by Tanya Metaksa
Federal Legislation
Although S. 649, Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid’s (D-NV) anti-gun proposal, was pulled from the Senate floor, that bill and amendments can be put back on the Senate calendar at any time.
During the month following the votes on S. 649, the media and the gun control proponents have trumpeted every story that seems to give them hope that another vote on the bill would turn out differently. Sen. Manchin (D-WV) in an article in The Hill maintains that he is “very hopeful” about getting the 60 votes to pass his universal background check amendment, while Sen. Toomey (R-PA) has said he is open to new ideas.
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) tried to add an amendment to S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act. Coburn’s amendment would have mandated that the Corps of Engineers follow state firearm possession law in the same fashion as the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and other federal agencies. It failed 56-43 vote in the Senate.
Although the House of Representatives is not considering any gun control legislation until the Senate passes a bill, the House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs of the House Veterans Affairs Committee approved HR-602 setting terms so veterans who are adjudicated mentally incompetent cannot be added to the NICS system denying them their right to own a firearm without the “order or finding” of a judge that the veteran is a “danger to himself or herself or others.” However, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), and others have introduced many anti-gun measures including: HR-137 that would create a federal database of prohibited persons; HR-138 that bans magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds; HR-141 that requires federal regulations as well as background checks at gun shows; HR-142 that bans mail order sale of ammunition with additional licensing and record keeping of “bulk” ammo purchases. HR-21, a ban on all private transfers, and two gun registration bills, HR-35 and HR-117, have been reintroduced. On May 15 Rep. John Tierney (D-MA) introduced the Personalized Handgun Safety Act of 2013, H.R. 2005, that would require handgun manufacturers within two years ensure that all newly manufactured handguns use technology that only allows the owner to use it.
The Wall Street Journal reported that CT Sen. Richard Blumenthal may try to add gun control amendments to the Senate immigration bill. The two amendments he almost offered in committee were to prevent immigrants without legal permanent residence status from buying a gun and requiring firearms dealers (FFLs) to inform ATF when non-citizens bought two or more guns in a five-day period.
Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced H.R. 2247, the “Collectible firearms Protection Act.” This bill would allow the importation of US origin “curio or relic” firearms into the country bypassing State Department restrictions.
During the debate on H.R. 1960, the Defense Authorization Act for FY 2014, Rep. Mike Kelly introduced an amendment to prohibit funding for the implementation of the United Nations Arms Treaty (ATT) for a period of one year. The Kelly amendment was passed unanimously and is now in the bill. On June 14 the House of Representatives passed a resolution that stated any active duty member of the military living in Washington, DC, should have the right to carry a gun.
Obama Administration
On May 7 the Obama Justice Department released a government funded study that showed that firearms-related homicides have declined 39% in the last 18 years, while non-fatal crimes have decline at almost twice that rate. The national news media, President Obama, Mayor Bloomberg and other anti-gun leaders suddenly became silent on that story. A follow-up story by the Pew Institute acknowledged that the American people overwhelmingly believe that “gun” crimes are up, not down.
A Syracuse University study as well as data from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) has found that enforcement of the current law on criminal background checks is the lowest it has been since the last decade. Under President George W Bush prosecutions hit their peak and now they are down almost 50%. The NCJRS study showed the same kind of statistical data. Of the 76,000 persons stopped from buying a gun only 4,732 were referred for prosecution, but only 44 were prosecuted, resulting in only 13 successful trials. On Feb. 22, 23 House Republicans sent a letter to the President and Attorney General asking them to increase such gun-related prosecutions.
ATF
On July 5 the Los Angeles Times reported that earlier this year Luis Astorga, a police chief in a Mexican city was shot to death by a rifle allegedly “lost” in Operation Fast & Furious. According to ATF records Jacob A. Montelongo of Phoenix, AZ, was allowed to illegally purchase this firearm on Feb. 22. 2010. The article went on to say, “Court records show Montelongo personally obtained at least 109 firearms during Fast and Furious.”
The US Senate Judiciary Committee began hearings on June 10th considering the confirmation of B. Todd Jones as the director of ATF. The Washington Post reported that, “prospects for Jones also appeared dim as the crowded hearing got off to a fiery start.”
