session of the legislature, you have worked hard to produce a pro-gun majority this year in both chambers, and you deserve better.

ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS OF HB 74:

* Better definitions, including defense against “forcible felonies;”
* Presumption of reasonable fear to victims of carjackings;
* “Stand your ground” protection: No duty to retreat when attacked outside the home; and
* Better protection against lawsuits: If attackers or survivors file malicious lawsuits which are thrown out of court, they would bear the full cost of litigation, freeing crime victims of tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Look for a detailed analysis of pending Castle Doctrine legislation this weekend by GRNC president and Charlotte Gun Rights Examiner Paul Valone.

OTHER PRO-GUN BILLS
INTRODUCED AT GRNC BEHEST HB 63: “Firearm in Locked Motor Vehicle/Parking Lot.”

Sponsored by Reps. Phil Shephard, Mark Hilton, George Cleveland, and Jeff Barnhart, HB 63 would prohibit employers and commercial enterprises from barring guns in locked vehicles, removing a substantial obstacle facing concealed handgun permit-holders.

Look for more bills on GRNC’s legislative agenda to be introduced in coming days.

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Texas State Rifle Association

Houston, Tx --(Ammoland.com)- Senator Glenn Hegar, Jr., (R-Katy) has filed SB 321, a TSRA-backed “employer parking lot” bill and it’s 3-2-1 blast off as session opens this Tuesday, Jan.11th.

This will be the 4th attempt to provide Texans with both convenience and personal protection currently enjoyed by law-abiding citizens in thirteen other states: Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Georgia, Louisiana, Utah, Idaho, and Indiana.

Courts have ruled that certain rights may be given up to secure employment, namely the right to personal protection on the journey to and from the workplace.

SB 321 would provide protection in statute for both the employee and the employer. Legally-owned firearms and ammunition, stored in a personal, locked vehicle, parked on the employer’s parking lot or parking garage would no longer be under the authority of the employer.

In return the employer is provided civil immunity except for gross negligence when following the law.

The employee is protected, his job is protected, and the employer remains in control of his specific workplace but not over the employee’s personal, locked vehicle. Obviously a win-win for Texans.

Urge your state senator to co-author SB 321, urge a speedy committee hearing, and passage.

Look for a companion House Bill to be filed soon by State Representative Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington) and urge your state representative to be ready to co-author this crucial TSRA agenda legislation.

Check out:www.capitol.state.tx.us for “Who Represents You” and urge your state senator to co-author SB 321. Keep an eye-out for the House companion and follow up with your Texas state representative.

Member to Member Recruiters

TSRA is only as strong as our number of active TSRA members! We need YOU. Join, Up-grade, or renew at www.tsra.com or call 512-615-4200 during office hours. You won’t lose a day of your membership by renewing early!

Send this the link to this article to your personal email list and ask your friends to act now and become a TSRA member.

Stay in the loop!
Keep the Faith!

About:
The Mission of the Texas State Rifle Association is to protect and defend the inalienable rights of the individual Texan to acquire, possess, transport, carry, transfer ownership and enjoy the right to lawful use of firearms for self preservation, for the defense of family and property and the common defense of the Republic and the individual liberties of the people. Visit: www.TSRA.com

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-ILA grass roots news recently debuted a new and improved format for the “Grassroots News Minute” video!

To view the current video in its new format, please click above:

State Senator Richard Alloway joins Cam Edwards to discuss the future of the Castle Doctrine bill in Pennsylvania – NRA News – November 30, 2010

Read More on these topics:

• Pennsylvania: “Castle Doctrine” Bill Passes Senate
• Pennsylvania Castle Doctrine Legislation Dies Under Rendell’s Pen
• A Review of Castle Doctrine & No-Retreat Legislation

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- As I predicted would happen, Gov. Rendell less than two hours ago vetoed House Bill 1926 that contained the Castle doctrine legislation as an amendment within it.

In supporting the governor’s veto District attorneys Association, Ed Marsico, stated that this legislation would encourage a “shoot first mentality”!

Now judges, law enforcement, and citizens around this state know these kind of rhetorical statements are nothing more than prejudicial, emotional hyperbole meant to avoid dealing with the issues; the real issue here is a slap in the face that has just been handed to every Pennsylvania citizen wherein Marsico has said you are less trustworthy than the citizens and the 23 other states that have passed this legislation!

All they have done is delay the inevitable as we have already laid the groundwork for this legislation to be reintroduced next year. We promise you that we will get this passed early next year so Pennsylvanians will enjoy the commonsense protections our founding fathers intended us to have!

