By Tanya Metaksa
What’s New— California—According to the legislative calendar Aug. 31 the final day for bill passage-expect some rule changing or other parliamentary tricks; New Jersey—Gov. Murphy’s budget proposal includes huge fee increases on gun owners; New Mexico—Albuquerque considering anti-gun resolution and ordinances; Virginia—despite objections by Republicans the special session will be meeting remotely; city of Norfolk to revise gun ban thus delaying vote: Elections :Primary run-off result from Oklahoma; Judicial: 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.;” Campos v. Becerra—a lawsuit against The CA DOJ’s delay in firearms transfers has been joined by SAF; Duncan v. Becerra–on Aug. 28 the office of the CA Attorney General filed a petition for an en banc hearing and the court requested a response to this petition.
2020 Elections
Presidential Election 2020: NRA-PVF endorsed President Trump for reelection. Joe Biden selects 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?
Colorado: Giffords PAC has promised to spend at least $1.25 million to elect John Hickenlooper, the anti-gun former Colorado governor, to the U.S. Senate. According to the Second Amendment Foundation and Scott Gottlieb much of this money is from federal Paycheck Protection funds.
Primary elections:
All the candidates listed below have been endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund.
Delaware: A primary election will be held on September 8, 2020. State Senate: District 14: Bruce Ennis.
Massachusetts: A primary election will be held on September 1, 2020. State House: Hampden 3: Rep. Nicholas A. Boldyga.
New Hampshire: A primary election will be held on September 8, 2020. Governor: Chris Sununu; Executive Council District 1: Joseph Kennedy; Executive Council District 3: Timothy Comerford.
Rhode Island: A primary election will be held on September 8, 2020. State Senate: District 4: Dominick Ruggerio; District 22: Stephen Archambault.
Successful NRA-PVF endorsed candidates in primary contests
Alaska: A primary election was held on Aug. 18. The following endorsed candidates won—For Congress: At Large: Rep. Don Young; State Senate: District D: Sen. Davis S. Wilson; District M: Sen. Josh Revak; District R: Sen. Bert K. Stedman; State House: District 2: Rep. Steve M. Thompson; District 9: Rep. George Rauscher; District 10: Rep. David Eastman; District 11: Rep. DeLena M. Johnson; District 13: Rep. Kelly R. Merrick; District 25: Rep. Mel Gillis.
Florida: A primary election was held on August 18, 2020. The following pro-gun candidates won: For Congress: 1st CD-Rep. Matt Gaetz; 4th CD-Rep John Rutherford; 19th CD-Byron Donalds; State Senate: District 3: Marva Preston; District 5-Jennifer Bradley. State House: District 1: Michelle Salzman; District 2: Alexander Andrade; District 12: Rep Clay Yarborough; District 42: Fred Hawkins; District 55: Kaylee Tuck; District 79: Rep. Spencer Roach; Sheriff: Bradford County: Sheriff Gordon Smith; Citrus County: Sheriff Michael Prendergast; Lafayette County: Sheriff Brian Lamb; Sarasota County: Kurt Hoffman; St. Johns County: Rob Hardwick; Tax Collector: Indian River County: Carole Jean Jordan
Georgia: The primary run-off election held on Aug. 11. State House: in District 20 Charlice Byrd, the NRA-PVF endorsed candidate, won.
Minnesota: A primary election was held on August 11, 2020. NRA-PVF endorsed winning candidates: US Senate: Jason Lewis; State Senate: District 6: Sen. David J. Tomassoni; District 9: Sen. Paul Gazelka; District 10: Sen. Carrie Ruud; State House: District 15B: Rep. Shane Mekeland; District 16B: Rep. Paul Torkelson; District 23B: Rep. Jeremy Munson; District 31A: Rep. Kurt Daudt; District 32B: Rep. Anne Neu; District 56A: Pam Myhra.
Oklahoma: In the run-off election held on August 25, 2020 the following endorsed candidates won: For Congress: 5th CD: Stephanie Bice; State Senate: District 35: Cheryl L. Baber
Tennessee: With the exception of Rick Tillis in District 92, all the other primary candidate endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund were winners.