A new Department of Justice (DOJ) report made public on May 20, confirms that former US Attorney Dennis Burke leaked a memorandum by whistle blower John Dodson. Additionally senior officials at DOJ also were involved. The report stated, “Burke’s conduct in disclosing the Dodson memorandum to be inappropriate for a Department employee and wholly unbefitting a US Attorney.” Congressman Darrell Issa has been tasked with the job of managing the House proposals on immigration reform, so it may be a long time before the House Oversight and Governmental Reform Committee publishes their third and last part of a three-part joint staff report on the ATF’s “Fast and Furious” operation.
United Nations
It appears that President Obama is scheduled to sign the UN Arms Trade Treaty that was approved on April 2, 2013. In March the US Senate passed an amendment to the FY2014 Budget Resolution that establishes a fund for “the purpose of preventing the United States from entering into the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty.” Rep Mike Kelly (R-PA) has introduced H.Con.Res.23 with 129 co-sponsors and Sen Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced its companion S.Con.Res.7 with 32 co-sponsors. Both resolutions do NOT support funding UN Arms Trade Treaty until it has been signed by the President and ratified by the US Senate.
State Legislature
All state legislatures started new legislative sessions in 2013 except for New Jersey. Forty state legislatures had adjourned by July 8, 2013.
Alabama
The Alabama legislature has adjourned. Gov. Robert Bentley signed SB-24, a bill to allow the storage of firearms and ammunition in motor vehicles on private property, into law, and SB-286, an omnibus firearms’ rights protection bill.
Alaska
The Alaska legislature has adjourned. HB-24, a no duty to retreat bill that expands where Alaskans do not have to retreat before using deadly force, was signed on June 20 by Gov. Sean Parnell.
Arizona
The Arizona legislature has adjourned. Gov. Jan Brewer has signed both HB-2326, a bill to keep information concerning concealed carry applicants and permittees confidential, and HB-2455, preventing the destruction of forfeited firearms. HB-2554, allowing the carrying of a concealed handgun in public buildings without adequate storage facilities, and HB-2654, allowing non-residents who are full-time students at an Arizona college/university, to purchase hunting licenses at resident rates, did not become law.
Arkansas
The Arkansas legislature has adjourned. Gov. Mike Beebe has signed the following bills into law: SB-71, allowing Right-to-Carry permit holder to carry in churches; SB-858, having Arkansas recognize any Right-to-Carry permit from any other state; HB-143, allowing faculty carry in public colleges and universities; HB-1035, to allow staff members of an institution of higher learning to carry a concealed firearm if the staff member has a Right-to-Carry permit and if the college/university board allows it; HB-1503, to protect lawful firearms retailers from illegal gun stings; and HB-1819, a reform bill on Emergency Powers that would deny the governor the power to impose restrictions on firearms. SB-131 to keep confidential information concerning concealed carry applicants and permittees passed the Legislature and was signed by Lt. Gov. Mark Darr.
California
AB-48, prohibiting modifications that allowed gunowners to swiftly reload their firearms, has passed the Senate Public Safety Committee and is before the Senate Appropriations Committee. AB-169, banning the sale of all handguns that are not on the “safe” handgun roster list, was moved to the suspense file of the Senate Appropriations Committee, it will not be brought up until August at the earliest. SB-53, requiring all purchasers of ammunition to get a permit including a background check and pay a fee, and SB-293, requiring biometric technology on all guns purchased in CA, passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee and are before the Assembly Appropriations Committee. SB-755, adding to the list of firearms-prohibited persons those who have been convicted of additional drug and alcohol offenses, failed its first vote in the Assembly Public Safety Committee on July 2.
The Senate met on May 29 and passed the following anti-gun bills: SB-47, prohibiting modifications that allowed gunowners to swiftly reload their firearms; SB-299, requiring gun owners to notify law enforcement within 48 hours if a gun is stolen or lost; SB-374, prohibiting semi-automatic rifles that accept detachable magazines; SB-396, bans magazines with over 10 rounds including currently owned magazines; SB-567, adding to the definition of already banned shotguns to include a shotgun-rifle combination; and SB-683, requiring a firearms safety certificate for rifle purchases.