We wish you and your family a joyous, Happy and Merry Christmas holiday and we appreciate your help with this effort! Any immortal words of the Terminator in the Terminator movies-“we will be back”!

Thank you again!

Respectfully,

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected Political Action Committee organized to empower `all’ gun owners, outdoors enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-ILA grass roots news recently debuted a new and improved format for the “Grassroots News Minute” video!

.

To view the current video in its new format, please click above:

Read More on these topics:

• Judge Rules Concealed Carry Ban Unconstitutional
• Pennsylvania: “Castle Doctrine” Bill Passes Senate

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

National Rifle Association

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Yesterday, Thursday, October 14, the Pennsylvania Senate passed House Bill 1926 by a vote of 45-4. The bill now returns to the House where it could be concurred with on Monday, October 18.

HB1926 contains State Senator Richard Alloway’s (R-33) “Castle Doctrine” amendment.

This language would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their homes and any places outside of their home where they have a legal right to be.

If enacted, this law would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.

Please contact your State Representative TODAY and respectfully urge them to vote for HB1926 with the Alloway amendment. Contact information can be found by clicking here.

IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD!

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

AmmoLand Gun News

Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- The entire world, driven by news reports, has fixated on the enormous illegal-immigrant invasion Arizona has suffered under for years.

The invasion had previously been ignored, a news-media black hole from which little information escaped.

The catalyst for the attention is my bill SB1070, empowering our law-enforcement agencies to deal with the invasion. We passed it because the federal government is aiding and abetting the invaders, instead of stopping them and defending the nation against a flood of biblical proportions.

But SB1070 is a simple criminal statute, enacted to treat symptoms of a harmful crime — sneaking into our nation to commit felonies, leach off our successes, eat out our substance. A different law, SB1108, for which I am equally responsible, is the more important act.

SB1108 is no simple crime-control law. It repeals outrageous infringements to the Bill of Rights, reinstating wholesome fullness to the right to keep and bear arms. The media however, driven by a nearly fanatical racist miasma, blindly focused on the immigration-crime law — finding racism where none exists – at the expense of even noting the strengthened Bill of Rights, despite a packed news conference for SB1108.

Civil rights were reborn here on the same day the anti-invasion bill took effect, but this was ignored. While reporters cried racism, “Constitutional Carry” restored fundamental civil rights to anyone on the planet who enters Arizona legally. We’ve extended these rights to all people of Earth.

The God-given right to protect family, property and yourself from physical harm has been accepted since civilization’s dawn. Our Founders ensconced it in the Constitution. This was uncontroversial and well understood, a deeply rooted basic human right until recently, when forces of darkness began attacking truths we hold to be self evident.

Arizona now enjoys more robust protection for the right to arms than anywhere on Earth. How could media pundits miss that? In times recently past, a law that frees every decent adult on Earth to carry a gun with no prior permission would have precipitated a national uproar.

Are the media just tired of crying wolf? They screamed about imminent blood-in-the-streets when Arizona’s gun-permit law passed in 1994, but nothing ever happened (and they never apologized).

They convulsed recently, anticipating wild-west mayhem when gun bans in National Parks were repealed. Nothing happened (not even remorse for the fear mongering).

When Arizona’s restaurant gun ban was lifted a year-and-a-half ago, we endured fantasies about impending homicidal frenzy from “shotguns in nightclubs,” but it turned out that breakfast at Denny’s or lunch at Applebee’s remained tranquil. No correction has been issued or is no longer expected.

So should the media pay attention to a law that restores our rights, instead of one that hampers criminals?

Does it really matter that states nationwide now seek and are clamoring for Constitutional Carry for themselves?

So what if Arizona frees its women to put handguns in their handbags, go about their business, and return home without fear of arrest? The bill’s chief advocates, the Arizona Citizens Defense League (azcdl.org) spent five years reaching this point. Americans are carrying guns but no one’s getting shot? Who cares?

Train Me Arizona Campaign Kick Off

Government Stimulates Business?
Most of all, why tell people that government’s exit from the enforced-training regimen is a business-stimulus plan?

Private enterprise has launched the TrainMeAZ.com campaign to promote “a culture of marksmanship” and gun safety to every resident. This is Arizona — learn to shoot straight. Marksmanship matters. Teach your children well. Why cover that, even if it is going up on billboards statewide?

