By Tanya Metaksa
What’s New—Judicial: Supreme Court—Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg dies of pancreatic cancer, Trump to send nominee to US Senate and requests immediate action; Hawaii—two bills become law; Missouri—Special session still working on crime bills; New Hampshire—House sustained Gov. Sununu’s veto; New Mexico—Albuquerque considering anti-gun resolution and ordinances on Sept. 21; Ohio—SB360 hearing; Virginia— Fairfax County passed gun ban on Sept. 15.
2020 Elections
Presidential Election 2020: NRA-PVF endorsed President Trump for reelection. Joe Biden selects a radical anti-gun Senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate. For gun owners she is a nightmare waiting to happen. New York City police union warns “No one will be safe in Biden’s America” and endorses President Trump for re-election. Does that foretell more police unions endorsing Trump?
Florida: Former Democrat presidential contender Michael Bloomberg to contribute $100 million to flip Florida to the Democrats.
Successful NRA-PVF endorsed candidates in recent primary contests
Delaware: A primary election was held on September 15, 2020 and State Senate endorsed candidate in District 14, Bruce Ennis won.
Massachusetts: The lone endorsed state representative won re-election on September 1, 2020 in Hampden 3: Rep. Nicholas A. Boldyga.
New Hampshire: A primary election was held on September 8, 2020. Governor: Chris Sununu; Executive Council District 1: Joseph Kennedy;
2019-2020 Gun Control in the U.S. Congress
S. 4271, “Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2020”: The two Democrat Virginia Senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, have introduced S.4271, a Congressional version of what the anti-gun Virginia Governor Ralph Northam passed through the 2020 legislature. It includes Universal Background Checks, unconstitutional Red Flag orders, one-handgun-a-month limitations for purchase, expanding the list of prohibited persons to include many more misdemeanors, and oppressive lost and stolen firearms criminal sanctions.
A group of 12 Republican Representatives sent a letter to Attorney General Barr asking him to investigate the attack on the Second Amendment by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner who has charged Mark and Patricia McCloskey with a felony count of unlawful use of a weapon when they were defending their lives and their home from an unruly mob. See articles dealing with this case.
H.R. 5717 and S. 3254 are the most far reaching gun control proposals with one exception. H.R. 5717, introduced by Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), is basically the wish-list of all the gun controllers in the world without completely banning firearms. A federal gun license with background checks and a 7-day waiting period, banning every semi-automatic, banning every magazine with over 10-round capacity; red flag laws; 30% additional tax on firearms and 50% tax on ammunition, draconian safe storage requirements, suppressor bans, one-gun-a-month restrictions, and more gun-free zones. S. 3254, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, commonly known as “Pocahontas,” grandfathered those weapons that are considered “assault weapons.” We all know that is a ploy to try to win some Republican votes for the measure. It is necessary for every gun owner to contact their Republican Senators and ask them to vote no on S. 3254.
Awaiting action in the U.S. Senate: In February 2019 the House passed two extreme gun control measures—H.R. 8, a universal background check bill, and H.R. 1112, a bill to extend the time from 3 days to 10 days if a prospective buyer is not cleared in a NICs check. These bills are still awaiting action in the U.S. Senate and could be incorporated into any new legislation that the House passes.
State Legislation
California:
Three bills passed the legislature before adjournment on Aug. 31: AB2362, fines for FFLs, AB2847, a microstamping bill, and SB914, more restrictions on loaning a firearm. Governor Gavin Newsom already signed AB88, which is a budget bill that includes an expanded definition of assault weapons and moves up the effective date of precursor parts restrictions from 2024 to 2022.
Hawaii:
Governor Ige waited until the last day to sign SB3054, requiring notice to the government of permanent removal of a firearm to another state. He did not veto HB2744, restriction on firearms parts, and thus it became law without his signature.
Illinois:
As we have mention this year there has been a delay by the Illinois State Police in issuing Firearm Owner’s Identification Cards (FOID). See Bradley v. Kelley in the Judicial section.The legislature has reconvened for three days per week. Senate Bill 1966, the gun control package from 2019, is still waiting to be scheduled for a hearing in Senate Committee.