The following bills have passed the Assembly as of May 31, 2013: AB-170 changes current law that allows organizations, including corporations and other associations, to have permits for assault weapons and machine guns to allowing only individuals to own such firearms; AB-174 would end the grandfathering of existing weapons which are now illegal to purchase but are still legal to possess; AB-231 that would expand the Criminal Storage of Firearms and child access law; AB-232, a gun buyback credit up to $1000; AB-539, persons who are temporarily prohibited from owning firearms can store them with an FFL; and AB-711, to ban the taking of wildlife with lead ammunition;
The following anti-gun bills have failed: AB-187, AB-239, AB-1020 and AB-1296.
San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a ban on the sale and possession of certain ammunition and requiring the reporting of ammunition sales of 500 or more rounds. The NRA has challenged the ban and oral arguments are set for the summertime before the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
In Glendale the City Council passed an ordinance to ban the possession of firearms and ammunition on city property. The original intent of the ordinance was to ban the Glendale Gun Show, but now it bans self-defense on city property as well.
Colorado
The Colorado legislature has adjourned. On March 20, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed three bills into law: HB-1224, a ban on magazines greater than 15 rounds; HB-1228, charging gun purchasers a fee for a background check; and HB-1229, a ban on private firearms sales and requiring universal background checks. SB-195, banning online training for a concealed carry permit, and SB-197, preventing those convicted of domestic violence or under a restraining order to forfeit their right to possess a firearm passed both Houses and are awaiting action by the Governor. The following bills were defeated: SB-9, allowing a school employee to carry a firearm; SB-62, to hold businesses that prohibit persons from carrying a firearms civilly liable; SB-196, making manufacturers and sellers of “assault-style” firearms liable for crimes committed with guns; and HB-1226, repealing guns on campus.
Colorado Sheriffs filed a federal lawsuit challenging Colorado’s new firearms laws on May 17.
Connecticut
The Connecticut legislature has adjourned. The new gun law has been challenged in federal court. SB-1160 was rammed through both houses of the legislature and was signed by Gov. Dan Malloy (D) in less than 24 hours. Effective immediately the law now bans over 100 so-called assault weapons, magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, universal background checks, and persons under 18 are ineligible to purchase ammunition. Effective July 1, ammunition purchase require an ammunition purchase certificate at a cost of $35, requires a long gun eligibility certificate to purchase a long gun, and changes the membership of the Board of Firearms Examiners. Effective October 1, 2013, persons who have been voluntarily admitted to a mental hospital will not be able to purchase or possess any firearm for six months following release, bans additional so-called armor piercing ammunition, police can seize guns when investigating domestic disturbances, and firearms must be secured or face criminal penalties if the firearm is misused. Effective January 1, 2014, a dangerous weapons registry will be established, persons owning magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds register them, and those owning banned “assault weapons” must also register them. This summary is not a complete description of SB-1160. On June 3, SB-1094, a bill to make “technical changes” to SB-1160, was passed by the General Assembly. The bill passed without any hearings and expanded the definition of banned rifles to include .22 caliber rifles with one or more cosmetic features.
District of Columbia
The DC City council always ready to impose draconian restrictions on gun owners is working on a bill to require gunowners to carry $250,000 liability insurance. According to the WNEW Mayor Vincent Gray is not supporting the legislation at this time.
Delaware
The Delaware legislature has adjourned. Gov. Jack Markell (D) signed SB-16, a bill to require owners of lost or stolen firearms to report the loss within 48 hours on June 12. The law became effective upon the Governor’s signature. HB-35, a bill criminalizing all private transfers of firearms without universal background checks, has passed both Houses of the Legislature and Gov. Markell (D) signed it on May 8. HB-88, expanding the mental health definition to include those persons who are considered dangerous to themselves and others, was defeated in the Senate.
Florida
The Florida legislature has adjourned. HB-1355, sending the names of persons already in a mental institution under a Baker Act petition who have been diagnosed as dangerous to themselves and/or others to NICS, was signed by Gov. Rick Scott. The Republican stated, “Mental health and second amendment advocates worked together to produce this bill that does not affect persons voluntarily seeking mental health exams or treatments but rather closes a loophole in current law that could potentially put firearms in the hands of dangerous, mentally ill individuals who are a threat to themselves or others as determined by a court.”
Georgia
The legislative session has ended with no pro-gun reform legislation having been passed. The Atlanta City Council is considering an ordinance making it more difficult to open a shooting range in the city.