Constitutional Carry and the TrainMeAZ campaign have ignited a firestorm of entrepreneurism, and rekindled a burning desire to restore the nation of marksmen our Founders envisioned.

I personally urge America to examine what we’ve done with Defensive Display, Castle Doctrine inside and outside the home, Burden of Proof, Specious Lawsuit Immunity, Firearms Freedom Act and more. Emulate the freedom of spirit thriving in the Grand Canyon State.

Visit and experience life as a free adult, not a ward of the state. You may not want to leave. And if you do, you’ll take the spirit of freedom home with you.

Russell Pearce is the Republican State Senator from Arizona legislative district 18 and author of the anti-illegal immigration bill SB1070, and the Constitutional Carry law for firearms, SB1108, neither of which are controversial in point of fact.

Learn more about the TrainMeAZ Campaign at http://www.trainmeaz.com

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-ILA grass roots news recently debuted a new and improved format for the “Grassroots News Minute” video!

To view the current video in its new format, please click above:

Cam Edwards talks to NRA-ILA Pennsylvania state liaison John Hohenwarter – NRA News – October 4, 2010.

Read More on these topics:

* Pennsylvania Self Defense Rights Are On The Line

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

At Issue: Discharge Petition and Floor Action – House Bill 40

Allegheny County Sportsmen's League

McDonald, PA --(Ammoland.com)- For nearly 6 years we have ‘all’ been working to improve the use of force laws (known as Castle Doctrine) here in Pennsylvania so that gun owners would feel that they would be treated fairly ‘if’ they have to use force to defend their families with lethal force.

Unfortunately we have been frustrated by the idiosyncrasies of Pennsylvania politics. Again, we want ‘nothing more’ than what other states have: reasonable legislation that will provide important protections for ‘law-abiding’ citizens who must use protective force when confronting criminals. Thousands of volunteer organizations’ dollars and thousands of man-hours have been dedicated to this effort. Grassroots leaders of Pennsylvania gun rights organizations have bent over backwards trying to be fair in a good faith effort to accommodate critics of this important legislation.

Sadly, this legislation has been held hostage by a shrill minority in the legislature consisting of the Philadelphia Legislative caucus and certain agencies.

They are using their political connections to thwart the desire of the people. The people want a vote and they want this bill on the governor’s desk for signature ASAP-THIS SESSION. It is unconscionable to have tremendously popular legislation, with nearly 2/3 of the House of Representatives as co-sponsors, be denied a timely, fair, and honest vote.

The Pennsylvania organizations that support this legislation (identified below) are fully aware of the parliamentary options that are available to leadership to advance this legislation and we ask your support to encourage legislators and leadership to speedily resolve these issues and move this legislation with all possible haste-THIS SESSION!

Our organizations are receiving many complaints from individual gun owners, such as you, about legislative ambivalence and antipathy towards this concept and HB 40. Our members, officers, and board members insist upon a more proactive stance and firm and definitive action on the part of legislators whom we have supported. To this end we know there will be a vote on a discharge petition in the House of Representatives on Monday, September 27, and we encourage you to stress the importance of their support for not only this effort but also any other effort to advance House Bill 40 (Castle doctrine) through the legislative process in the next few coming days.

The bill will be much more likely to pass and be put on the Governor’s desk IF we can count on you to generate help support. We know this is a last minute request and apologize for it but the broken promises of certain legislators in leadership has intentionally, we believe, left us with little time to maneuver. We have tried every reasonable method to break HB 40 free of this legislative log jam without bothering you, to no avail.

Now we are asking for your help once again!

**Please contact your legislator and members of the House of Representatives leadership and let them know that you not only support this legislation but that you want them to ‘swiftly’ move it through the House to the Senate and to the Governor.

To Review: The Bill: HB 40 does not change the use of force requirements. What it does do is eliminate the honest citizen’s duty to retreat when confronted by violent criminals and provide honest citizens with legal protection if they defend themselves from criminals. It contains an anti-carjacking provision that will change state law so that if a criminal illegally and forcibly enters an occupied vehicle, the presumption is that he intends to harm the passengers. Protections against civil actions are also provided, should your assailant or his relatives sue you for harming the criminal when you defended yourself and this includes protections for law enforcement as well.

This legislation has been enacted in twenty three states and eighteen of these states have also enacted ‘No Duty to Retreat’ and is pending in even more. Crime is down in these states.