Wyoming: A primary election was held on August 18, 2020. The following endorsed candidates won—US Senate: Cynthia Lummis; US House: Rep. Liz Cheney; State Senate: District 6: Sen. Anthony Bouchard; State House: District 3: Rep. Eric Barlow; District 6: Rep. Aaron Clausen; Rep; District 7: Rep. Sue Wilson; District 10: Rep. John Eklund; District 19: Rep. Danny Eyre; District 21: Rep. Evan J. Simpson; District 25: Rep. Dan Laursen; District 28: Rep John R. Winter; District 29: Rep. Mark Jennings; District 37: Rep. Steve Harshman; District 42: Rep Jim Blackburn; District 49: Robert A. Wharff; District 51: Rep. Cyrus Western; District 52: Rep. William Bill Pownall; District 53: Rep. Roy Edwards.
Trump Administration
President Donald J. Trump signed HR 1957 in the Oval Office. The National Shooting Sports Association (NSSF) called this bill a “historic federal law that is among the most meaningful legislative measures for sportsmen conservationists ever. The Great American Outdoors Act is bold in its scope and historic in the guarantee that public lands and waters will be accessible to America’s conservation-minded hunters and recreational target shooters.”
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
All state legislatures with the exception of Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, and Texas will be in session in 2020
The states of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming have adjourned. Special sessions: Connecticut and Missouri
California:
Although the legislative calendar states that Aug. 31 is the “last day for each house to pass bills,” it is possible for some parliamentary procedures to change the rules. Governor Gavin Newsom 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. Last week both Appropriations Committees considered several anti-gun bills: SB914, more restrictions on loaning a firearm, and SB1175, prohibiting certain species of African wildlife, were reported to the floor by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The House Appropriations Committee approved AB2847, a microstamping bill, and AB2362, fines for FFLs. It is expected that these bills will quickly move to their respective houses for a vote.
Connecticut:
A special session has started. A bill dealing with community policing was expected to be debated. As of the date of this report—gun control does not appear to be included.
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.
Iowa:
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed HF2502, protecting shooting ranges from being shut down by local ordinances, as well as HF716, expanding deer hunting ammunition and youth hunting opportunities.
Maryland:
The Maryland State Police has approved an online training portion of the Handgun Qualification License for use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Nebraska:
The legislature has adjourned.
New Hampshire:
Governor Chis Sununu vetoed HB687, a bill that allowed firearms seizure without due process.
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: Resolution R-20-68: a resolution to strip firearms pre-emption from the State Constitution to be considered at the Council meeting on 9/9/20 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. The two ordinance will be considered at the Council meeting on 9/21/20 at 3 pm.
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: 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:
HB4271, requiring a 72-hour waiting period on all firearms transfers, was just introduced and referred to the 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 is now going to the Governor’s office.
Texas:
The Texas House Committee on Mass Violence Prevention & Community Safety is requesting written comments on gun control. You can be assured that all the anti-gun groups will deluge the Committee with their calls for bans, universal background checks, and red flag laws. You can find answers that are already submitted here. Your comments are needed: By August 31 the general public can submit comments on committee members and NRA on the topic “Examine options for strengthening enforcement measures for current laws that prevent the transfer of firearms to felons and other persons prohibited by current law from possessing firearms.” You can find the questions being asked here.
Virginia, The Virginia Citizens Defense League:
This group has a major campaign to prevent local gun control ordinances. AlthoughThe City Council of Newport News, the City of Alexandria have already voted in favor of gun control ordinances, since July 13, 2020 12 more counties/cities/towns have passed “No local gun-control” ordinances, bringing the total to 193 jurisdictions that have voted in favor of not passing any more gun control ordinances at the local level. The information can be found here.
Virginia:
The special session on gun laws and the budget convened on Aug. 18. After much disagreement and a partisan vote on rules changed, the House of Delegates will meet remotely. On August 31 the Virginia State Crime Commission will be having a virtual meeting. 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. The city of Norfolk delayed its gun ban decision on Aug. 25. They will be revising it. Check out the VCLD website where there is a special link to send a message to legislators regarding the 2 pro-gun proposals. As of Aug 29 2828 citizens have used this link to support the two bills.
Judicial
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.” According to the Seattle Times “U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Leighton, who heard competing motions for summary judgment, said he expects to issue a ruling on or before Aug. 31.”
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.
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 Tathis 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.