Hawaii
The Hawaii legislature has adjourned. SB-69, requiring those wishing to register a firearm from out-of-state to go through a background check has passed both Houses and a conference committee and has been signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
Idaho
The Idaho legislature has adjourned. Gov. Butch Otter has signed HB-192, a bill to create an enhanced Right-to-Carry permit to allow permittees to gain reciprocity with other states. HB-223, a bill to allow citizens to carry concealed knives with blades of 4 inches or less has passed the House unanimously.
Illinois
The Illinois legislature has adjourned. The decision in the court cases Moore v. Madigan and Shepard v. Madigan required the Illinois legislature to pass a “shall issue” Right-to-Carry bill. HB-183, a concealed carry bill with many onerous restrictions, has passed the Legislature and was vetoed by Gov. Pat Quinn (D) on July 3. Quinn’s veto included amendments that would further restrict the carrying of firearms. The legislature on July 8 voted to override the Governor’s veto, so Illinois at last joins all other states in having legal concealed carry. The deadline for Attorney General Lisa Madigan to appeal the Circuit Court decision is July 24, 2013. Several elected officials across Illinois are now saying that they will not enforce restrictions against persons carrying firearms on their person.
Indiana
The Indiana legislature has adjourned. HB-1563, wildlife legislation that includes hunting with a silencer, and SB-1, establishing School Resource Officers, were signed by Gov. Mike Pence (R).
Iowa
The Iowa legislature has adjourned.
Kansas
The Kansas legislature has adjourned. Gov. Brownback has signed SB-21, a Right-to-Carry reform bill, HB-2052, allowing citizens to carry concealed handguns in a public building that “does not provide adequate security,” and HB-2199, upholding the Second Amendment against federal intrusion. On May 31, 2013 Brownback also signed SB-45, prohibiting tax dollars to be spent lobbying against legal products.
Kentucky
The Kentucky State legislature has adjourned for the year. SB-150, requiring 60 days for Right-to-Carry approval from Department of Kentucky State Police, has been passed and signed by Gov. Steve Beshear.
Louisiana
The Louisiana legislature has adjourned. Gov. Bobby Jindal signed HB-265, allowing for lifetime concealed-carry permits. On June 19 Jindal held a signing ceremony at TP Outdoor’s store in West Monroe, LA, where he signed six bills. The bills signed were SB-178, providing voter registration forms at firearms retailers; SB-135, having any citizen who loses the right to own firearms reported to the NICS; HB-6, allowing off-duty police officers to carry firearms on school campuses; HB-8, further limiting information on Right-to-Carry permittees; HB-98, allowing reciprocity agreements between sheriffs regarding Right-to-Carry permits; and HB-717, requiring increased reporting of mental health records to NICS.
Maine
The Maine legislature has adjourned. Gov. LePage vetoed LD-1240, creating civil penalties if a person sells a firearm without a background check to a prohibited person, and the House failed to override the veto. Gov. LePage signed LD-345, a bill to keep information concerning concealed carry applicants and permittees confidential. LD-997, limiting magazine capacity to 10 rounds, failed by one vote in the Maine House.
Maryland
The Maryland legislature has adjourned.Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has signed SB-281, that includes bans on semi-automatic rifles, registration of “regulated firearms” before Nov. 1, 2013, magazine capacity restrictions, and a state license to purchase a handgun.
Massachusetts
Gov. Deval Patrick (D) has introduced HB-47. In a state with some of the most restrictive gun laws, his proposals are draconian. Magazine capacity to be limited to 7 rounds and all magazines with 10 or more round capacity must be sold or disposed of, one firearm per month purchase limit, and a required background check and fee for private transfers. The AP reported that over 60 gun bills have been introduced and a series of hearings on these proposals will be heard across the state. The hearings are expected to continue throughout the summer.
Michigan
On May 8, Gov. Rick Snyder signed a law blocking a statewide vote on a 2012 law that allows wolf hunting in Michigan. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-0 to send SB-49 to the full Senate for a vote. This bill keeps personal information of permit-to-purchase applicants confidential and exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests. The elimination of concealed weapons boards has again been introduced as SB-0213. SB-288, a bill that could stop an anti-hunting group’s effort to ban the hunting of wolves, passed the Senate and is now before the House Committee on Natural Resources. On May 9 Democrat Reps Jim Townsend, Vicki Barnett and Andy Schor announced the introduction of several anti-gun bills: HB-4774, requiring a license to purchase, carry, possess or transport firearms; HB-4775, changing some firearms crimes to felonies; and HB-4776, changing Michigan laws regarding pistols into firearms laws. All three bills are currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
Minnesota
The Minnesota legislature has adjourned and House Speaker Paul Thissen’s promise has been fulfilled. He was correct when he commented about gun legislation saying, “I don’t think there’s a bill that can pass the House of Representatives this year.”