Killers are more concerned about law-abiding citizens than police having firearms. This was proven in the Wright-Rossi study and more recently by the example that the Columbine killers (Dylan and Klebold) “shared opposition to a bill in the state legislature that would have made it easier to carry concealed weapons” (NYT, 6/29/1999).

The grassroots organizations in support of this bill are listed below:

1. Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League (ACSL),
2. Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (PFSC),
3. Pennsylvania Sportsmen’s Association (PSA),
4. National Rifle Association (NRA),
5. Gun Owners of America (GOA),
6. Second Amendment Sisters (SAS),
7. Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Association (PR&PA),
8. Pennsylvania Gun Collectors Association (PGCA)
9. Lehigh Valley Firearms Coalition (LEVFC),
10. Philadelphia Federation of Sportsmen’s Club,
11. Pennsylvania Gun Owners Association (PGOA)
12. Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania (USP)
13. Pennsylvania State Fish & Game Protective Association,
14. The Pink Pistols
15. OpenCarry.org
16. Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association (PAFOA)
17. National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)
18. Western Pennsylvania 30 Caliber League, Inc

**(FOAC) Firearms Owners Against Crime records all votes related to firearms and the constitutional connections thereof.

We thank you in advance for your help with this critical and time sensitive step forward for our Freedoms and we will do our BEST to keep you informed on the developments ahead!

About:
Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League: To promote and foster, by all lawful means, the protection and conservation of our renewable wildlife resources through hunting and fishing, together with all pertinent natural resources and to promote the improvement of hunting, fishing, and competitive shooting. Visit: www.acslpa.org

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)- While the public’s attention was distracted and captivated by the torturous budget debate, House Bill 40 (Castle doctrine) was quietly spirited into the House Appropriations Committee to what some political observers believe is to be left to a slow and quiet death at the hands of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Democratic leadership.

In choosing this parliamentary maneuver and tactic it may be accurate to say that this is backfiring on the political power brokers. The sponsor, Rep. Scott Perry, and some in the media (PA Self Defense Bill Appears Dead) have expressed growing frustration at the fact that this legislation, that has 126 cosponsors, would most likely pass if it was brought to the floor and that this is a clear attempt at silencing the will of the people and the rank-and-file legislators.

Gun rights activists continue to pressure the House and the Senate to take up the mantle of this legislation and bring it to the floor for a full vote. Not only do gun owners deserve the opportunity to present this matter to the full legislature but so do the tireless advocates on both sides of the aisle who have continued to sponsor and cosponsor this legislation.

We encourage you to continue to keep up the pressure and focus on the members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Appropriations Committee members to petition and beseech the majority chairman of this committee, Rep. Dwight Evans, to release this bill from the clutches of his legislative dungeon.

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected Political Action Committee organized to empower `all’ gun owners, outdoors enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

Second Amendment Foundation

Hawaii --(AmmoLand.com)- Governor Linda Lingle today signed into law two important bills preserving 2nd Amendment rights passed by the recently adjourned 25th Hawaii State Legislature.

SB 358, SD1, HD2 introduced by State Senator Sam Slom (R-8th O’ahu – Hawaii Kai to Diamondhead) (Act 96) establishes provisions relating to prohibition against seizure of firearms or ammunition during emergency or disaster, suspension of permit or license.

Prohibits any person or government entity to seize or confiscate, under any civil defense, emergency, or disaster relief powers or functions conferred, or during any civil defense emergency period, or during any time of national emergency or crisis, any firearm or ammunition and permit or license of any individual who is lawfully permitted to carry or possess the firearm or ammunition and who carries, possesses, or uses the firearm or ammunition in a lawful manner and in accordance with the criminal laws of this State. — Amends provisions relating to civil defense powers, in general. Section Affected: 134- (1 SECTION), 128-6.

Slom, a Trustee and Secretary of the Bellevue, Washington-based Second Amendment Foundation said he introduced the legislation in part as a result of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath in New Orleans when law enforcement officials went door-to-door and seized legal firearms from legally registered owners. The court subsequently overturned the state’s actions. He said he also had worried constituents call this year during the Hawaii Tidal Wave alert. Citizens were concerned that the police would not be able to protect everyone and their property during a major emergency.

Slom added, ” I emphasize this law applies to legally owned and registered firearms. This is a good bill and Governor Linda Lingle should be thanked for her prompt attention to this important legislation which passed the Senate unanimously. Hawaii now joins 30 other states with similar legislation.”

