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Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.6/338 - Release Date: 5/12/2006 Oklahoma Governor Signs Stand-Your-Ground Bill: The legislation, which received bipartisan support in the House and Senate, expands citizens' rights under existing self defense laws to protect themselves inside their home to other locations, including their car or another person's home. http://www.kotv.com/news/?104173 --- Tacoma Councilman Rescued By Armed Citizen: An employee of a dry-cleaning shop in the Washington city grabbed a handgun and intervened in a violent attack on a city-council member, who was being beaten by an irate motorist. http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=65670 --- Judge Rules Against Arizona Shooting Defendant: The judge in the trial of the retired teacher who fatally shot a man who threatened him on a hiking trail has ruled that Arizona's newly enacted law expanding self-defense rights does not apply in this case. The defense argued the law applies to the Fish case because the change is a procedural one, which state law allows to be applied to cases filed before the law went into effect. The prosecution argued that the law does not apply because the change is a substantive one, and therefore, because Fish was charged under the old law, the old law still applies. http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2006/05/12/news/20060512_news_22.txt --- Police Blame Faulty Trigger: The chief of the Midland (MI) PD says a faulty rifle trigger is to blame for a sniper's stray bullet that traveled about 150 feet during an April 17 standoff here. "The gun was sitting on a backpack and, when it was moved, the material from the backpack rubbed against the trigger guard," he said. "It was just enough vibration to set it off." http://www.mlive.com/news/sanews/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1147267272314570.xml&coll=9 --- Oops, Wrong News Carrier: "Charlie" said two teens came out of a bush on Chesapeake Boulevard and made threats. He said he showed his gun in hopes of scaring them off, but it didn't. "I heard this guy put a bullet in the chamber of his weapon and instead of retreating, now they're coming towards me," he said. (Note that despite the reluctance of the victim to actually fire a shot, the fact that the robber was carrying with an empty chamber gave him the time to make the necessary decision.) http://www.wvec.com/news/norfolk/stories/wvec_local_051106_teen_shot_norf.2ed5b59b.html --- SWAT Officer Who Shot Colleague Retires: The Easton PA officer who unintentionally and fatally shot a fellow officer inside the police station has retired and will seek a job-related disability pension. http://www.nj.com/news/expresstimes/pa/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1147323926193890.xml&coll=2 --- Firearms Training For Maine Officers: In what appears to be a series on a group of female cadets at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, the current firearms training is described. (While I suspect that the report mistakenly refers to "25 feet" instead of "25 yards," I am heartened to see that at the academy level future officers are being trained to shoot under a wide variety of circumstances, including lying down.) http://www.wmtw.com/news/9207813/detail.html --- Brady Bunch Blames "Assault Weapons" In Officer's Death: Following a predictable script, the Brady Bunch has chosen to focus on one of the firearms that may have been used by the mentally ill teenager who murdered a Fairfax County VA police detective. http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200605/CUL20060511b.html --- NSSF vs. Brady Bunch: The National Shooting Sports Federation takes on the Brady Bunch over the latter's claims about the value of BATFE trace data in reducing violent crime. http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=128741 --- Brady Bunch vs. NSSF: A lawsuit by the Bloomberg administration has revealed that the firearms industry received key gun data denied to a gun control group, the group charged yesterday. http://www.nydailynews.com/05-12-2006/news/story/416976p-352284c.html --- SAF vs. Hypocrites: The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) today accused perennial anti-gunners including Senators Dianne Feinstein and Chuck Schumer, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi of "world class hypocrisy" in their snit over disclosures that the National Security Administration (NSA) is checking phone call data, when they have no problem at all snooping into the privacy of American gun owners. http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=65724 --- Canadians Debate Registry Overruns: A leaked report by Canada's Auditor General on the true extent of the cost overruns of that country's firearm-registry program has intensified the debate over Conservative efforts to end it. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060512/tories_gun_registry_060512/20060512?hub=Canada http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/502965.html --- Belgium Rushes To Restrict RKBA: Belgium, which at one time had the fewest restrictions on firearm ownership in continental Europe, will accelerate debate on a legislative proposal aimed at tightening gun legislation. following an Antwerp shooting incident on Thursday http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-05/13/content_4540309.htm --- Jamaican Cop Sentenced For Illegal Possession Of Firearm: A Police Constable attached to the Mobile Reserve has been sentenced to two years in jail after he pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. http://www.radiojamaica.com/news/story.php?category=2&story=24694 --- From NRA-ILA: NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 13, No. 19 05/12/06 States with updates this issue: Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, and, Washington. OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR SIGNS NRA-BACKED "CASTLE DOCTRINE" BILL INTO LAW Today, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry (D) signed HB 2615, the NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" self-defense bill, into law. "I want to thank Governor Brad Henry for signing this victims' rights bill into law," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. "When you're confronted by a criminal, you don't have the luxury of time. This bill states that if victims choose to stand their ground and fight, their decision will not be second-guessed by the State of Oklahoma. The ability to protect yourself, your children, or your spouse from harm is important, whether you're in your home or outside." HB 2615 simply states that if a criminal breaks into your home, your occupied vehicle or your place of business, you may presume he is there to do bodily harm and you may use any force necessary against him. It also removes the "duty to retreat" if you are attacked in any place you have a legal right to be. Further, HB 2615 provides protection from criminal prosecution and civil litigation for those who defend themselves from criminal attack. The "Castle Doctrine" bill met with overwhelming, bipartisan support, passing 96-2 in the state House and 83-4 in the Senate. Oklahoma joins eight other states that have signed similar legislation into law this legislative cycle. "On behalf of all NRA members in Oklahoma, I want to thank Governor Brad Henry for signing this important bill into law. I'd also like to thank the bill's chief sponsors, Representative Kevin Calvey (R-94) and Senator Harry Coates (R-28), for their leadership in passing this vital measure," concluded Cox. "The 'Castle Doctrine' bill is about putting the law back on the side of the victim, the way it's supposed to be." BASELESS CONCLUSION OF BRADY REPORT CHALLENGED The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) called the conclusions of a gun tracing report issued by the anti-gun Brady Center "ludicrous" and referred those who want an unbiased explanation about the relevance of trace data to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). Commenting on the Brady Center's latest conspiracy-theory propaganda, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane said, "'Without a Trace' shows anti-gun groups are without a clue. This so-called report is the last gasp of a desperate extremist group that remains intent on pursuing junk lawsuits against a critical U.S. industry-despite the clearly stated will of the American people through the actions of Congress and state legislatures to block such lawsuits." Keane went on to cite numerous cases of support for maintaining restrictions on the release of BATFE gun trace data. "Law enforcement supports the restrictions. BATFE supports the restrictions. Congress and the President support the restrictions. The only people who want to lift the restrictions are the lawyers at gun ban groups, and New York City Mayor Bloomberg. "You don't have to ask us, ask the experts," concluded Keane, referring to multiple quotes and documents previously released by the BATFE that support restricting the release of trace data to the public. FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP There are a number of pro-gun bills pending in Congress that require your action. Please review these legislative initiatives and be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, and your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and urge him or her to cosponsor and support these measures. Additional contact information can be found using the "Write Your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org. . H.R. 5092-This bill would improve BATFE's process for punishing FFLs and establish guidelines for BATFE investigations. This bill was drafted in large part to address recent BATFE abuses at Richmond, Va.