Mississippi
On June 13, Hinds County Circuit Judge Winston Kidd issued an injunction blocking the open carry law, HR-2, from going into effect on July 1. State Attorney General Jim Hood filed a request with the Mississippi Supreme Court requesting the justices to repeal Kidd’s injunction, but a three-judge panel refused to do so. It is expected that Judge Kidd will hold a hearing on July 8 to decide whether to extend the injunction.
The legislative session has adjourned for the year. Gov. Phil Bryant signed four pro-gun bills that were passed by the legislature: HB-485, HB-2, SB-2048, and SB-2647.
Missouri
The Missouri legislature has adjourned. On July 5 Gov. Nixon (D) vetoed HB-436, but he signed HB-533, allowing state employees to keep firearms in their vehicles on state owned property. A veto override session will be held in September. HB-8, transferring the authority for Right-to-Carry permits from the Missouri Department of Revenue to Missouri Sheriffs, has finally passed both Houses.
Montana
The Montana legislature adjourned on April 24. Gov. Steve Bullock (D) signed SB-145, prohibiting the media to print lists of holders of Right-to-Carry permits by making those lists confidential. Bullock has vetoed HB-27, to allow the use of suppressors while hunting wolves; HB-302, preventing the state from enforcing any federal ban on semi-automatic firearms and/or high capacity magazines: and HB-304, allowing all Montanans to enjoy “permit-less carry,” and HB-240, limiting the Board of Regents and the Montana University System from regulating firearms.
Nebraska
The Nebraska legislature has adjourned.
Nevada
The Nevada legislature has adjourned. Gov. Sandoval signed SB-76, making a change to Nevada’s Right-to-Carry law so that qualifying with any handgun allows the permittee to carry all handguns, on May 29, 2013. A late amendment to SB-221, a bill mandating background checks for all firearms’ purchase, passed both Houses on a strict party line vote. On June 13, Sandoval vetoed SB-221. His veto message included this paragraph: “Senate Bill 221, while laudable in its efforts to strengthen reporting requirements concerning mentally ill persons, imposes unreasonable burdens and harsh penalties upon law-abiding Nevadans, while doing little to prevent criminals from unlawfully obtaining firearms.”
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire legislature has adjourned.
New Jersey
Gov. Christie vetoed AB-3668, prohibiting the state of New Jersey from investing state pension funds in companies that are involved in the manufacture of so-called assault weapons. The following “gun” bills were sent to Christie in May for his action: SB-2485, disqualifying anyone on a terrorist watch list from obtaining a firearms ID card; AB-3583, establishing an 11 member School Security Task Force; AB-3717, requiring submission of mental health records to NICS; AB-3796, establishes 180-day period for disposal of an illegal weapon; and AB-3797, reporting of firearms trafficking crimes. In June the General Assembly passed more gun bills and sent them to Christie: SB-2804, upgrade and increase penalties for unlawful possession of a firearm; SB-1279, increasing penalty for giving a gun to a minor; SB-2720, the total number of firearms purchase permits are a public record; AB-3788, banning the sale of .50 caliber rifles; and SB-2468, allowing police to impound cars where any occupant has an illegal firearm.
SB-2719, increasing penalties for dealers who sell to non-qualified persons, and SB-2723, Senate President Sweeney’s omnibus bill including waiting periods for handgun purchases, bans all private sales, creates an ammunition registry and long gun registry, and changes the Firearms Owner ID card system, passed both Houses and are on their way to the Governor. SB-2725, making the possession of an airgun a third degree crime, passed the Senate but has not passed the Assembly.
New Mexico
New Mexico legislature has adjourned for the year. Although HB-77, a gun show background check bill, died, it has now been revealed that Mayor Bloomberg’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns was responsible for ads promoting the bill. The Sante Fe City Council’s proposal to ban magazines that hold more than 10 rounds was defeated.