Massachusetts:
The state of Massachusetts set out a memorandum regarding Safety Standards for Hunter Education and Firearms Identification Card for license to carry firearms classes. This can be accessed here.
New Hampshire:
Governor Chis Sununu’s veto of HB687, a bill that allowed firearms seizure without due process, was upheld in the House.
New Jersey:
Gov. Phil Murphy’s revised budget proposal seeks to fix New Jersey’s budget woes on the backs of gun owners by increasing fees by outrageous increases: pistol permit fee from $2 to $48 and firearms identification card from $5 to $98. The legislature is taking comments: You can email them (send the same email to both Committees) or send a letter to Legislative Budget and Finance Office, PO Box 068, Trenton, NJ 08625. The committee is acceptation testimony through 9/11/2020.
New Mexico: Albuquerque:
The City Council is proposing three new anti-gun measures and the first vote was on 9/9/20 on Resolution R-20-68: a resolution to strip firearms pre-emption from the State Constitution. The Council voted it down 5-4. Two more resolutions are up at the Council meeting on 9/21/20 at 3 pm: Ordinance O-19-82 mandating locked storage for firearms with fines and/or jail time for violation; and Ordinance O-19-83 banning firearms at any city building and city park including leased building.
North Carolina:
The legislature has adjourned for the summer but are scheduled to return in September. Governor Roy Cooper (D) wasted no time in vetoing HB652, allowing citizens to defend themselves during religious worship.
Ohio:
SB360, prohibit governments from banning the sale of firearms and ammunitions during an emergency, was scheduled for a hearing on Sept. 15, but no hearing was held. SB317, allowing certain persons to be armed within a school safety zone, was sent to the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee but no hearing has been held.
Pennsylvania:
HB1747, allowing person with Right-to-Carry Permits and other in self-defense to carry and use firearms during an emergency, was reported favorably by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Last year as a result of the passage of SB147 Sunday hunting was legalized in the Commonwealth. The three Sundays in 2020 are Nov. 12 for archery deer hunting, Nov. 22 for bear hunting and Nov. 29 for rifle deer hunting. HB1747, legislation to prevent the governor from suspending Second Amendment rights during a state of emergency, passed House.The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 30, 2020. The Game Commission extends 2019-20 shooting range permits for an additional 2 months until August 31, 2020.
Rhode Island:
Both Houses of the legislature passed the Julie Lynn Cardinal Act, H7103/S2154 in late July. It was signed by Governor Gina Raimondo.
Virginia:
Cities of Charlottesville, Richmond and Charlottesville and the counties of Arlington and Fairfax passed gun-bans at permitted events and adjacent areas. Town of Burkeville and Northumberland County voted for “No local gun control.” Essex and Chesapeake counties to consider “No local gun control” resolution. The House of Delegates are meeting remotely. HB961, that was continued to 2021 during the regular legislative session, appears to be the vehicle for more gun control proposals. Also 2 bills rolling back some of the anti-gun measures have been introduced: HB5020, exempting Right-to-Carry Permittees from some of the restrictive measures, and HB5024, removing misdemeanor penalty for firearms’ sales without government permissions. Check out the VCLD website where there is a special link to send a message to legislators regarding the 2 pro-gun proposals.
Judicial
US Supreme Court (SCOTUS)—
On September 18, 2020 Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg died of pancreatic cancer leaving a vacancy on the Court. President Trump quickly said he would send a nominee within days to the U.S. Senate for confirmation and requested they take up the nomination immediately. In a political speech Trump mentioned that the nominee would probably be a woman. Conservative pundits have been floating the name of Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, who was on his list of 20 potential nominees.
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association v. Gurbir Grewal—
The NRA and the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs have filed an amicus brief in this case. This is another case in which the state of New Jersey is over reaching. A federal law, Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act, (LEOSA) allows current and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms nationwide. However, the state of New Jersey is requiring these officers to get state-issued Right-to-Carry Permits. The case is being tried in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Mitchell v. Atkins—
A case brought by NRA and SAF against the provision of that barred adults under 21 from purchasing so-called “assault weapons.” On August 31, 2020 Judge Ronald B. Leighton ruled, “Defendants Atkins and Meidl’s Motions to Dismiss [Dkt. #32 & #34] are GRANTED with respect to Plaintiffs’ 1983 claim. The Motions are otherwise DENIED.”
Campos v. Becerra—
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and several other pro-gun groups have joined together in this lawsuit against the CA DOJ’s delay in firearms transfers. According to Alan M. Gottlieb, “California DOJ and the Bureau of Firearms are using the state’s Dealer Record of Sale and the coronavirus outbreak to violate the state’s 10-day waiting period by extending it as long as 30 days to complete a firearms transaction. The agency is essentially violating its own law to perpetuate its anti-gun political philosophy needlessly delaying the ability of law-abiding Californians to exercise their rights.”
Duncan v. Becerra,
On Aug. 28 the office of the Attorney General filed a petition for an en banc hearing on this case. Chuck Michel, the lead attorney, posted on Facebook, “The Ninth Circuit has ordered us to file a response to the state’s request for en banc review. ON IT.” TheNinth Circuit Court held that the California law banning magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds is unconstitutional. However, this does NOT mean any Californian can now start buying or selling magazine with a capacity over 10 rounds. CRPA has an extensive analysis of this decision. Additionally the California DOJ posted a notice saying the prohibition ”remains in place until the appellate process is final.” This case in addition to Rupp v. Becerra, which has been appealed to the Ninth Circuit, and Villaneuva v. Becerra, attacking the California DOJ’s regulations on “assault weapons” that was filed on September 7. 2017 are part of a three-prong attack on the California laws regarding bans on assault weapons and “large capacity” magazines that began early in 2017 by the CRPA and the NRA.
District of Columbia v. NRA Foundation:
The District of Columbia is suing both the NRA Foundation and the NRA for misuse of Foundation funds. DC Attorney General is alleging that the NRA Foundation has “exceeded of abused the authority conferred on it by law” and has”ceded operational control to the NRA.”
People of the State of New York v. National Rifle Association:
Attorney General Letitia James (D) has been threatening to go after the NRA and on August 6, 2020 she announced her lawsuit. Dave Workman’s article explains the election season attack.
State of Missouri v. Patricia McCloskey:
Kim Gardner, Prosecuting Attorney for St. Louis, is charging the McCloskey’s with felony unlawful use of a weapon for standing outside their home with legal guns defending themselves against a mob trespassing on their property. Two articles describing the encounter and lawsuit can be found here and here. We have since learned that Gardner is being scrutinized for failing to report travel paid for by the George Soros backed groups. The case has been continued to early October 2020.
Rupp v. Becerra:
Oral arguments before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit have been scheduled for October 8, 2020. This case is an appeal from a 2019 decision of the United States District Court for the Central District of California that found that the California Assault Weapons ban was not unconstitutional. The plaintiffs are supported by the NRA, and the CRPA. This case argues against the California ban on so-called Assault weapons using the SCOTUS Heller v. DC decision of 2008.
Bradley v. Kelly:
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Illinois State Rifle Association filed a lawsuit against the Illinois State Police (ISP) for not complying with state law that requires the ISP to either approve or deny an application for a FOID card. See the announcement by SAF..
Rhode v. Becerra:
Plaintiffs’ Attorneys have requested an extension to July 31, 2020 to prepare briefs in this case. The state of California, in order to help in its arguments in this case, is now using police raids on persons who have purchased ammunition and but didn’t pass the background check. Another article in California Political Review is entitled “California Ammunition Raids Put Innocent People at Risk of Police Violence.” The issue is the 2016 California law that was passed by voters as Proposition 63. US District Judge Roger Benitez declared that the ammunition background check requirement for purchases violates the Second Amendment and declared it unconstitutional. However, hours after that decision The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted a temporary stay on the preliminary injunction by Judge Benitez. Thus all the restrictions on purchasing ammunition in California are in effect again. Further information on the original ruling can be found here.
