Self-defense laws on the rise

[RACastanet]

Texas Legislature Votes NRA-Backed “Castle Doctrine” into Law


Tuesday, March 20, 2007


Fairfax, VA. ¾ The Texas State Legislature today gave final approval to the National Rifle Association (NRA)-backed “Castle Doctrine” bill (SB 378), bringing common sense self-defense protections to law-abiding Texas citizens.

Texas is the first state to pass “Castle Doctrine” legislation this year, making it the sixteenth state to recognize the importance of victim’s rights.

Way to go Texax.

[RACastanet]

This is the season for legislative action in the states. New Mexico is leading the way:

New Mexico Governor Signs Important Right-to-Carry Reform Bill!

Governor Richardson Signs Important Right-to-Carry Reform Bill! HB 588 will allow further Concealed Handgun License (CHL) holders protection in specific areas.

More to follow...

Rich

[RACastanet]

Virginia State Police Suspends Public Access To Concealed Carry Permit Holder Database!


Virginia State Police Suspends Public Access To Concealed Carry Permit Holder Database!

Saturday, April 07, 2007



Following the release of an advisory opinion by Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell(R),

the Virginia State Police is suspending public access to its concealed carry permit database. In response to a request from Delegate Dave Nutter (R-7), Attorney General McDonnell issued an opinion that the concealed carry database was assembled solely for investigative purposes and, therefore, it is exempted from the Commonwealth’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that requires public access to certain documents.



The on-going debate over public access to the concealed carry permit database was heightened last month when The Roanoke Times newspaper posted to its website a searchable database containing the names and addresses of more than 135,000 concealed weapon permit holders. Attorney General McDonnell’s opinion states, “The release of such personal information of a crime victim or witness potentially jeopardizes his safety and privacy, as well as the safety of the community in which he lives.” While the advisory opinion does not have the weight and effect of law, the VA State Police are considering it as advice from the state’s chief law enforcement officer.



Meanwhile, the state’s Freedom on Information Advisory Council is continuing its study of the issue, and Delegate Nutter is already planning on introducing legislation for the 2008 General Assembly session that will effectively convert the Attorney General’s opinion into law.

[RACastanet]

April 13, 2007


New Documents posted April 13, 2007
1-800-392-8683
www.nraila.org

Please forward this information to your family, friends, and fellow gun owners!


Missouri Governor Matt Blunt Signs Emergency Powers Protection into Law at National Rifle Association Annual Meeting

Today, Governor Matt Blunt signed into law a fundamental protection against gun confiscation during declared states of emergencies. The bill signing ceremony took place at NRA's Opening Celebration Friday afternoon at the Americas Center in St. Louis.
Read More



Tennessee "Emergency Powers" Legislation Moving Forward!

House Bill 1285 would protect our Second Amendment rights during a state of emergency by prohibiting any government agency from regulating the lawful sale, possession, transfer, transport and carry of firearms. Please contact members of the House Judiciary by calling (615) 741-1351 or 1-800-449-8366 and ask him or her to protect our Second Amendments rights and vote YES on HB 1285.
Read More

[RACastanet]

North Dakota Governor John Hoeven Signs Castle Doctrine into Law

17th state with common sense self-defense law

and

Kansas Legislature Overrides Governor Sebelius Veto of Vital Right to Carry Reform Legislation

[RACastanet]

Texas Governor Signs Emergency Powers Bill Into Law!

Thank You for Your Calls and Support of SB112 During the Legislative Session! On Friday, April 27, Governor Rick Perry (R) signed into law Senate Bill 112, NRA-backed legislation to prevent the confiscation of firearms and ammunition from law-abiding citizens during a future state of emergency or natural disaster.

[Bill Glasheen]

Was this inspired by the debacle in New Orleans by any chance?

- Bill

[RACastanet]

Yes. There have been over 10 states putting such laws on the books recently, includinig VA. I believe the total with such a law is approaching 20.

Rich

[RACastanet]

Tennessee Governor Signs Vital Castle Doctrine Legislation!

Today, Tuesday, May 22, Governor Phil Bredesen (D) signed House Bill 1907, the Castle Doctrine self-defense bill, into law.HB 1907, sponsored by State Representative Randy Rinks (D-71), would allow an individual to use deadly force to protect him or herself wherever they have a legal right to be. The bill also provides civil immunity for those who defend themselves from criminal attack.

[RACastanet]

Governor Jim Gibbons Signs NRA-Backed Emergency Powers Protection Act


Wednesday, May 30, 2007


Fairfax, VA – Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons today signed into law the National Rifle Association (NRA)-backed “Emergency Powers Firearms Protection Act,” Assembly Bill 95 (AB95). This new law will prevent a governmental entity or law enforcement agency from confiscating firearms from law-abiding citizens during a declared state of emergency.

AB95 will protect Nevadans from an event similar to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when residents of New Orleans were subject to door-to-door firearm confiscation at the direction of New Orleans police. “This law guarantees that the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Nevadans will never be violated during a time of emergency,” said NRA Chief Lobbyist Chris W. Cox. “The citizens of Nevada can be assured that they and their Constitutional freedoms will not suffer like those citizens of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.”

[RACastanet]

Bill: This self-defense/2nd amendment updates thread has had over 10,000 hits over a two year period. Should I keep it going or start anew?

Rich

[RACastanet]

Louisiana Panel Kills College Dorm Gun Ban
- Baton Rouge Advocate
An attempt to close a state loophole that allows firearms in college dorms was soundly defeated May 30 in a House committee after several Second Amendment advocates spoke against it.

[RACastanet]

Missouri Governor Signs Castle Doctrine, Hunting Preservation Bills into Law


Tuesday, July 03, 2007


Fairfax, VA— Fairfax, VA- In a fly-around tour across Missouri today, the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) chief lobbyist Chris W. Cox joined Governor Matt Blunt at bill signing ceremonies for two of NRA’s top legislative priorities. SB 62, Missouri’s “Castle Doctrine” bill, removes the ‘duty to retreat’ for victims of criminal attack, while SB 225, the “Hunting Heritage Protection Areas Act”, preserves important wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities for future Missouri generations.

“I can’t think of a better early celebration of the 4th of July than by the signing into law of two important bills that reaffirm freedom,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA’s chief lobbyist.

“Today Missouri joins a group of 18 other ‘Castle Doctrine’ states, guaranteeing a victim’s right to protect themselves against a criminal attack.” Cox stated, “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 Missouri. The ability to protect yourself, your children, or your spouse from harm is critical, whether you're in your home or outside.”

“Americans maintain a deep reverence for their Second Amendment rights. This legislation is an extension of those rights. It ensures law-abiding Missourians will not be punished when they use force to defend themselves and their family from attacks in their own home or vehicle,” Gov. Blunt said. “I commend the General Assembly for supporting and passing this important law for Missouri families.”

[Topos]

Thank you for the inspiring list of sane states respecting decent
Americans' right to protect themselves and their families,
especially on this most wonderful day, 4 July 2007.


Semper Fi to you and best to all.

[RACastanet]

You are welcome. I was not sure continuing this thread for so long was a good idea but it does get a lot of hits and at least one person - you - believes it has value. So, I shall continue to add to it.

Regards, Rich