New York
Gov. Andrew Cuomo managed to get a bill (S-2230), the SAFE Act, passed within days of the opening of the 2013-2014 legislative session. The Senate passed it 43-18 and on the next day, Jan. 15, the Assembly voted 104-43 in favor and Cuomo signed it the same day. This law expands the “assault weapons” ban; institutes background checks on ammunition purchases, and requires mental health personnel to report if someone is a threat (without adjudication). It also limits magazine capacity to seven rounds and requires that you can only sell or give them away for a period of one year; then they are forever banned and it requires background checks for all firearms transfers. During the March budget negotiations, legislators had been considering changing the limit on magazine capacity from seven to ten and other “technical corrections.” A complaint has been filed by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association challenging the SAFE act in the United States District Court for Western New York. It has been alleged by many Sheriffs that Gov. Cuomo told them in a meeting to stop discussing their objections to the SAFE act.
In Long Island the SuffolkCounty legislature passed a measure that would remove handguns from psychiatric patients.
North Carolina
SB-443, a bill to allow the sale of firearms received by law enforcement rather than destroying firearms, was signed into law on June 19 by Gov. Pat McCrory. HB-937, a Right-to-Carry reform bill, passed the House, but was amended in the Senate to add new reforms including repealing the permit to purchase a handgun, allowing Right-to-Carry (RTC) permittees to transport and store handguns in their vehicles on school property, keeping RTC lists confidential and allowing the use of suppressors while hunting. The bill now returns to the House for concurrence and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Assoc. is openly working against the part of the bill that repeals the permit to purchase requirement. HB-17, making information of holders of Right-to-Carry permits accessible only to the police and allowing RTC holders to carry into establishments that serve alcohol has passed the House, S-201, allowing suppressors to be used for hunting, has passed the Senate. HB-714, prohibiting law enforcement officers from destroying fully operational firearms passed the House by a vote of 91-22. HB-49 would allow employees to keep their firearms in their locked vehicle when parked on the employer’s property.
North Dakota
The North Dakota legislature adjourned on May 4. In April Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed three bills: HB-1467, prohibiting any state agency during a declared state of emergency from restricting the lawful use of firearms or their confiscation: HB-1283, allowing an individual with a Right-to-Carry permit to carry in a public place including schools, churches and publicly owned buildings; and HB-1282, allowing the use of suppressors while hunting.
Ohio
The following bills have been introduced in the Ohio legislature: SB-60, protecting the confidentiality of Right-to-Carry permittees, HB-191, redefines automatic weapon to a gun that fires multiple rounds with a single trigger press, HB-210, prohibits law enforcement from destroying confiscated firearms, and HB-203, that would allow persons with Right-to-Carry permits from other states to carry in Ohio with some restrictions.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma legislature has adjourned.
Oregon
HB-3009, a bill to allow Right-to-Carry permittees to carry on campus, and HB-3114, allowing Oregon public colleges and universities to prohibit firearms on campus for Right-to-Carry permittees are both before the Higher Education Committee. Senate President Peter Courtney (D) sent the following bills back to the Rules Committee: SB-347, prohibits guns in schools but allows a school district to “opt-out;” SB-699, modifying carrying a concealed firearm in a public building, SB 700, universal criminal background check requirement; and SB-796, making a live fire demonstration and test a requirement for a Right-to-Carry permit. This should effectively kill these bills for the 2013 session. In addition he sent SB-758 that requires liability insurance for gun ownership to the Rules Committee.
MultnomahCounty passed a gun control ordinance that prohibits possession of a loaded firearm in a public place, prohibits the discharge of a firearm, has penalties for allowing a child access to a firearm, requires reporting theft of a firearm within 48 hours, and extends curfews for minors.
Pennsylvania
Attorney General Kathleen Kane (D), who ran on a platform of stopping Pennsylvanians from using Florida concealed carry permits, is modifying the Pennsylvania-Florida reciprocity agreement so that only Florida permits of Florida residents will be recognized. The modification went into effect on June 8. The following anti-gun measures have been introduced: HB-239, complete firearms registration of all firearms; HB-518, repeals Castle Doctrine self defense measure passed in 2011; HB-1010, requiring background checks, is being supported by a group of Democrats including AG Kane; and SB-191, implementing one-gun-a-month limit on purchases. SB-876, firearms preemption legislation, was introduced in mid-April. All bills have been referred to their respective Judiciary Committees.