2nd Amendment Rights Protected During In Hawaii

The other bill signed today (Act 97) is SB0532 SD1 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO LIMITING CIVIL LIABILITY. Also known as the “CASTLE DOCTRINE”, and originally introduced by Slom, the version that passed was sponsored by Senate Judiciary Chairman Brian Taniguchi (D-Manoa), By Request. Current Hawaii law requires a homeowner to “retreat” from his or her own home when invaded by a criminal engaging in a felony. The new law establishes provisions relating to owner to felon; limited liability. Provides that any owner of any other interest in real property shall not be liable to any perpetrator for any injury or death that occurs upon the real property during the course or after the commission of certain felony offenses. — Section Affected: 663- (1 SECTION) OWNER TO FELON.

Slom said of this bill, “It represents common sense and confirms in Hawaii the old adage, “A man’s (or woman’s) home is his (her) castle.” It should put potential criminals on notice that they no longer can break in, commit a felony, threaten the owner and escape with no risk of personal harm. Both laws are about taking back our individual, Constitutional rights”

About:
The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nations oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and an amicus brief and fund for the Emerson case holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

Virginia Gun Owners Coalition

Virginia --(AmmoLand.com)- The two gun bills that passed the House but face serious challenges in the Senate are HB 69 and HB 854.

HB 69 is the VA Firearms Freedom Act exempting guns made and possessed in VA from federal oversight.

HB 884 is the Castle Doctrine Bill acknowledging your God-given right to protect yourself from intruders into your home.

Both bills are in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee.

If any Senator below is your senator please contact them and urge them to vote YES on both these bills.

You can access their email by clicking their names.

If you don’t know who your Senator is please fill out the information at http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform

Senator Henry L. Marsh III (D) – Chairman
Senator Richard L. Saslaw (D)
Senator Frederick M. Quayle (R)
Senator Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R)
Senator Janet D. Howell (D)
Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)
Senator John S. Edwards (D)
Senator W. Roscoe Reynolds (D)
Senator Linda T. Puller (D)
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)
Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)
Senator Robert Hurt (R) – Co-patron
Senator A. Donald McEachin (D)
Senator J. Chapman Petersen (D)

About:
Virginia Gun Owners Coalition is Virginia’s only no-compromise, non-partisan gun lobby patterned after Gun Owners of America on Capitol Hill. VGOC is a non-profit tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(4) of the IRS code. Because we lobby politicians to protect and defend the 2nd Amendment, contributions are not tax deductible for IRS purposes. Visit: www.vgoc.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

Raleigh, NC --(AmmoLand.com)- NC House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman has a dilemma.

On the one hand, he recently claimed in the “Davidson County Dispatch” that he supports the Castle Doctrine.

On the other, he completely refused to exercise leadership in preventing one anti-gun committee chairperson – Rep. Deborah Ross – from bottling it up in committee.

How can the House Majority Leader, who wields great power, support a bill, yet not use his leadership position to prevent stonewalling tactics by one of the few members of the GA who opposes it?

So, Rep. Holliman seems to be talking the talk, but in the last session, he certainly did not walk the walk.

A Quick Refresher
SB 928, Castle Doctrine, progressed successfully through the NC Senate with light opposition then was sent to the House Judiciary Committee where Chairwoman Rep. Deborah Ross has denied it a hearing feigning the need for input from her leadership. As a member of said leadership, House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman has refused said leadership.

For more details read Paul Valone’s column on this situation:

http://bit.ly/CastleDoctrine

Immediate Action Required

• Write a letter to the editor (as others have already done) of the Davidson County Dispatch: http://www.the-dispatch.com/section/opinion02
• Call local radio station WLXN 1440, Bob Mahoney Morning Show, bob@wlxn.com, http://www.wlxn.com/ – 336-242-1440

Ask them why Hugh Holliman refuses to show leadership on this matter if he does in fact support this bill. Demand that Holliman explain himself on this matter and insist that the media not let Holliman off easy with a simple statement of supporting the Castle Doctrine and the Second Amendment.

If Holliman is a supporter of the Castle Doctrine and wants to be a leader, then he must step up and show leadership. He has clearly failed to do so.

You may find your NC representative by going here:

http://www.grnc.org/contact_reps.htm

You may write your federal congressman by going here:

http://www.house.gov/writerep/

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)-On November 19 the Pennsylvania House Judiciary committee held a hearing on House Bill 40, the current version of Castle doctrine.

This hearing was a circus that would’ve made the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus proud. Every element was present accept the truth from those opposed this commonsense measure from prearranged and orchestrated testimony to the canned responses and the proselytizing of cease-fire PA about the concept of lost or stolen firearm reporting.