-area gun shows highlighted in hearings before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommitee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. . S. 2599/H.R. 5013-Legislation to prohibit the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms during states of emergency. Would guarantee legal recourse for victims of illegal gun seizures . H.R. 1384-This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968. .S. 1082/H.R. 1288-Legislation to repeal the draconian D.C. gun ban and restore the right of lawful District residents to own firearms to defend themselves and their families. . H.R. 4547-Federal legislation requiring recognition of out-of-state Right-to-Carry permits. . H.R. 5005-This measure will codify congressional policies, roll back restrictions, and correct errors in federal firearm laws. Again, please contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. For additional information on these bills, please visit www.NRAILA.org. NRA-ILA "MIX N' MINGLES" Much is at stake in this year's elections; we will decide if we continue to move ahead on the path of pro-gun reform, or, if we will descend to the dark Clinton-Gore years. In order to ensure continued success for the Second Amendment, we must elect pro-gun lawmakers to office this election season. To ensure victory for our pro-gun candidates this election year, NRA-ILA will be hosting FREE NRA-ILA "Mix N' Mingles" across the country. These events will provide NRA members with training on what they can do locally to propel candidates to victory this election season. The meetings also provide attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with lawmakers, candidates, and their staffs; NRA-ILA Headquarters staff; and fellow area NRA members-and to earn FREE NRA fraternal items such as hats, pocketknives, buttons, etc. "Mix N' Mingles," including materials, food, beverages, and NRA items, are FREE! Mix N' Mingle events are scheduled for: - Eau Claire, WI -- 05/23/06 - Ashland, WI -- 05/24/06 - Jackson, MS -- 06/03/06 - Wallkill, NY -- 06/10/06 NRA members who have access to the Internet can go to www.nraila.org/workshops/ to reserve their seats on-line. NRA members are encouraged to check this website address frequently to see if any upcoming "Mix N' Mingles" are scheduled in their area. NRA members may also contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) for details and to reserve their seats. SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE SIGNS It has been estimated that well-placed campaign signs can account for four percentage points on Election Day. Think back to the 2000 presidential election, where 537 votes in Florida separated George W. Bush from Al Gore, and four points seems like a landslide! While you are focused like a laser beam on the November 7 election, some gun owners may not be aware of what's at stake for the future of the Second Amendment on Election Day. To help us raise gun owner awareness of the impending election, and to market NRA's campaign efforts, we have produced two colorful, patriotic campaign yard signs featuring our "I'm the NRA & I Vote" and "Vote Freedom First!" slogans. These high quality signs are bold, durable, and easy to assemble. Everything needed to assemble the sign is contained in one compact package, and all components made in the USA. Each sign costs a very reasonable $14.95, or you can order a combination pack of both signs for $24.95 (includes shipping and handling). A portion of the proceeds goes directly to NRA-ILA to assist our efforts to protect, preserve, and strengthen our Second Amendment rights! By proudly displaying your NRA yard sign, and showing your support for the Second Amendment, you will greatly enhance our ability to deliver victory for pro-gun candidates on November 7! Please call (866) 869-6389 or visit www.nrailasigns.org to order your NRA yard signs TODAY! A LOOK AT THE STATES (***For all of the action items below, you can find contact information for your legislators by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org. As always, thank you for your support.***) States with updates this issue: Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, and, Washington. ARKANSAS The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, May 23, and early voting has already started! To see if early voting is being conducted at your county clerk's office, please use the following link www.sosweb.state.ar.us/elections/elections_pdfs/county_clerks.pdf. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For information about voting in Arkansas, please use the following link www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections_voting_arkansas.html. For NRA-PVF candidate information and endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine's mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the log-in page accessed by choosing your state. Be sure to "Vote Freedom First!" on Tuesday, May 23! IDAHO The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, May 23 and absentee voting has already started! For information about voting in Idaho, please use the following link www.idahovotes.gov/. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For NRA-PVF candidate information and endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on yur NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine's mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the log-in page accessed by choosing your state. Be sure to "Vote Freedom First!" on Tuesday, May 23! KENTUCKY Primary election day is Tuesday, May 16. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. For more information about voting visit http://elect.ky.gov/registrationinfo/. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For NRA-PVF candidate information and endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine's mailing abel is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the log-in page accessed by choosing your state. Be sure to "Vote Freedom First!" on Tuesday, May 16! LOUISIANA On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary "C" Committee reported out two NRA-supported bills: HB 89 by Representative Eric LaFleur (D-38) & Don Cazayoux (D-18), the "Castle Doctrine" bill creates presumptions in law for the use of force against intruders in your home, car, or place of business and explicitly states in law that you have no "duty to retreat" from criminal attack if you are in a place where you have a legal right to be; and HB 760 by Representative Steve Scalise (R-82), that prohibits the confiscation of firearms from law-abiding citizens during a future state of emergency or natural disaster. These bills now move to the full Senate for consideration. Please contact your State Senators and urge them to support HB 89 and HB 760. To contact your State Senator, call the PULS line at (225) 342-2456 (from the Baton Rouge area) or (800) 256-3793 (outside the Baton Rouge area). MASSACHUSETTS Important pro-gun legislation, H.4552, sponsored by Representative Frank Hynes (D-Plymouth-4) has passed the House and has been stuck in the Senate since February. Anti-gun advocates have been heavily lobbying the office of Senate President Robert Travaglini (D-First Suffolk, Middlesex) in an attempt to water down the bill with amendments. H.4552, "An Act Protecting the Rights of Target Shooters," would do the following: create a new definition in Section 121, Chapter 140 for "Single Action Revolver," using the same language taken from the identical exception passed in California; exempt certain "Single Action Revolvers" and precision target handguns, "any firearm solely designed and sold specifically for formal target shooting competition," from the testing requirements in Section 123 of Chapter 140; and place in a statute the language already passed in 1998 that exempts "any firearm lawfully owned or possessed under a license issued under said Chaper 140 on or before October 21, 1998." Your action is critical in protecting the Second Amendment Rights of Massachusetts' gun owners! Please contact Senate President Travaglini today at (617) 722-1500 or email Robert.Travaglini@state.ma.us and ask him to move the bill forward without any amendments! MICHIGAN On May 16, SB 1046, "Castle Doctrine" legislation sponsored by Senator Alan Cropsey (R-33), is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee. This legislation will help the citizens of Michigan in two important ways: first, it protects your right to self-defense, and ensures you do not have a "duty to retreat" from a violent attacker; and second, it gives immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such force. Please call the Senate Judiciary Committee at (517) 373-3760 and respectfully ask them to support SB 1046. Also, NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator Jerry Kraus (MI-9) would like to invite you to attend the "Michigan Celebrity Shoot" that is being organized by the Oakland County Friends of the NRA. Celebrities that attended last year included Dennis Hextal of the Detroit Red Wings; Mickey Lolitch of the Detroit Tigers; State Senator Nancy Cassis (R-Mich.-15); Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, wh is running against Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) for the U.S. Senate; among others! Jerry has coordinated several events and participated in several Celebrity Shoots in the past, and this year's event promises to be a success. So come on out and join your fellow shotgun shooters and celebrities for a day of shooting, while raising money for the Friends of the NRA! The event will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m., at the Detroit Gun Club, 2775 Oakley Park Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390. Admission prices vary and advance tickets are required. For ticket information and additional information, please contact Jerry Kraus by phone at (248) 706-1513 or by e-mail at jerrykraus@comcast.net MISSOURI The Missouri General Assembly session is getting ready to adjourn for the year and the Senate has yet to take action on HB 1461, the critically important "Castle Doctrine" reform bill. HB 1461, introduced by Representative Marilyn Ruestman (R-131), protects your right to self-defense and ensure Missourians do not have a "duty to retreat" from a violent attacker. Please contact Senate President Michael Gibbons at (573) 751-2853 and politely request HB 1461 receive a full floor vote this week! Also, please respectfully remind Senator Gibbons that without this important protection, innocent crime victims in Missouri can be sued by their violent attacker for defending themselves and their family! Please be sure to have your family, friends, and fellow Second Amendment supporters call Senator Gibbons as well. MONTANA The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, June 6 and absentee voting has already started! For information about voting in Montana, please use the following link http://sos.state.mt.us/ELB/Voter_Information.asp#absentee. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For NRA-PVF candidate information and endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be foundon the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine's mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the log-in page accessed by choosing your state. Be sure to "Vote Freedom First!" on Tuesday, June 6! NEW YORK Registration for the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) Annual Meeting has started and is filling up fast! This event is open to the public, and the cost is only $10. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10, at the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club, 316 Bruyn Turnpike, Wallkill, NY 12589. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. The range will be open and there will be displays by gunsmiths, taxidermist, collectors, and more from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Between 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. there will be guest speakers, including NRA First Vice President John Sigler, and food from the annual chicken bake. To register call the NYSRPA office at 800-469-7772 or for more information visit www.nysrpa.org/. Also, in conjunction with the NYSRPA annual meeting, please join the NRA-ILA Grassroots staff and your fellow NRA members, for a ouple hours of socializing and protecting freedom at a FREE NRA-ILA Mix N' Mingle. To reserve your spot at the Mix N' Mingle, please call (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.nraila.org/workshops. OHIO The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will be holding a hearing for proponent, opponent, and interested testimony with a possible vote on House Bill 347, on Wednesday, May 17 at 9:00 a.m., in Room 121, of the State House. This proposal will streamline an already successful Right-to-Carry law by creating statewide preemption for the regulation of firearms and ammunition--thereby avoiding the current patchwork of firearm laws in Ohio. HB 347 will also fix the most common complaint heard from the more than 60,000 Right-to-Carry license holders--the "plain sight" requirement for a firearm in a motor vehicle. If you're unable to attend, please contact the Senate Criminal Justice Committee by calling Chairman Jim Jordan at (614) 466-7584. OREGON Vote by mail ballots for the May 16 Primary Election have been mailed. If you need help filling out your ballot or haven't received your ballot please visit www.sos.state.or.us/elections/vbm/vbm_guide.pdf. For NRA-PVF candidate information and endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine's mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the log-in page accessed by choosing your state. Don't forget to return your ballot to your local eleci on office by 8pm on Tuesday May 16 - postmarks do not count! SOUTH CAROLINA H 3402 is headed for Governor Sanford's (R) desk. This legislation would allow the formation of a sportsmen's caucus, putting South Carolina in the position of becoming the 29th state to establish a state legislative sportsmen's caucus. Special thanks go to State Representative Mike Pitts (R-14), who introduced this legislation and worked to shepherd it through the General Assembly. WASHINGTON The Bellingham City Council is considering an ordinance that would prohibit the discharge of firearms at indoor shooting ranges in the City. According to the language of the ordinance, the City Council is of the opinion that indoor shooting ranges "pose potential dangers to the health, safety and welfare of the community." This is an outrageous claim--enclosed shooting ranges pose no danger to the community! This proposed ordinance is nothing more than an attack on the rights of Bellingham shooters by the Police Chief and City Council. This proposed ordinance also appears to be an obvious violation of Washington State Law. Section 9.41.300(2) of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) allows cities to restrict the discharge of firearms only "where there is a reasonable likelihood that humans, domestic animals or property will be jeopardized." The City Council has already quietly held a public hearing on this proposal and has cast a reliminary vote to pass the ordinance. The final hearing will be held at the City Council meeting held at 210 Lottie Street, on Monday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. This will be the final opportunity for NRA members, shooters, and firearm owners to make their voices heard. Mark your calendars for Monday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit: www.cob.org/council/index.htm. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact the Bellingham City Council at (360) 676-6970 or via e-mail at citycouncil@cob.org. To view the language of the ordinance, go to: ftp://ftp.cob.org/council/packets/2006/05_may/01/packets/01may2006_AB16972.pdf . Do not forget to attend this meeting and help r otect the Second Amendment rights of Bellingham City shooters! Please forward this e-mail to your fellow firearm owners! Have A Happy Mother's Day! -- Stephen P. Wenger Firearm safety - It's a matter for education, not legislation. http://www.spw-duf.info .