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island legislature has adjourned.
South Carolina
The South Carolina legislature has adjourned. On June 27, HB-4494, a comprehensive rewrite of South Carolina gun laws, passed both houses of the legislature, after it appeared to be dead at the end of the legislative session. However, it was included in the adjournment resolution and was voted upon favorably in both legislative branches. It is expected that Gov. Nikki Haley will sign the bill.
South Dakota
The South Dakota legislature has adjourned. Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed SB-166, extending the life of a Right-to Carry permit from four to five years. He also signed HB-1087, authorizing school boards to allow teachers, staff or volunteers to be armed. Unfortunately SB-308, a self defense bill, did not pass both Houses before adjournment.
Tennessee
The Tennessee legislature adjourned April 19. Gov. Bill Haslam (R) signed the following bills: HB-6, allowing school personnel to be armed with training; HB-9, making information concerning the application and the issuance of a carry permit confidential; HB-118, the Safe Commute Act; HB-142, allowing employees to keep firearms and ammunition in their locked vehicles when parked on an employer’s or state-owned property, and SB-714, allowing a person who undergoes treatment for alcohol or substance abuse to apply for a Right-to-Carry permit after three years of treatment completion, and HB-6, allowing trained school personnel to possess a firearm on school property, is awaiting action by the governor.
Texas
The Texas legislature adjourned its regular session on May 27. No gun legislation was considered in the special session that has concluded. The following changes to Texas law become effective Sept. 1, persons with Texas Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHL) can display their firearm without a penalty, students and others can store firearms in parking lots including those of universities/colleges, renewal fees for police officers, veterans and certain military personnel are reduced to $25, CHL renewals may be done online, revolver limitation on permit revoked, Social Security numbers no longer required for CHL permit, classroom time for CHL permit reduced, new School Safety Certification for handgun instructors, school marshals in classrooms and a new School Safety Task Force was created. On June 14 Gov. Perry vetoed SB-17, allowing certain teachers to carry a concealed handgun on school premises.
Utah
The legislature has adjourned. Gov. Gary Hebert signed HB-121, the voluntary giving of a firearm to law enforcement for 60 days by someone who believes that a cohabitant is an immediate threat, and HB-317, prohibiting the sharing of concealed firearm permit information with the federal government and disclosing or sharing concealed firearm permit information a third degree felony.
Vermont
The Vermont legislature adjourned on May 15. On June 14 Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) signed HB-101, allowing Vermont hunters to carry a handgun while bow hunting or dog training. Anti-gun bills HB-124 and HB-125 died in committee.
Virginia
The Virginia legislature has adjourned. Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed the following bills into law: SB-1335, protecting the confidentiality of all Right-to-Carry permit holders; SB-1363 providing for residency requirements for members of the US armed forces to include both the permanent duty post and the state in which the member resides. The following bills have passed both houses: HB-1582, permitting armed security guards to carry firearms on school property; HB-1833, clarifies the law regarding Right-to-Carry permits, and SB-1378, increases penalties for persons who help others to obtain firearms illegally.
Washington
Although the Washington Legislature adjourned on April 28 with no anti-gun legislation passing, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) has had to call two special sessions to get a budget by July 1. Seattle venture capitalist, Nick Hanauer, is reportedly bankrolling the effort by the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility to begin the process for an initiative proposal for universal background checks. The group must get 246,000 signatures on a petition by Jan. 3, 2014.
West Virginia
The West Virginia legislature has adjourned. The legislature passed the following four bills: HB-2471, prohibiting any state agency during a declared state of emergency from restricting the lawful use of firearms or their confiscation; HB-2431, allowing persons with Right-to-Carry permits to buy firearms without a background check; SB-369, allowing persons with Right-to-Carry permits to carry in WV and increasing reciprocity for citizens of West Virginia, and SB-435, strengthening preemption by removing “grandfather” exemptions for Charleston and other municipalities.
Wisconsin
AB-194, a bill to allow the use of crossbows during hunting season, has passed the Assembly unanimously and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources in the Senate.
Wyoming
The Wyoming legislature has adjourned. Gov. Matt Mead signed SF-132 into law allowing the use of suppressors while hunting. HB-0041 that includes a $250,000 budget item if any federal actions limit big game hunting with high-power rifles became law effective July 1.