What Chairman Caltagirone was probably not counting on was the depth and breadth of supporters for this legislation and the wide ranging testimony that contradicted virtually every aspect of what cease-fire PA, the District attorneys Association, and even the Pennsylvania State police led legislators to believe.

In a remarkable development House Bill 40 was receiving additional cosponsors even during the course of the Judiciary Committee hearing which clearly indicates that the weight of testimony was on the side of gun owners and law abiding citizens.

At this time the number of cosponsors on this legislation stands at 120 House members from both sides of the aisle and all indications are that we will receive a vote on this legislation in the very near future.

As part of this effort for this hearing we once again conducted a grassroots lobbying day that was attended by nearly gunowners from around the state. This effort was meant to introduce gunowners to the methods by which we use to provide information to and to educate legislators on the issue of gun control, gun ownership, violent crime and our Constitution. This effort complimented our attendance and testimony before the House Judiciary committee.

Please stay tuned to rapid developments on this legislation and for a list of cosponsors please see the Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League website.

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected
Political Action Committee organized to empower ‘all’ gun owners, outdoors
enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S.
Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

Michigan Coalition For Responsible Gun Owners

Lansing, MI --(AmmoLand.com)- Each of these Bills provide rather specific circumstances and protections which, taken as a whole, provide strong protection for a person who is forced to defend himself from criminal attack (which here means grievous bodily injury, rape, or death).

• PA 311 provides a “rebuttable presumption” in a civil or criminal case that a person who defends himself believes that criminal attack is threatened if (1) he is in a dwelling or business, or (2) the criminal is attempting to remove someone from a dwelling, business, or vehicle. This does not apply if the alleged criminal has a legal right to be in the dwelling or business, or if the person defending himself is committing a crime, or if the person entering is a law enforcement officer in the course of his duties.
• PA 310 states that a prosecutor may still charge a person who has defended himself if the prosecutor can present to the court evidence that the person did not believe he was threatened with criminal attack. This represents a substantial change from the prior law which puts the burden of proof on the person defending himself to show that he did believe he was subject to criminal attack.
• PA 309 says that if a person is anywhere he has a legal right to be, he has no duty to retreat if he believe he is threatened by criminal attack. Note that this differs from the home/business situation where it is presumed that he believes he is subject to criminal attack.
• PA 313 is subtle: “Sec. 21c. (1) In cases in which section 2 of the self-defense act does not apply, the common law of this state applies except that the duty to retreat before using deadly force is not required if an individual is in his or her own dwelling or within the curtilage of that dwelling.”
• PA 314 states that a person who defends himself (or in defense of another individual) with deadly force or less than deadly force anywhere he has a right to be is immune from civil liability for damages.
• PA 312 provides attorney fees to a defendant if a civil suit is filed and the court determines that the defendant is immune from civil liability under PA 314.

Castle Doctrine in the rest of the US
A Castle Doctrine (also known as a Castle Law or a Defense of Habitation Law) is an American legal concept derived from English Common Law, which designates one’s place of residence (or, in some states, any place legally occupied, such as one’s car or place of work) as a place in which one enjoys protection from illegal trespassing and violent attack. It then goes on to give a person the legal right to use deadly force to defend that place (his/her “castle”), and/or any other innocent persons legally inside it, from violent attack or an intrusion which may lead to violent attack. In a legal context, therefore, use of deadly force which actually results in death may be defended as justifiable homicide under the Castle Doctrine.

Castle Doctrines are legislated by state, and not all states in the US have a Castle Doctrine. The term “Make My Day Law” comes from the landmark 1985 Colorado statute that protects people from any criminal charge or civil suit if they use force – including deadly force – against an invader of the home. The law’s nickname is a reference to the famous line uttered by Clint Eastwood’s character Dirty Harry in the 1983 film Sudden Impact, “Go ahead, make my day.”

This legal doctrine is often linked to the rights of homeowners to bear arms, as defined in the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller.

States with a Castle Law and/or a stand-your-ground provision include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho*, Illinois*, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana*, New Jersey, New York*, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania*, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota*, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.

(* denotes states with weak Castle Law )

States with no known Castle Law: Iowa, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Virginia, District of Columbia — source wikipedia.org

About:
The Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Formed from just eight people in 1996, we now have thousands of members and numerous affiliated clubs across the state. We’re growing larger and more effective every day.

Our mission statement is: “Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation” Visit: www.mcrgo.org

Michigan Coalition For Responsible Gun Owners

Michigan - -(AmmoLand.com)- In my capacity as an instructor of the legal portion of CPL classes, I have run into many renewal students who wisely decide to sit in on the legal portion in order to get up to speed on any changes in the Michigan law that have come into effect since the last time they were trained. They are often unaware of some significant changes. I plan to cover some of them here in the coming weeks in an effort to spread the word. For those of you who already know about them, hopefully you agree that it can’t hurt to review.

One of the big ones is the fact that, since October of 2006, deadly force may be used against a person who breaks into your home or business, or attempts to remove you from your car against your will. The reason is that deadly force may only be legally used when there is an actual and reasonable belief that it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm that could lead to death, or rape.

One of the big changes in Michigan law that went into effect in October of 2006 is laid out below. It creates what is called a “rebuttable presumption.” In law, a rebuttable presumption shifts the burden of proof. Basically, in this instance, it means that if your home or business is broken into, or someone tries to remove you from your car, you may use deadly force to protect yourself. You do not have to wait for the situation to develop further. The mere fact that the criminal has chosen to break in to your home can be taken as evidence that they are dangerous.

This change brought Michigan law closer in line with common sense and experience. However, obviously, it is not a blanket license to kill anyone who is in your home or business.

If the Prosecutor, or Plaintiff, can show that there are other facts such as the person was tricked into being there, or clearly presented no threat at all, (a child, etc.), then the presumption can be overcome. And, the case can proceed.

Remember that under Michigan law, a gun is ALWAYS considered deadly force. Do not threaten anyone with, or use your gun against, anyone who does not present an imminent threat of death, great bodily harm that could lead to death, or rape.

“MCL 780.951 Individual using deadly force or force other than deadly force; presumption; definitions. Sec. 1.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), it is a rebuttable presumption in a civil or criminal case that an individual who uses deadly force or force other than deadly force under section 2 of the self-defense act has an honest and reasonable belief that imminent death of, sexual assault of, or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another individual will occur if both of the following apply:

(a) The individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used is in the process of breaking and entering a dwelling or business premises or committing home invasion or has broken and entered a dwelling or business premises or committed home invasion and is still present in the dwelling or business premises, or is unlawfully attempting to remove another individual from a dwelling, business premises, or occupied vehicle against his or her will.

(b) The individual using deadly force or force other than deadly force honestly and reasonably believes that the individual is engaging in conduct described in subdivision (a).

(2) The presumption set forth in subsection (1) does not apply if any of the following circumstances exist:

(a) The individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used, including an owner, lessee, or titleholder, has the legal right to be in the dwelling, business premises, or vehicle and there is not an injunction for protection from domestic violence or a written pretrial supervision order, a probation order, or a parole order of no contact against that person.

(b) The individual removed or being removed from the dwelling, business premises, or occupied vehicle is a child or grandchild of, or is otherwise in the lawful custody of or under the lawful guardianship of, the individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used.

(c) The individual who uses deadly force or force other than deadly force is engaged in the commission of a crime or is using the dwelling, business premises, or occupied vehicle to further the commission of a crime.

(d) The individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used is a peace officer who has entered or is attempting to enter a dwelling, business premises, or vehicle in the performance of his or her official duties in accordance with applicable law.

(e) The individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used is the spouse or former spouse of the individual using deadly force or force other than deadly force, an individual with whom the individual using deadly force or other than deadly force has or had a dating relationship, an individual with whom the individual using deadly force or other than deadly force has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of his or her household, and the individual using deadly force or other than deadly force has a prior history of domestic violence as the aggressor.”

Steve Dulan (www.StevenWDulan.com) is a member of the Board of Directors of the MCRGO and the MCRGO Foundation, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the MCRGO Foundation. He is an attorney in private practice in East Lansing and Adjunct Professor of firearms law at The Thomas M. Cooley Law School. as well as an NRA Life Member.

About:
The Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Formed from just eight people in 1996, we now have thousands of members and numerous affiliated clubs across the state. We’re growing larger and more effective every day.

Our mission statement is: “Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation”

Michigan Coalition For Responsible Gun Owners

Lansing, MI - -(AmmoLand.com)- Occasionally MCRGO receives a request for a review of Michigan’s Castle Doctrine law.

So, here we go … MCL 780.951 (Public Act 311 of 2006) states:

“(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), it is a rebuttable presumption in a civil or criminal case that an individual who uses deadly force or force other than deadly force under section 2 of the self-defense act has an honest and reasonable belief that imminent death of, sexual assault of, or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another individual will occur if both of the following apply:

(a) The individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used is in the process of breaking and entering a dwelling or business premises or committing home invasion or has broken and entered a dwelling or business premises or committed home invasion and is still present in the dwelling or business premises, or is unlawfully attempting to remove another individual from a dwelling, business premises, or occupied vehicle against his or her will.

(b) The individual using deadly force or force other than deadly force honestly and reasonably believes that the individual is engaging in conduct described in subdivision (a).”

The basic rule on use of force in self-defense is that the force must be proportional to the threat.

Essentially, deadly force is only authorized in self-defense when preventing: great bodily harm that could lead death, death, or rape (known modernly in Miichigan as sexual assault.) The individual using deadly force in legitimate self defense must have an actual belief that he is preventing one of those three things, and that belief has to be reasonable under all the circumstances. In other words, a jury would have to agree that, if they were in the same situation, they would share that same belief that great bodily harm, death, or sexual assault were about to occur.

Prior to enactment of this law, which became effective as of October 1, 2006, there was a possibility that a homeowner who used deadly force in defense would have found himself charged criminally or sued by the intruder, or the intruder’s family. This is because deadly force is NEVER appropriate when defending property. In other words, it could have been argued that the intruder perhaps meant only to commit a property crime and, therefore, deadly force was not proportionate. This is still possible under the current law. An individual who breaks in to one of the places listed above may not present a deadly threat and it is possible that in some circumstances, use of deadly force may be still considered disproportionate. However, the presumption is that someone who breaks into a home or business, or who attempts to drag a motorist from a car, does mean to do something that calls for deadly force in self defense.

This statute gives the benefit of the doubt to the home or business owner or motorist. However, it is not a blanket license to kill. Remember that a firearm is always considered deadly force and use your guns wisely, judiciously and effectively. The presumption raised by this statutes is rebuttable. Meaning, that a bloodthirsty or negligent individual who shoots at someone who is found to have been clearly not a threat, may still run afoul of the law.

As a practical matter, I always recommend caution and shooting only as a last resort. However, as a result of this statute, which was introduced and supported by members of your MCRGO leadhership, if someone kicks your front door down at 3:00 a.m., you no longer have to hesitate before defending yourself and your family. This bill essentially codified common sense in that most people know that someone who would do such a thing is probably a dangerous person intent on harming others. The burden of proof is now on the intruder to prove that there is no way that the homeowner, business owner, or motorist could have felt seriously threatened.

The presumption DOES NOT APPLY if:

“(a) The individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used, including an owner, lessee, or titleholder, has the legal right to be in the dwelling, business premises, or vehicle and there is not an injunction for protection from domestic violence or a written pretrial supervision order, a probation order, or a parole order of no contact against that person.

(b) The individual removed or being removed from the dwelling, business premises, or occupied vehicle is a child or grandchild of, or is otherwise in the lawful custody of or under the lawful guardianship of, the individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used.

(c) The individual who uses deadly force or force other than deadly force is engaged in the commission of a crime or is using the dwelling, business premises, or occupied vehicle to further the commission of a crime.

(d) The individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used is a peace officer who has entered or is attempting to enter a dwelling, business premises, or vehicle in the performance of his or her official duties in accordance with applicable law.

(e) The individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used is the spouse or former spouse of the individual using deadly force or force other than deadly force, an individual with whom the individual using deadly force or other than deadly force has or had a dating relationship, an individual with whom the individual using deadly force or other than deadly force has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of his or her household, and the individual using deadly force or other than deadly force has a prior history of domestic violence as the aggressor.”

So, the presumption only applies to those with “clean hands.” The rule is meant to protect innocent citizens who are forced to defend themselves.

On a related practical note, the tacticians recommend that all of us who are armed also have a good, bright flashlight so that we can avoid the tragic result of shooting a loved one by mistake. Chance favors the prepared mind.

About:
Steve Dulan (www.StevenWDulan.com) is a member of the Board of Directors of the MCRGO and the MCRGO Foundation, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the MCRGO Foundation. He is an attorney in private practice in East Lansing and Adjunct Professor of firearms law at The Thomas M. Cooley Law School. as well as an NRA Life Member.

About:
The Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Formed from just eight people in 1996, we now have thousands of members and numerous affiliated clubs across the state. We’re growing larger and more effective every day.

Our mission statement is: “Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation”