“Animal Rights” Activists Shut Down for 2011
Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to recommit Senate Bill 71 to the Gaming Oversight Committee by a 124 to 69 vote.
As previously reported, several amendments were filed to this legislation which would have eliminated organized bird shooting in Pennsylvania. While we won the battle, however, the war is not over and the “animal rights” activists will return in January to continue their attacks on this traditional shooting sport.
Don’t forget to mention this alert to your family, friends and fellow supporters of Pennsylvania’s sporting tradition.
Source: NRA / ILA
Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing on
Schumer Registration and Rights Denial Bill
On Tuesday November 16, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism held a hearing on Sen. Charles Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) S. 436. Dubbed by anti-gunners the “Fix Gun Checks Act,” rather than “fix” the current National Instant Criminal Background Check System, the legislation would eliminate private sales and gun shows as we know them and expand the range of persons prohibited from owning firearms.
For much of the hearing, Sen. Schumer and his witnesses, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Chief Advisor for Policy and Strategic Planning John Feinblatt, were reluctant to touch upon the drastic changes to federal gun laws contained in the bill. Instead, they pretended that the bill would ensure that states and federal agencies provide more accurate information to the NICS database.
Shredding through this misrepresentation of the bill was Second Amendment scholar Prof. David Kopel of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
Kopel first noted that S. 436 would require a background check for all firearm transfers. However, the overly broad wording of the bill would not only eliminate private sales and much of the lawful activity at gun shows, but as Kopel explained, could also extend the transfer requirement to situations such as letting a friend use your firearm at a range, sharing a firearm for self-defense or conducting a safety class in which students handle a firearm.
More insidious, a requirement for background checks for all firearm transfers would result in a system of gun registration, as the federal government would have access to information on all firearm sales. In his written testimony, Kopel noted that Congress has repeatedly rejected firearm registration and pointed out that federal law bars “any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions or dispositions.”
Kopel also testified that the bill has several provisions which violate the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee that no person is to “be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” The bill would require that firearm purchasers be denied for “an arrest for the use or possession of a controlled substance within the past five years.” Kopel points out that a mere arrest is not sufficient to bar someone of a constitutionally protected right, explaining that under the bill, a person who was arrested erroneously or arrested and subsequently found not guilty by a jury of his peers would still be barred from possessing a firearm.
Kopel further pointed out a provision of the bill that would ban gun possession by a person who has been ordered by a “lawful authority” to receive counseling. This could include a person whose employer or school administrator orders him to receive counseling as a condition of further employment or enrollment, regardless of the outcome of such counseling. An example, Kopel explained, could be a police officer ordered to receive counseling after using a firearm in the line of duty.
Kopel’s defense of the Fifth Amendment led to a spirited exchange with Sen. Schumer as to the contents of his own bill. Kopel repeatedly corrected the Senator as to the power to strip gun rights the bill would grant to school administrators and other “lawful authorities,” explaining to Sen. Schumer the exact page and line number where the provision could be found. After several denials by Sen. Schumer that the provision would grant this power, Kopel suggested that the senator redraft the text of the bill if it did not reflect his intent.
As a practical matter, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) questioned witness David Cuthbertson of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division on the completeness of felony conviction records being provided to the NICS database. The exchange revealed that only 50 percent of arrest dispositions end up in the federal database. Sen. Sessions went on to infer that it should be of a higher priority that accurate data on convicted felons be available to NICS, explaining that there are already gun laws on the books that should be effectively enforced before the Congress contemplates additional restrictions on a constitutional right.
Appropriately, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) spoke on a bill that actually would fix the current system of gun checks-S. 1707, the “Veteran’s Second Amendment Protection Act.” The legislation, as Sen. Grassley noted, would correct the injustice where thousands of veterans, who had been entrusted by the federal government with firearms to defend the United States, have been barred from exercising their Second Amendment rights for simply being assigned a fiduciary to manage their finances. The House has already passed such legislation as an amendment to H.R. 2349 and Grassley expressed his hope that the issue will soon be taken up in the Senate.
The NRA-ILA will continue to monitor developments with S. 436 and help make sure this legislation never becomes law.
To watch the video of the hearing, please go to:http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/hearing.cfm?id=9b6937d5e931a0b792d258d9b33d0484
To read more on S. 436, please visit:
http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=6494
Source: NRA / ILA
NEWS & LEGISLATION BRIEFS August 24, 2011
House Natural Resources Committee Passes Legislation Protecting Sportsmen’s Access
The House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 2834, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act. This bill would protect fishing, hunting and recreational shooting on federal lands.
H.R. 2834 passed the Committee with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 29-14. This vital piece of legislation would require fishing, hunting and recreational shooting to be included in all federal land planning documents and would fix numerous inconsistencies in federal law that are being exploited by litigious environmental groups to reduce hunting opportunities on federal land. This bill is strongly supported by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International, the National Rifle Association, and millions of sportsmen across the country.
“This legislation is vital given the Administration’s recent actions toward hunters and recreational sport shooters,” said Melissa Simpson, Director of Government Affairs for Safari Club International. “Sportsmen have repeatedly sought to collaborate with the federal agencies and have been greeted with proposed closures in areas such as the Sonoran Desert National Monument, where the BLM intends to close the entire one-half million acre national monument to shooters. There are some 63 shooting sites within the monument, closure of which will end access for sportsmen. Passage of H.R. 2834 is necessary to protect against these anti-hunting policies.”
“Sportsmen are increasingly facing attacks aimed at stopping them from using public land,” said Bud Pidgeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. “This bill closes the loopholes that anti-hunters have used time and time again to try to deny access for hunting, fishing and shooting. Now is the time to put a stop to it. We are extremely pleased and appreciative that the House Natural Resources Committee recognized the importance of this bill.”
Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau to Discuss Sunday Hunting Next Week
Next week, the state Farm Bureau will hold its annual meeting at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center from November 14 to 16. A topic of discussion at this meeting will be a county resolution to support House Bill 1760, Sunday hunting legislation.
The prohibition on Sunday hunting is an old “blue law” remaining in only six states. The addition of this extra weekend day in the field dramatically increases a person’s opportunity to enjoy our hunting heritage. This will invigorate essential hunter recruitment and retention efforts. Some are concerned that allowing Sunday hunting will lead more land owners to prohibit all hunting. This did not occur in other states that have lifted these archaic bans and it won’t happen here.
Sunday hunting will also bring a much-needed economic boost to rural areas. Comprehensive research from both the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee shows that allowing hunting on Sundays in Pennsylvania would generate a total annual economic impact estimated at $800 million and create approximately 8,000 jobs.
For more than a decade, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has opposed Sunday hunting for little reason.. To date, the Bureau’s leadership continues to be unwilling to even sit down to discuss a compromise with lawmakers, despite the increased level of support within the farm community. Because of their reluctance, the Bureau has effectively alienated many farmers who support the concept of Sunday hunting. That’s why it’s so important that the true story be told to the farming community. As sportsmen, we believe private land owners as well as farmers should decide how to manage their land for hunting – Seven Days a Week.
We need your help to awaken the Farm Bureau’s silent majority who want to be free to choose how they manage their land for hunting. Please contact your CountyFarm Bureau representative and urge him or her to support Sunday hunting. Also, if you know a farmer who supports Sunday hunting ask him or her to make a call. Contact information for your county Farm Bureau representative can be found here.
Source: NRA / ILA
Harrisburg pro gun fall 2011 legislation status:
Fall schedule Session days
September 26, 27, and 28
October 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, and 31
November 1, 2, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23
December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14
There are ONLY so many session days to move our legislation.
The clock starts ticking again on Sept 26th.
FYI any legislation not passed into law by Dec 2011 is dead and has to start all over again in 2012.
Several other Pro gun bills are in the works for introduction this fall.
Current list of legislative subjects
HB 1668 – Sponsor: Rep. Krieger – Subject:Modifies PA Transportation of Firearms Law in regard to the transportation of unloaded firearms in Section 6106(b) of Title 18.
Currently you can only transport unloaded firearms to limited destinations without any stops for any reason, no exceptions. This legislation will remove inconsistencies in the law and also benefit travelers from other states who transport firearms through PA
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1668
***Status – Judiciary committee since June 15, 2011
- As of Sept 11, 2011 we have 96 sponsors to HB 1668 with 12 former sponsors not resign yet/
KRIEGER, TURZAI, AUMENT, BARRAR, BENNINGHOFF, BLOOM, BOYD, BROOKS, CALTAGIRONE, CAUSER, CHRISTIANA, CLYMER, D. COSTA, COX, CREIGHTON, CUTLER, DAY, DENLINGER, ELLIS, EVANKOVICH, EVERETT, FARRY, FLECK, GABLER, GEIST, GEORGE, GIBBONS, GILLEN, GINGRICH, GODSHALL, GOODMAN, GRELL, GROVE, HAHN, HALUSKA, HARHART, HARRIS, HENNESSEY, HESS, HICKERNELL, HORNAMAN, HUTCHINSON, KAUFFMAN, F. KELLER, M. K. KELLER, KORTZ, KULA, LAWRENCE, LONGIETTI, MAJOR, MALONEY, MARSHALL, MASSER, METCALFE, METZGAR, MILLARD, MILLER, MOUL, MULLERY, MUSTIO, OBERLANDER, PEIFER, PERRY, PETRARCA, PICKETT, PYLE, QUIGLEY, RAPP, READSHAW, REED, REESE, ROAE, ROCK, SACCONE,SAYLOR, SCHRODER, SONNEY, STABACK, STERN, STEVENSON, SWANGER, TALLMAN, TAYLOR, VULAKOVICH, WHITE, MAHER, BAKER, NEUMAN, BEAR, TOBASH, HARHAI, EMRICK, HEFFLEY, REICHLEY and KNOWLES
HB 1523 -Sponsor:Rep. Metcalfe - Subject: Preemption Violations - provides for the recovery of legal expenses incurred when local municipalities enact local ordinances, or continue to maintain them, in violation of PA Preemption Law, Title 18 ยง6120 Limitation on the regulation of firearms and ammunition.
Legislative debate on the importance of a statewide standard on firearms law transcends numerous areas such as Constitutional law; Dylan’s Rule and several Supreme and Appeals court decisions.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1523
***Status – Judiciary committee since May 11, 2011
As of Sept 11, 2011 we have 65 sponsors to HB 1523 with 21 former sponsors not resign yet
METCALFE, AUMENT, BENNINGHOFF, CALTAGIRONE, CAUSER, COX, CREIGHTON, CUTLER, ELLIS, GABLER, GEORGE, GIBBONS, GRELL, GROVE, HARRIS, HESS, HUTCHINSON, KAUFFMAN, F. KELLER, KNOWLES, KORTZ, KOTIK, KRIEGER, LONGIETTI, MALONEY, METZGAR, MILLARD, MILLER, MOUL, MUSTIO, PERRY, PETRARCA, PYLE, RAPP, READSHAW, ROAE,ROCK, SACCONE, STABACK, STEVENSON, SWANGER, TALLMAN, TURZAI, VULAKOVICH, WHITE, CHRISTIANA, SAYLOR, HICKERNELL, BAKER, HAHN, DENLINGER, LAWRENCE, HELM, BROOKS, HARHART, M. K. KELLER, EVANKOVICH, TOOHIL, MARSHALL, HEFFLEY, GOODMAN, GILLEN, BEAR, REICHLEY and OBERLANDER
HB 752 – Sponsor:Rep. Gabler – Subject:Firearm Freedom Act - This is directed at reestablishing the authority of PA under the 10th amendment of the U.S. Constitution to control business and activities that occur strictly within the borders of our state.
The Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution has allowed for virtual complete control by the federal government of state manufactured products, activities and actions far in excess of that intended by the founding fathers.
No greater intrusion can be found than the area of control of the sale and manufacture of ammunition, firearms, and firearm accessories.
This legislation has been enacted into law in eight (8) states throughout the nation beginning with Montana and Tennessee.
The basic concept is that any ammunition, firearms or firearms accessories that are manufactured and remain in PA are not subject to federal laws and regulations derived under Congress’ authority to regulate interstate commerce and would require the words “Made in PA” be stamped on a central metallic part of any firearm manufactured and sold in PA.”
It specifically states: ‘The regulation of intrastate commerce is vested in the states under the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, particularly if not expressly preempted by federal law. The congress of the United States has not expressly preempted state regulation of intrastate commerce pertaining to the manufacture on an intrastate basis of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition.’
“Some supporters of the legislation say that a successful application of such a state-law would set a strong precedent and open the door for states to take their own positions on a wide range of activities that they see as not being authorized to the Federal Government by the Constitution.”
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0752
***Status – Judiciary committee since Feb 17, 2011
- As of Sept 22, 2011 we have 83 sponsors to HB 752 with 8 former sponsors not resigned yet
GABLER, BENNINGHOFF, AUMENT, BAKER, BARRAR, BEAR, BLOOM, BOBACK, BOYD, BROOKS, CALTAGIRONE, CAUSER, CHRISTIANA, CLYMER, CREIGHTON, CUTLER, DAY, DENLINGER, EVANKOVICH, EVERETT, FABRIZIO, FLECK, GEIST, GIBBONS, GILLEN, GINGRICH, GODSHALL, GOODMAN, GROVE, HARHART, HARRIS, HEFFLEY, HESS, HICKERNELL, HORNAMAN, HUTCHINSON, KAUFFMAN, M. K. KELLER, KNOWLES, KORTZ, KRIEGER, MAJOR, MARSHALL, METCALFE, METZGAR, MILLARD, MILLER, MOUL, MURT, OBERLANDER, PAYNE, PETRARCA, PICKETT, PYLE, RAPP, READSHAW, REED, REICHLEY, ROAE, ROCK, SACCONE, S. H. SMITH, SONNEY, STERN, STEVENSON, SWANGER, TALLMAN, VULAKOVICH, WHITE, ELLIS, FARRY, MUSTIO, PERRY, BRENNAN, MICOZZIE, MALONEY, F. KELLER, HAHN, GEORGE, HARHAI, GERGELY GRELL and PEIFER
HB 935 – Sponsor:Rep. Pyle – Subject: Parking Lot Bill – the “Preservation & Protection of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in a Motor Vehicle act”. This proposed legislation limits the authority of most public and private employers in prohibiting a customer, employee, or visitor from possessing a legally-owned firearm that is kept inside a locked, privately-owned motor vehicle which is parked in a parking lot, in most cases, even on an employer’s private property.
It provides for liability relief for businesses that have law abiding Citizens who exercise their Constitutional right to enjoy firearms for recreation or personal protection.
In Pa with a rich hunting heritage, many people will take their hunting firearms to work with them and go hunting immediately after work or to a gun club for practicing of the shooting skills. Other people take their firearms back and forth to work because they fear for their personal safety when they are traveling between home and work. Still other people may buy a firearm on their lunch break. All of these people could be fired from their jobs for leaving their firearms locked in their vehicles because of a business policy of no firearms on their company property.
It is a well established fact that criminals don’t care what laws or policies exist, and are opportunistic creatures who will attack honest people who are forced to disarm. Gun Free areas only embolden
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0935
***Status – Judiciary committee since March 4, 2011
- As of Sept 22, 2011 we have 74 sponsors no change HB 935 with 12 former sponsors not resign yet
PYLE, AUMENT, BAKER, BEAR, BENNINGHOFF, BOBACK, BOYD, BROOKS, CAUSER, CHRISTIANA, CLYMER, COX, CUTLER, DAY, DENLINGER, ELLIS, EVERETT, FABRIZIO, FARRY, FLECK, GABLER, GEIST, GERGELY, GILLEN, GILLESPIE, GROVE, HARHART, HARRIS, HESS, HICKERNELL, HUTCHINSON, KAUFFMAN, M. K. KELLER, KNOWLES, KRIEGER, LAWRENCE, MAHER, MARSHALL, METCALFE, METZGAR, MILLER, MOUL, MURT, MUSTIO, OBERLANDER, PAYNE, PEIFER, PICKETT, RAPP, READSHAW, REED, REESE, REICHLEY, ROAE, ROCK, SAYLOR, SONNEY, STERN, STEVENSON, SWANGER, TALLMAN, TOEPEL, TURZAI, VULAKOVICH, HELM, KORTZ, PERRY, MALONEY, MILLARD, HEFFLEY, HAHN, HORNAMANGEORGE andSACCONE
Additional Hunting Legislation Overview:
HB 347 – Sponsor: Rep. Sonney – Subject: Legalize ANY semiautomatic rimfire rifle, .22 caliber or less, for the taking of coyotes, foxes or woodchucks – SMALL STEP in getting this for other species
***Status - Game and fish committee since Jan 31, 2011
- As of Sept 11, 2011 we have27 sponsors no change
SONNEY, CAUSER, CUTLER, DENLINGER, ELLIS, FABRIZIO, FLECK, GEIST, GODSHALL, GROVE, HESS, HUTCHINSON, KORTZ, MARSHALL, METCALFE, METZGAR, PYLE, STEVENSON, CHRISTIANA, BRENNAN, REED, HARHART, LONGIETTI, SCHRODER, GILLEN and HORNAMAN
HB 1760 – Sponsor: Rep. John Evans – Subject: gives authority to PGC to allow Sunday hunting
***Status - Game and fish committee since June 29, 2011
- As of Sept 11, 2011 we have22 sponsors no change
J. EVANS, STABACK, GERGELY, CALTAGIRONE, COHEN, DALEY, DeLUCA, EVANKOVICH, EVERETT, FABRIZIO, GOODMAN, HORNAMAN, KILLION, METCALFE, MULLERY, MURT, VEREB, VULAKOVICH, WHEATLEY, KORTZ, YOUNGBLOOD and DELISSIO
Disparity Of Force is in sponsorship phase - no text is available to read right now. In fact no HB 1860 officially exist till Rep Saccone actually files the proposed bill.
HB 1860 - Disparity of Force – Upgrade to Castle Doctrine
Rep Saccone has introduce legislation HB 1860 to upgrade the recently passed in the so called castle doctrine to address the situation of the Disparity of Force missing in current PA law.
Read Rep Rick Saccone’s Co-sponsorship of legislation - Disparity of Force
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI...011/0/8783.pdf
Here is a listing of Reps to contact about HB1860
Currently (Sept 23) there are only 15 including Rep Saccone
Here is the list of ALL the co sponsors to Castle Doctrine HB 40 that are not sponsors to HB 1860
R Matthew E. Baker mbaker@pahousegop.com Bradford*, Tioga
D Bryan Barbin bbarbin@pahouse.net Cambria*
R Stephen Barrar sbarrar@pahousegop.com Chester*, Delaware*
R John C. Bear jbear@pahousegop.com Lancaster*
R Kerry A. Benninghoff kbenning@pahousegop.com Centre*, Mifflin*
R Karen Boback kboback@pahousegop.com Columbia*, Luzerne*, Wyoming*
R Scott W. Boyd sboyd@pahousegop.com Lancaster*
D Joseph F. Brennan jbrennan@pahouse.net Lehigh*, Northampton*
R Michele Brooks mbrooks@pahousegop.com Crawford*, Lawrence*, Mercer*
D Frank Burns fburns@pahouse.net Cambria*, Somerset*
D Thomas R. Caltagirone tcaltagi@pahouse.net Berks*
D Mike Carroll mcarroll@pahouse.net Luzerne*, Monroe*
R Martin T. Causer mcauser@pahousegop.com Cameron, McKean*, Potter
R Jim Christiana jchristi@pahousegop.com Beaver*
R Paul I.. Clymer pclymer@pahousegop.com Bucks*
D H. Scott Conklin sconklin@pahouse.net Centre*
D Dom Costa dcosta@pahouse.net Allegheny*
R Jim Cox jcox@pahousegop.com Berks*
R Thomas C. Creighton tcreight@pahousegop.com Lancaster*
R Lynda Culver lculver@pahousegop.com Northumberland*, Snyder*
D Peter J. Daley pdaley@pahouse..net Fayette*, Washington*
R Gary Day gday@pahousegop.com Berks*, Lehigh*
D Daniel Deasy ddeasy@pahouse.net Allegheny*
R Sheryl Delozier sdelozie@pahousegop.com Cumberland*
D Tony DeLuca tdeluca@pahouse.net Allegheny*
R Gordon Denlinger gdenling@pahousegop.com Lancaster*
D Frank Dermody fdermody@pahouse.net Allegheny*
D H. William DeWeese wdeweese@pahouse.net Fayette*, Greene*, Washington*
R Brian L. Ellis bellis@pahousegop..com Butler*
R Joe Emrick jemrick@pahousegop.com Northampton*
R John R. Evans jevans@pahousegop.com Crawford*, Erie*
R Garth D Everett geverett@pahousegop.com Lycoming*
R Frank A Farry Ffarry@pahousegop.com Bucks*
R Mike Fleck mfleck@pahousegop..com Blair*, Huntingdon*, Mifflin*
R Richard A. Geist rgeist@pahousegop.com Blair*
D Camille "Bud" George cgeorge@pahouse.net Clearfield*
D Marc J. Gergely mgergely@pahouse.net Allegheny*
D Jaret Gibbons jgibbons@pahouse.net Beaver*, Butler*, Lawrence*
R Mark Gillen mgillen@pahousegop.com Berks*
R Keith J.. Gillespie kgillesp@pahousegop.com York*
R Mauree A. Gingrich mgingric@pahousegop.com Lebanon*
R Robert W. Godshall rgodshal@pahousegop.com Montgomery*
D Neal P. Goodman ngoodman@pahouse.net Schuylkill*
R Glen R. Grell ggrell@pahousegop.com Cumberland*
R Seth M Grove sgrove@pahousegop.com York*
R Marcia M. Hahn mhahn@pahousegop.com Northampton
D Gary Haluska ghaluska@pahouse.net Cambria*
D Michael K. Hanna mhanna@pahouse.net Centre*, Clinton
D R. Ted Harhai tharhai@pahouse.net Fayette*, Westmoreland*
D Julie Harhart jharhart@pahousegop.com Lehigh*, Northampton*
R Kate Harper kharper@pahousegop.com Montgomery*
R C. Adam Harris aharris@pahousegop.com Juniata, Mifflin*, Snyder*
R Doyle Heffley dheffley@pahousegop.com Carbon
R Susan C. "Sue" Helm shelm@pahousegop.com Dauphin*
R Tim Hennessey thenness@pahousegop.com Chester*
R David S. Hickernell dhickern@pahousegop.com Daupin*, Lancaster*
D John Hornaman jhornama@pahouse.net Erie*
R Rob Kauffman rkauffma@pahousegop.com Cumberland*, Franklin*
R Tom H. Killion tkillion@pahousegop.com Chester*, Delaware*
R Jerry Knowles jknowles@pahousegop..com Berks*, Schuylkill*
D Bill Kortz bkortz@pahouse.net Allegheny*
D Nick Kotik nkotik@pahouse.net Allegheny*
R Tim Krieger tkrieger@pahousegop.com Westmoreland*
D Deberah Kula dkula@pahouse.net Fayette*
R John Lawrence jlawrenc@pahousegop.com Chester*
D Mark Longietti mlongiet@pahouse.net Mercer*
R John A. Maher jmaher@pahousegop.com Allegheny*, Washington*
D Tim Mahoney tmahoney@pahouse.net Fayette*
R Sandra Major smajor@pahousegop.com Susquehanna*, Wayne*, Wyoming*
D Joseph F. Markosek jmarkose@pahouse.net Allegheny*, Westmoreland*
R Jim Marshall Jmarshall@pahousegop.com Beaver*
R Kurt Masser kmasser@pahousegop.com Columbia*, Montour*, Northumberland*
D Robert Matzie rmatzie@pahouse.net Allegheny*, Beaver*
R Daryl Metcalfe dmetcalf@pahousegop.com
Butler*
R Carl Metzgar cmetzgar@pahousegop.com Bedford*, Somerset*
R Nick Miccarelli NickMicc@pahousegop.com Delaware*
R Nicholas A. Micozzie nmicozzi@pahousegop.com Delaware*
R David R Millard dmillard@pahousegop.com Columbia*
R Ron Miller rmiller@pahousegop.com York*
R Duane Milne dmilne@pahousegop.com Chester*
D Richard Mirabito rmirabito@pahouse.net Lycoming*
R Dan Moul dmoul@pahousegop.com Adams*, Franklin*
D Gerald Mullery gmullery@pahouse.net Luzerne*
D Kevin Murphy kmurphy@pahouse.net Lackawanna*
R Thomas P Murt tmurt@pahousegop.com Montgomery*, Philadelphia*
R T. Mark Mustio mmustio@pahousegop.com Allegheny*
D Brandon Neuman bneuman@pahouse.net Washington*
R Donna Oberlander doberlan@pahousegop.com Armstrong*, Clarion
R Bernard T. O'Neill boneill@pahousegop.com Bucks*
D Eddie Day Pashinski epashins@pahouse.net Luzerne*
R John D. Payne jpayne@pahousegop.com Dauphin*
R Michael Peifer mpeifer@pahousegop.com Monroe*, Pike*, Wayne*
R Scott Perry sperry@pahousegop.com Cumberland*, York*
D Joseph A. Petrarca jpetrarc@pahouse.net Armstrong*, Westmoreland*
R Scott A. Petri spetri@pahousegop.com Bucks*
R Tina Pickett tpickett@pahousegop.com Bradford*, Sullivan, Susquehanna*
R Jeffrey P. Pyle jpyle@pahousegop.com Armstrong*, Indiana*
R Thomas J. Quigley tquigley@pahousegop.com Montgomery*
R Marguerite Quinn mquinn@pahousegop.com Bucks*
R Kathy L. Rapp klrapp@pahousegop.com Forest, McKean*, Warren
D Adam Ravenstahl aravenstahl@pahouse.net Allegheny*
D Harry A. Readshaw hreadsha@pahouse.net Allegheny*
R Dave Reed dreed@pahousegop.com Indiana*
R Douglas G. Reichley dreichle@pahousegop.com Berks*, Lehigh*
R Brad Roae broae@pahousegop.com Crawford*
R Todd Rock trock@pahousegop.com Franklin*
R Rick Saccone rsaccone@pahousegop.com Allegheny*, Washington*
Prime sponsor NO need to contact Rep Saccone unless to thank him
D Chris Sainato csainato@pahouse.net Beaver*, Lawrence*
R Mario M. Scavello mscavell@pahousegop.com Monroe*
R Curt Schroder cschrode@pahousegop.com Chester*
R Justin Simmons jsimmons@pahousegop.com Lehigh*, Northampton*
D Ken Smith ksmith@pahouse.net Lackawanna*
D Matthew Smith mhsmith@pahouse.net Allegheny*
R Samuel H. Smith shsmith@pahousegop.com Armstrong*, Indiana*, Jefferson
R Curtis G. Sonney csonney@pahousegop.com Erie*
D Edward G. Staback estaback@pahouse.net Lackawanna*, Wayne*
R Jerry A. Stern jstern@pahousegop.com Blair*
R Richard R. Stevenson rstevens@pahousegop.com Butler*, Mercer*
R Will Tallman wtallman@pahousegop.com Adams*, York*
R John J. Taylor jtaylor@pahousegop.com Philadelphia*
R Mike Tobash mtobash@pahousegop.com Berks*, Schuylkill*
R Marcy Toepel mtoepel@pahousegop.com Montgomery
R Tarah Toohil ttoohil@pahousegop.com Luzerne*
R Michael Turzai mturzai@pahousegop.com Allegheny*
R Mike Vereb mvereb@pahousegop.com Montgomery*
R Katharine M. Watson kwatson@pahousegop.com Bucks*
D Jesse White jwhite@pahouse.net Allegheny*, Beaver*, Washington*
Lots of Reps on this list all that is required is to ask them and they will sign on quickly.
The goal is to have HB 1860 with 50 to 80 sponsor when it’s introduced.
If you are for this concept please do you part and ask the ones above first.
USSA Director Testifies Before Congress on Federal Lands Bill
Protection of fishing, hunting, and shooting on our National Forests and public lands is assured by H.R. 2834 (the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act), the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Director of Federal Affairs Bill Horn told Congress today.
Horn, who testified before the House Natural Resources Committee, spoke in support of the bill while explaining the details. He revealed how H.R. 2834 would solve several public land access problems for anglers, hunters, trappers, and shooters.
“Continued silence in the law regarding the legitimacy and contributory role of fishing and hunting on Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands will ultimately cause the loss of these activities on over 400 million acres of our public lands,” stated Horn. “This silence must be corrected, and H.R. 2834 does precisely that. It plainly recognizes fishing, hunting and shooting as legitimate and important activities on Forest and BLM lands. It directs the agencies to exercise their discretion, consistent with the other applicable law, to facilitate fishing, hunting and shooting.”
Horn, who is a former assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior, also noted that frivolous lawsuits, various court rulings, and even agency actions have resulted in hunting and fishing being restricted or closed on public lands. H.R. 2834 would make those activities essential uses of those public lands and guide managers to exercise an “open until closed” philosophy. This would save millions of dollars of administrative expense and insulate fishing and hunting from unwarranted indirect attacks.
H.R. 2834 is modeled after the 1997 Refuge System Improvement Act that was championed by the U. S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. That legislation ultimately helped keep open fishing and hunting on the National Wildlife Refuge System and was an important part of the winning argument that protected hunting on more than 60 Refuge units that anti-hunting groups had tried to close.
USSA has been urging Congress to pass legislation comparable to H.R. 2834 since 1998. Critics dismissed earlier bills as “solutions in search of a problem,” but during the past decade the sporting community has recognized that there is a problem. Legal challenges, requests for environmental impact studies, and other tactics by anti-hunting and animal rights groups have threatened fishing and hunting on federal lands. H.R. 2834 will block these threats.
Groups joining the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in this public lands bill effort include: the American Fisheries Society, American Sportfishing Association, B.A.S.S. LLC, Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, National Rifle Association, and Safari Club International.
About the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance: The USSA is a national watchdog organization that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot and in Congress. Last year, the USSA served more than 3.1 million sportsmen in 44 states through their work on bills and other issues, educational programs, and legal defense. Currently, the USSA has more than 150,000 members who act as a powerful grassroots network for sportsmen and sportswomen from coast to coast. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, call (614) 888-4868 or visit: www.ussportsmen.org.
Source: the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
First National Test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS)
On November 9th FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. This test will kick off at 2:00 p.m. (EST). The test will be nationwide, running concurrently across all time zones.
This system test is the first of its kind. It is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. Nothing like it has been conducted in the history of the country. There have been tests in the past but none to all parts of the Nation at the same time. The test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band and the message will run for three (3) minutes. Most messages in the past were anywhere from 30 seconds to one minute.
There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation message might create panic. Please share this information with your agency, family and friends, so they are aware of the test.
Below are two websites, that will provide more information regarding this test.
http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm
https://nationaldialogue-emergencyalertsystem.ideascale.com/
H.R. 822 -- National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act -- Heading to House Floor;
Contact your Representative Now!
As we've been reporting week in and week out, H.R. 822 -- the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011" is very good legislation for gun owners. The time is past due to dispel the alarmist rhetoric about the bill, and to set the record straight.
Most of the misguided, unfounded, and incorrect characterizations circulating lately regarding H.R. 822 have come from the anti-gun groups and media. However, a small number of vocal and supposedly "pro-gun" groups continue to report falsehoods, despite clear evidence to refute their assertions. Though they claim to be on the side of America's gun owners and the Second Amendment, their stance on this measure proves otherwise.
One group claimed H.R. 822 would include anti-gun amendments that would create "disastrous federally mandated infringements on our rights."
But, as we recently reported, the House Judiciary has already considered amendments to H.R. 822, and all anti-gun amendments offered that would weaken or gut the legislation were defeated.
The same group warns of "a 'study' to control firearm sales over the internet," and decries a "review" process that they claim will provide "a perfect opportunity for more changes." In reality, there was no amendment to study firearm sales over the internet. Period. And the "review" they speak of has nothing to do with adding new anti-gun provisions. The amendment referred to only requires a study of the law's effects, and that study would take place after the law is in effect.
Another group is trying to insinuate that anti-gunners in Congress will support the bill in order to limit our gun rights. In evaluating this ludicrous accusation, please consider that H.R. 822 has not just 245 cosponsors, but 245 pro-gun cosponsors. And -- just as telling -- none of the stalwart anti-gun representatives have signed on. In addition, well known anti-gun groups, including the Brady Campaign and Mayors Against Illegal Guns, have made killing H.R. 822 their top legislative priority. There is no hidden anti-gun counter-plot going on here.
Opponents of the legislation also claim that it tramples on each "states' rights." But states don't have rights, only powers. And while many anti-gun lawmakers who've long pushed national gun bans, national bans on private gun sales, national waiting periods and other federal restrictions have suddenly become born-again advocates of "states' rights" to oppose this bill, several provisions of the Constitution give Congress the authority to enact interstate carry. Congress also has the power to protect the rights of citizens, nationwide, under the 14th Amendment (please see related article from a recent Grassroots Alert).
Again, and for the record:
H.R. 822 is a GOOD bill and is GOOD for gun owners. The bill ENHANCES Americans' right to self-defense by enabling millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
There is currently only one remaining state (Illinois) that has no clear legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense outside the home. H.R. 822 would require states to recognize each others' lawfully-issued carry permits, just as they recognize driver's licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.
H.R. 822 DOES NOT:
Create a federal licensing or registration system;
Establish a minimum federal standard for the carry permit;
Involve the federal bureaucracy in setting standards for carry permit;
Destroy permitless carry systems such as those in Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.
H.R. 822 is headed to the House floor. Please IMMEDIATELY contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to support the earliest possible consideration of H.R. 822.
You can find contact information for your U.S. Representative by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org. You may also contact your Representative by phone at (202) 225-3121. Additionally, you may CLICK HERE TO EMAIL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS.
Again, H.R. 822 is a good bill for gun owners. Don't listen to false claims. Read the bill yourself and READ OUR FACT SHEET to get more facts.
To listen to an NRANews interview about H.R. 822 with the bill's sponsor Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), please click here.
To listen to an NRANews interview about H.R. 822 with NRA-ILA Director of Research and Information John Frazer, please click here.
To read an op-ed piece about H.R. 822 by NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox, please click here.
Source: NRA / ILA
Pennsylvania: Sunday Hunting Public Hearing Today!
Today, October 27, the state House Game and Fisheries Committee will have a public hearing on House Bill 1760, which would remove the statutory prohibition on Sunday hunting. This hearing will begin at 9:00 a.m. in Room 140 of the Main Capitol and will include testimony from:
ยท Brent Miller, Northeastern States Manager, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
ยท Joel Rotz, State Government Relations Director, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
ยท Evan Heusinkveld, Director of State Services with Mike Budzik and Jeff Watkins, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
ยท Curt Ashenfelter, Executive Director, Keystone Trails Association
ยท Rob Southwick, President, Southwick Associates
ยท Carl Roe, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Game Commission
ยท Skip Seifert, Vice President, Pennsylvania Equine Council
ยท Rick Watts, President, Pennsylvania Chapter with Kathy Davis, Associate Director, Tri-Counties Branch, Quality Deer Management Association
This prohibition on Sunday hunting is an old “blue law” remaining in only six states, and it was enacted in Pennsylvania in the late 1800s. The addition of this extra weekend day in the field dramatically increases a person’s opportunity to enjoy our hunting heritage. This will invigorate essential hunter recruitment and retention efforts. Some are concerned that allowing Sunday hunting will lead more land owners to prohibit all hunting. This did not occur in other states that have lifted these archaic bans and it won’t happen here.
Sunday hunting will also bring a much-needed economic boost to rural areas. Comprehensive research from both the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee shows that allowing hunting on Sundays in Pennsylvania would generate a total annual economic impact estimated at $800 million and create approximately 8,000 jobs.
Please attend the public hearing to show your support for Sunday hunting. Also, please contact members of the House Game and Fisheries Committee TODAY and urge them to allow Sunday hunting. Contact information for committee members can be found here.
Source: NRA / ILA
The Endangered Species Service?
Obama Administration Deal Forces Questionable ESA Listings
By Bill Horn, Director of Federal Affairs
While debt ceiling talks and the stalled economy dominant Washington, D.C., the pot continues to boil regarding hunting and fishing issues. The Obama Administration just cut a deal with the anti-hunting activists at the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) on accelerated Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings. Per the legal agreement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is required to consider adding 757 species, subspecies, or distinct population segments to the list of endangered or threatened species. Decisions on all 757 must be rendered by October, 2016. The list includes species that are presently fished, hunted or trapped, including golden trout, cottontail rabbits, sage grouse, fisher, and wolverine.
Obligating FWS to engage in an unprecedented level of ESA listings will require millions of dollars and eat up untold hours of agency personnel time. Other key agency programs will suffer, including operation of the National Wildlife Refuge System (and hunting, fishing, and trapping which occurs on the majority of the 553 Refuge units), migratory bird management, and fisheries restoration. USSA has always been a strong supporter of FWS and these vital conservation programs. As a former Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (overseeing FWS), I am deeply worried that the Obama-CBD deal converts FWS into the “Endangered Species Service.”
The timing on this deal looks like an effort to thwart Congressional efforts to rein in the ESA program. The House of Representatives is about to pass the Interior Department funding bill (including FWS) which severely restricts new ESA listings. The House wants the Service to use its finite money and personnel resources to focus on recovering already listed species rather than listing 757 more species (many of which are “endangered” only in the minds of anti-hunting activists). What CBD, and its Administration pals, cannot get via Congress, they want to get via this court settlement.
Interior, and FWS, are also about to get a new Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks. President Obama recently nominated Rebecca Wodder to the post. She had her first (of two) Senate confirmation hearings this week. Wodder is a long time D.C. environmental activist who began her career in the late 1970’s as a staffer for Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) often considered the “father” of Earth Day. She later spent 15 years with The Wilderness Society (with whom USSA has long been fighting over wildlife management and hunting access issues) before becoming Executive Director of American Rivers in 1995. Wodder has not taken anti-hunting positions but has also not been a vocal supporter of the hunting community. We expect her to take office in September.
Stay tuned and be prepared for what will no doubt be a large and contentious issue facing all sportsmen, sportswomen, and other conservationists.
Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
The TRUTH About H.R. 822
The "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011"
There's been a lot of misguided, unfounded, and just plain incorrect information circulating on the Internet lately regarding H.R. 822 -- the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011." Most of the false characterizations typically come from the anti-gun groups and media. But more and more, a small cadre of self-described "pro-gun" groups continually sound false alarms and "stir the pot" in an effort to be noticed. (And to raise money, of course.) These repeat offenders peddle mischaracterizations as the gospel, and dilute the good work being done to protect the Second Amendment by legitimate groups.
Some of the misinformation borders on ridiculous. One group circulated an email this week (Thursday, October 20) warning readers that, "H.R. 822 could be taken up for a vote as early as tomorrow morning." What the author failed to realize is that "tomorrow morning," (Friday, October 21) was a day the U.S. House was not even in session! Not very confidence-inspiring.
The same group claimed H.R. 822 would include anti-gun amendments that would, in turn, create "disastrous federally mandated infringements on our rights."
But, as we reported last week, the House Judiciary has already considered amendments to H.R. 822, and all anti-gun amendments offered that would weaken or gut the legislation were defeated.
The group even decries a "review" process that they claim will provide "a perfect opportunity for more changes." In reality, this review has nothing to do with adding anti-gun amendments. The amendment only requires a study of the law's effects, which would take place after the law takes effect.
For the record:
H.R. 822 is a GOOD bill and is GOOD for gun owners.
H.R. 822 ENHANCES Americans' right to self-defense by enabling millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
There is currently only one remaining state (Illinois) that has no clear legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense outside the home. H.R. 822 would require states to recognize each others' lawfully issued carry permits, just as they recognize driver's licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.
H.R. 822 DOES NOT:
Create a federal licensing or registration system;
Establish a minimum federal standard for the carry permit;
Involve the federal bureaucracy in setting standards for carry permit;
Destroy permitless carry systems such as those in Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.
Again, H.R. 822 is a good bill for gun owners. Don't listen to false claims. Read the bill yourself and READ OUR FACT SHEET to get the facts.
Next, please IMMEDIATELY contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to support the earliest possible consideration of H.R. 822.
*PLEASE CLICK HERE TO EMAIL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS.
You can find additional contact information for your U.S. Representative by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org. You may also contact your Representative by phone at (202) 225-3121.
Source: NRA / ILA
The Harrisburg Sunday Hunting hearing is coming on Oct 27, 2011 with a possible Game & Fishery committee vote soon after on HB 1760.
Lots of people work five days a week would you like the opportunity to have two days instead of one to go out hunting?
PLEASE let the Reps know how you feel NOW!
From NSSF
Contact Game and Fisheries members and urge them to support HB 1760, which would repeal the old blue law still on the books that bans Sunday hunting.
Joe Emrick Jemrick@pahousegop.com (570) 897-0401
Garth Everett geverett@pahousegop.com (570) 546-2084
Keith Gillespie kgillesp@pahousegop.com (717) 705-7167
Marcia M. Hahn mhahn@pahousegop.com (717) 783-8573
Mark Keller mkeller@pahousegop.com (717) 582-8119
Dan Moul dmoul@pahousegop.com (717) 783-5217
Jeff Pyle jpyle@pahousegop.com (724) 763-3222
Mike Reese Mreese@pahousegop.com (717) 783-9311
Todd Rock trock@pahousegop.com (717) 783-5218
Doyle Heffley dheffley@pahousegop.com (610) 377-6363
David M. Maloney Sr dmaloney@pahousegop.com (610) 385-0704
Kurt Masser kmasser@pahousegop.com (717) 260-6134
See attached support letter from the ACSL on Making the case for Sunday Hunting
HB 1760 only transfers authority for the decision concerning Sunday hunting from the General Assembly to the Pennsylvania Game Commission
U.S. House Committee Advances National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act
This week, the House Judiciary considered amendments to H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Bill, and defeated all anti-gun amendments offered in an effort to weaken or gut the legislation.
The legislation is an important pro-gun reform that will provide for the recognition of carry permits in all states that issue permits. (For detailed information on the legislation, click here.)
The bill, as originally written, was successfully amended at the outset of the markup with a substitute that added a number of important protections. Foremost, it amended the language so that visitors to states that have laws requiring licenses just for possession of a handgun, do not need a possession license, which is often unavailable to nonresidents.
The substitute also made clear that in states with local jurisdictions that restrict carrying or possession, visitors will not need to apply for special permits from those jurisdictions.
Opponents of the bill proposed a number of anti-gun amendments that sought to use misdemeanor convictions to disqualify people from the benefits of the bill. All of these efforts were defeated, rejecting the anti-gun efforts to weaken the bill. Clearly, the majority of committee members believe that revocation of fundamental constitutional rights is not a legitimate punishment for misdemeanor violations.
One pro-gun amendment was defeated as well. Rep. Louis Gohmert (R-Texas), a steadfast supporter of the Second Amendment, brought an amendment that would have allowed permit holders to carry firearms in the District of Columbia. As written, H. R. 822 does not apply reciprocity to jurisdictions that completely ban Right-to-Carry. While the amendment was well intentioned, as Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) pointed out, the bill “does not confer any expansion of the right to bear arms on the residents of the District of Columbia,” and the Gohmert amendment would only have benefited visitors. It was the feeling of the majority, including nearly all those who support the bill, that H. R. 822 is not the proper vehicle for dealing with the serious problems presented by Washington, D.C.’s harshly restrictive gun laws. As Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) said, “this is a debate best saved for another day and another bill.” NRA has fought for many years to restore the Second Amendment rights of D.C. residents and will continue to work toward that goal by fighting for passage of H.R. 645, the Second Amendment Enforcement Act.
An amendment was also added calling on the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study of the impact of this legislation. Unsurprisingly, opponents of the bill voted against the amendment, probably fearing that it will show, like previous government and academic studies, that the many objections they make to lawful Right-to-Carry are without basis. The study will have no impact on the reforms included in the legislation and will have no effect on concealed carry laws. This study will not delay the implementation of the bill, because it will not take place until after the legislation has taken effect.
The committee will take up the legislation and vote on final passage when Congress returns from its recess. This legislation will be an important advance in the protection of the fundamental right to self-defense, whether at home or travelling through most of America.
Full House consideration of the legislation is expected to happen in the next few weeks. Please contact your member of Congress today and urge their support for H.R. 822 and opposition to any amendments anti-gun legislators are expected to bring to weaken the legislation.You can find contact information for your elected officials by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org, or you can call your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121.
Source: NRA / ILA
Third Hearing on Pennsylvania Sunday Hunting Bill Scheduled
The Pennsylvania House Game and Fisheries Committee has scheduled another hearing on legislation that would transfer authority over Sunday hunting from the legislature to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The hearing will take place on Thursday October 27th at 9:00 a.m. in Room 140 of the Main Capitol Building in Harrisburg.
House Bill 1760, introduced by Representatives John Evans (R- Edinboro) and Ed Staback (D- Eynon), would transfer regulatory authority over Sunday hunting to the Game Commission which is charged with setting seasons and bag limits.
“House Bill 1760 is all about a basic American freedom… Should landowners be able to decide for themselves what they do on their own land?” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “There has been a lot of misconceptions and misinformation spread about HB 1760. This bill actually increases property rights for farmers and other landowners. This bill doesn’t require every Sunday to be designated for hunting or even a single Sunday. Instead, this bill simply moves the authority to the appropriate state agency, the Game Commission where is belongs. ”
Pennsylvania is one of only 11 states that continue to restrict or prohibit hunting on Sundays. Currently, only crows, coyotes and foxes are permitted to be hunted on Sundays in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s prohibition dates back to 1873 and serves as a barrier to recruiting new hunters and retaining existing hunters.
The bill is being supported by the Sunday Hunting Coalition –a coalition of leading conservation, sportsmen’s, and hunting groups committed to removing bans and restrictions on Sunday hunting. In addition to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, members of the coalition include: the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Cabela’s, National Rifle Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Archery Trade Association, Boone and Crockett Club, Delta Waterfowl, Mule Deer Foundation, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, and the Wildlife Management Institute.
Take Action! Pennsylvania sportsmen need to contact their State Representatives today and ask for their support of Sunday Hunting. To find your state representative’s contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac
Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Congress Could Consider National Carry Bill Soon!
As we have been reporting, H.R. 822, the “National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011”, is on the move in the U.S. House of Representatives. On September 13, House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 822. The House could consider H.R. 822 in the next few weeks, so it is critically important that you contact your U.S. Representative immediately about this vital legislation.
Unfortunately, not only do we have to continuously battle the ignorance and misrepresentation by our anti-gun opponents, but also by some so-called “pro-gun” organizations.
This bill is GOOD for gun owners.
This bill ENHANCES Americans’ right to self-defense by enabling millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
There is currently only one remaining state (Illinois) that has no clear legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense. H.R. 822 would require states to recognize each others' lawfully issued carry permits, just as they recognize driver's licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.
This bill DOES NOT:
ยท Create a federal licensing or registration system;
ยท Establish a minimum federal standard for the carry permit;
ยท Involve the federal bureaucracy in setting standards for carry permit;
ยท Destroy permitless carry systems such as those in Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.
H.R. 822 is a good bill for gun owners. Don’t listen to false claims. Read the bill yourself and read our fact sheet to get the facts. Then, please contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to support the earliest possible consideration of H.R. 822 this year.
You can find contact information for your U.S. Representative by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org. You may also contact your Representative by phone at (202) 225-3121.
Please watch for future Alerts on H.R. 822’s status and what you can do to help ensure it passes out of the Judiciary Committee.
Source: NRA / ILA
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Finds an Ally in its Fight Against Sunday Hunting:
The Animal Rights Lobby
For many years, the fight to prevent Pennsylvania sportsmen from having the same rights as sportsmen in 39 other states has been led by the Farm Bureau. Which is ironic, of course, because their opposition means that they are actually asking the government to prevent their own members – farmers – from being able to decide how to use their own land.
While you are free to go watch the Steelers play football in Pittsburgh on Sunday, or the Phillies play baseball on the other side of the state, you are not free to go hunting. Because Pennsylvania remains one of the few states left that retains this old “blue law.”
Sportsmen, though seem much more determined this time to have the right to choose which day they will hunt. Uniting under the banner of the Sunday Hunting Coalition, national and state sportsmen’s organizations and sporting goods businesses are pressing Pennsylvania legislators to overturn the ban. In response, State Representatives John Evans (R) and Ed Staback (D) introduced House Bill 1760 to do just that.
Predictably, sportsmen have been met with opposition from the Farm Bureau. And now the effort to kill House Bill 1760 includes the most powerful animal rights organization in Pennsylvania, and the whole country for that matter, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
That the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and HSUS could wind up on the same side of a fight over hunting and landowner rights stretches the imagination to the breaking point.
It is HSUS that called bacon and eggs the “Breakfast of Cruelty.” It is HSUS that champions ballot issues across the U.S. to force farmers into more costly animal confinement methods that hurt their bottom lines and drive up food prices. It is HSUS that opposes hunting.
And yet it is HSUS that is on the same side of this fight as the PA Farm Bureau.
And there is simply no logical or defensible reason for this to be the case.
There are no biological reasons to restrict Sunday hunting. Wildlife will continue to thrive. There are no safety reasons to defeat House Bill 1760. Hunting is remarkably safe. There are no reasons to have the government tell landowners what they can do with their own property. Under House Bill 1760, a farmer can still refuse to allow hunting on Sundays, as they can the other six days of the week. Trespass is not a concern. Trespass rates are very low and Sundays do not provoke greater incidents than Saturdays for instance.
And last, Sunday hunting will produce a meaningful economic impact in Pennsylvania – a fact that is welcome news in this recession.
Where in the world in all of this news is there a reason to oppose passage of House Bill 1760?
For HSUS it is simple. They oppose hunting. They claim these days, that they only oppose cruel practices. Their definition of cruelty includes bowhunting, which helps reduce crop damage from whitetail deer. It includes trapping, which helps control disease carrying animals from spreading rabies. It includes hunting bears, which helps to reduce livestock losses.
The list goes on and on. HSUS is anti-hunting. HSUS is anti-livestock farming. While they try to project a less radical image, the truth is the organization is run by well-known animal rights activists who have spent their lives in the crusade to stop hunting and farming practices involving animals.
It is really easy to understand why HSUS opposes House Bill 1760. They know that hunting on Sunday will strengthen the future of hunting by allowing families a day to be in the field together when work or school does not compete.
But it is not easy at all to understand why the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is on the same side.
In fact it makes no sense at all. Hunters and farmers should be on the same side. We are natural allies.
Take Action! The animal rights and anti-hunting organizations are pulling out all the stops to flood members of the House of Representatives and the Senate with phone calls, email, letters and more.
Pennsylvania sportsmen must reach out to their state representative today in support of HB 1760. Tell them that there is no justification for the ban on Sunday hunting. Tell them that the time has come for sportsmen and sportswomen to be treated as first class citizens. Removing the ban will increase hunter opportunity, encourage new hunter participation, and boost the state’s economy.
To find your state representative’s contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.
Source: U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance - By Rob Sexton, Vice President For Government Affairs
National Right-to-Carry Bill Under Attack
As we reported last week, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security recently held a hearing on H.R. 822, the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011."
This critically important bill, introduced earlier this year by Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) and cosponsored by more than 240 of their colleagues, would enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
There is currently only one remaining state (Illinois) that has no clear legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense. Forty states have permit systems that make it possible for any law-abiding person to obtain a permit, while most of the others have discretionary permit systems. (Vermont has never required a permit.)
H.R. 822 would mark a major step forward for gun owners' rights by significantly expanding where those permits are recognized. Dozens of states have passed Right-to-Carry laws over the past 25 years because the right to self-defense does not end when one leaves home. However, interstate recognition of those permits is not uniform and creates great confusion and potential problems for travelers. While many states have broad reciprocity, others have very restrictive reciprocity laws. Still others deny recognition completely.
H.R. 822 would solve this problem by requiring that lawfully issued carry permits be recognized, while protecting the ability of the various states to determine the areas where carrying is prohibited within their boundaries.
Unfortunately, but predictably, H.R. 822 continues to be attacked in some quarters, namely the anti-gun media, like the New York Times and the Washington Post; anti-gun organizations, like the Brady Campaign, and New York City Mayor Bloomberg's Mayors Against Illegal Guns; and, regrettably, even some so-called pro-gun organizations.
Opponents of the legislation claim that it tramples on each "states' rights." But states don't have rights, only powers. And while many anti-gun lawmakers who've long pushed national gun bans, national bans on private gun sales, national waiting periods and other federal restrictions have suddenly become born-again advocates of "states' rights" to oppose this bill, several provisions of the Constitution give Congress the authority to enact interstate carry. Congress also has the power to protect the rights of citizens, nationwide, under the 14th Amendment (please see related article from last week's Grassroots Alert).
Next, despite what a handful of "pro-gun" activists say, the bill would not create a federal licensing system, nor would it establish a minimum federal standard for the carry permit. Rather, it would require the states to recognize each others' carry permits, just as they recognize driver's licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.Unfortunately, these self-proclaimed "gun rights" supporters, who have no active lobbying presence in any legislature, have an agenda that has very little to do with promoting the interests of gun owners. Here are the FACTS about a few of their claims:
Myth: H.R. 822 would involve the federal bureaucracy in setting standards for carry permits, resulting in "need" requirements, higher fees, waiting periods, national gun owner registration, or worse.
FACT: H.R. 822 doesn't require—or even authorize—any such action by any federal agency. In fact, since it would amend the Gun Control Act, it would fall under a limitation within that law that authorizes "only such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out" the GCA's provisions. No federal rules or regulations would be needed to implement H.R. 822, which simply overrides certain state laws.
Myth: H.R. 822 would destroy permitless carry systems such as those in Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.
FACT: H.R. 822 would have absolutely no effect on how the permitless carry states' laws work within those states. For residents of Arizona, Alaska and Wyoming, where permits are not required but remain available under state law, H.R. 822 would make those permits valid in all states that issue permits to their own residents. Residents of Vermont, where no permits are issued or required, could obtain nonresident permits from other states to enjoy the benefits of H.R. 822.
Myth: If H.R. 822 moved through the legislative process, it would be subject to anti-gun amendments.
TRUTH: By this logic, neither NRA, nor any other pro-gun group, should ever promote any pro-gun reform legislation. But inaction isn't an option for those of us who want to make positive changes for gun owners. Instead, we know that by careful vote counting and strategic use of legislative procedure, anti-gun amendments can be avoided or defeated.
H.R. 822 is a good bill for gun owners. Don't listen to false and misleading accusations. Read the bill yourself and read our fact sheet to get the facts. Then, please contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to support the earliest possible consideration of H.R. 822 this year.
You can find contact information for your U.S. Representative by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org. You may also contact your Representative by phone at (202) 225-3121.
Source: NRA / ILA
Sunday Hunting Hearing Scheduled for Thursday in Pennsylvania
Contact members of the state House Game and Fisheries Committee
This Thursday, September 15, the Pennsylvania House Game and Fisheries Committee will hold its second public hearing to consider ending the prohibition on Sunday hunting. This hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the East Allen Township Municipal Building, located at 5344 Nor-Bath Boulevard in Northampton.
The prohibition on Sunday hunting is an old blue law left on the books in only six states. Hunters pump millions of dollars into habitat restoration and conservation and they are primarily responsible for healthy ecosystems throughout Pennsylvania.
Many hunters cannot introduce their children or friends to hunting because Saturday is their only opportunity, and they are competing with the numerous organized sports and other activities. Many hunters - be it young or old, novice or experienced - stop hunting because of the lack of opportunity, both in time and accessible land. The addition of an extra day in the field increases a person’s available time to enjoy our hunting heritage. This will invigorate essential hunter recruitment and retention efforts.
Sunday hunting will also bring a much-needed economic boost to rural areas. Every day that hunters are in the field, they spend money on gasoline, food, lodging and the dozens of other incidentals that go along with a day’s hunt. The ripple effect of this spending can have a major impact on a rural town or county. Comprehensive research from the National Shooting Sports Foundation shows that allowing hunting on Sundays in Pennsylvaniawould generate a total annual economic impact estimated at $764 million and create more than 8,000 jobs. This legislation will clearly help advance and preserve the KeystoneState’s rich hunting traditions, while enhancing biodiversity and wildlife populations.
Please contact members of the House Game and Fisheries Committee TODAY and urge them to support Sunday hunting. Contact information for this committee can be found here.
This alert is posted at: http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=7076.
Source: NRA / ILA
House Crime Subcommittee Holds Hearing on National Right-to-Carry Bill
On Tuesday, Sept. 13, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011.
The bill, introduced earlier this year by Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) and cosponsored by more than 240 of their colleagues, would enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) opened the hearing by saying the legislation is needed because state laws on right to carry reciprocity are "confusing, vary widely and can subject otherwise law-abiding citizens to frivolous prosecution." He also argued that permit holders' fundamental Second Amendment rights were at stake, noting that "this legislation recognizes that the right to bear arms does not stop at the state line."
Testifying in support of the bill were Prof. Joyce Lee Malcolm of the George Mason University School of Law and Prof. David Kopel of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
Prof. Malcolm, an expert on the rise and fall of the right to keep and bear arms in Great Britain, noted that while America has seen crime fall as "shall issue" permit laws became the norm, Britain has systematically wiped out gun ownership for self-defense since 1920 -- culminating in the 1997 handgun ban -- with opposite results. As Prof. Malcolm noted in her written testimony, "English men and women have suffered from a doubling of gun crime in the last decade while in London alone gun crime doubled in 2010 over the previous year."
Prof. Malcolm responded strongly when challenged by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) about crime and gun ownership, testifying that "more firearms has not increased violent crime. We've had more firearms over the last few years, millions more, and crime, violent crime has been going down."
Prof. Kopel's testimony focused on the constitutional aspects of the bill. While many anti-gun lawmakers who've long pushed national gun bans, national bans on private gun sales, national waiting periods and other federal restrictions have suddenly become born-again advocates of "states' rights" to oppose this bill, Prof. Kopel pointed out that several provisions of the Constitution give Congress the authority to enact interstate carry.
First, Article IV protects the "Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States," which the Supreme Court has interpreted to include a right to travel freely throughout the country. As the court said in the 1989 case of Saenz v. Roe, that includes the "right to be treated as a welcome visitor rather than an unfriendly alien when temporarily present in the second State."
Next, section 5 of the 14th Amendment gives Congress the power to enforce the provisions of that amendment. Not only does the history of the amendment show that it was also intended to protect a right to travel, but the Supreme Court held last year in McDonald v. City of Chicago that the 14th Amendment also protects the right to keep and bear arms against state infringement. "Bear" clearly means "carry," though several courts are currently considering how far that right goes.
Finally, Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce -- which includes the power to remove state barriers to free interstate travel. (This was the basis for the civil rights laws of the 1960s that ended racial discrimination by places of public accommodation such as motels.) H.R. 822 also applies only to guns that have been shipped or transported in interstate commerce, which has been the basis for most federal gun control laws since the 1960s; here, however, the power would be used to advance gun owners' rights rather than to restrict them.
Opposing the bill was Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, who previously was the police chief in Washington, D.C. While Ramsey admitted that permit holders aren't the problem, he also made clear that he strongly opposes the right to carry firearms, even for retired police officers.
Ramsey repeatedly claimed the bill didn't include enough restrictions on permit holders -- but when pressed, admitted that there was no level of regulation that would make the bill acceptable to him. "Personally, I don't like it . . ." was his response when asked if he supported right to carry laws.
Commissioner Ramsey's responses demonstrated that his opposition to the bill was based on a basic opposition to civilian firearms -- unsurprising for a man who spent the majority of his law enforcement career in Chicago and Washington D.C., where guns were banned. Ramsey repeated many of the exaggerated claims made by opponents of right to carry for the past quarter century, even as he admitted that permit holders are "not the problem." He made clear that he fundamentally doubts law-abiding Americans' ability to defend themselves in a legal and appropriate manner.
One congressional questioner seemed to have no understanding of the provisions of the bill, or the issues being discussed. To open his questioning, Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) stated "this is the most insane bill" he had ever seen. But in a demonstration of his fundamental lack of understanding of the bill, Rep. Conyers asked the three witnesses "How many know that almost 300 African-American youth between the age of 15 and 24 are injured or killed by gunfire each week?"
When Prof. Malcolm attempted to explain that the statistic, regardless of its accuracy, had no bearing on the issue of right to carry reciprocity, Rep. Conyers cut her off, demanding a "yes" or "no." When allowed to continue, Prof. Malcolm explained that the majority of the people involved in violence have criminal records or are part of gangs, a fact Rep. Conyers similarly brushed aside.
Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) has long championed this important legislation and is joined by Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) as the primary sponsors of H.R. 822. This hearing was an important step forward for this legislation that now has more than enough support for passage. Please contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to support the earliest possible consideration of H.R. 822 this year.
H.R. 822: Responding to the Naysayers
Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, H.R. 822 is now being attacked by a few self-proclaimed "gun rights" supporters with no active lobbying presence in any legislature, whose real agendas have little to do with promoting the interests of gun owners. Here are the facts about a few of their claims:
Myth: H.R. 822 would involve the federal bureaucracy in setting standards for carry permits, resulting in "need" requirements, higher fees, waiting periods, national gun owner registration, or worse.
Fact: H.R. 822 doesn't require -- or even authorize -- any such action by any federal agency. In fact, since it would amend the Gun Control Act, it would fall under a limitation within that law that authorizes "only such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out" the GCA's provisions. No federal rules or regulations would be needed to implement H.R. 822, which simply overrides certain state laws.
Myth: H.R. 822 would destroy permitless carry systems such as those in Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.
Fact: H.R. 822 would have absolutely no effect on how the permitless carry states' laws work within those states. For residents of Arizona, Alaska and Wyoming, where permits are not required but remain available under state law, H.R. 822 would make those permits valid in all states that issue permits to their own residents. Residents of Vermont, where no permits are issued or required, could obtain nonresident permits from other states to enjoy the benefits of H.R. 822.
Myth: If H.R. 822 moved through the legislative process, it would be subject to anti-gun amendments.
Truth: By this logic, neither the NRA nor any other pro-gun group should ever promote any pro-gun reform legislation. But inaction isn't an option for those of us who want to make positive changes for gun owners. Instead, we know that by careful vote counting and use of legislative procedure, anti-gun amendments can be avoided or defeated.
Source: NRA / ILA
Urge Your Representative To Cosponsor H.R. 822,
The National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act Of 2011
Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
There are now only two states that have no clear legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense. Thirty-nine states have shall-issue permit systems that make it possible for any law-abiding person to obtain a permit, while most of the others have discretionary permit systems.
H.R. 822 would make a major step forward for gun owners’ rights by significantly expanding where those permits are recognized.
Dozens of states have passed carry laws over the past 25 years because the right to self-defense does not end when one leaves home. However, interstate recognition of those permits is not uniform and creates great confusion and potential problems for the traveler. While many states have broad reciprocity, others have very restrictive reciprocity laws. Still others deny recognition completely.
H.R. 822 would solve this problem by requiring that lawfully issued carry permits be recognized, while protecting the ability of the various states to determine the areas where carrying is prohibited. The bill would not create a federal licensing system; rather, it would require the states to recognize each others' carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards. Rep. Stearns has introduced similar legislation since 1995.
As of this writing, H.R. 822 has 236 cosponsors. Click here to see if your Congressman is a cosponsor. However, more support is needed to make this bill a higher priority.
If your Congressman is not yet a cosponsor, respectfully urge him or her to support the fundamental right to self-defense by becoming a cosponsor of H.R. 822. If your Representative is already a cosponsor, please offer your thanks for his or her support. To read our fact sheet on H.R. 822, please click here. And remember to watch this alert for updates!
You may contact your Representative here.
Source: NRA / ILA
Illinois On Its Own After Wisconsin Allows Concealed Carry
Now that Wisconsin has allowed for residents to carry a concealed weapon in public, Illinois stands alone as the final State to object to legalizing concealed handguns, The Associated Press[1] reports.
The State will now be the center of attention for gun-rights advocacy groups, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its allies, the news source stated.
“We never give up,” Andrew Arulanandam, public affairs director for the National Rifle Association told the media outlet. “We’ve been around 140 years as an organization. If we don’t get something this time around, we’re going to work until we get it.”
The news source reports that those on both sides of the argument agree Chicago will be the deciding factor in the dispute.
“It’s about as anti-gun a city as one could find,” Harry Wilson, a gun control expert at Virginia’s Roanoke College, told the news provider.
New York City faced similar problems, but approved concealed carry with slight variations in the law unique to the city, according to the Carry Concealed[2] advocacy group.
Source: Personal Liberty News Desk In Conservative Politics,Personal Liberty News |
Critical Public Lands Bill Comes to Life
Under newly introduced bill HR 2834, hunting and fishing opportunities will become a priority on more than 440 million acres of federal public lands. The “Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act” was introduced at the U.S. Congress by Reps. Dan Benishek (R-MI) and Dan Boren (D-OK). Co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and Mike Kelly (R-PA). The bill is also supported by other key members of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and the Columbus, Ohio-based U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
This landmark measure recognizes that recreational anglers, hunters (including trapping) and shooters have been, and continue to be, the foremost supporters and funders of sound fish and wildlife management and conservation in the United States. The bill further highlights that hunting, fishing and recreational shooting occurs on Federal public lands and waters without adverse impacts or effects on other uses or users. Bill 2834’s wording follows the 1997 National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, a bill that designated fishing and hunting as priority public uses on refuge lands in the U.S. The Refuge Act has curtailed attempts by anti-hunting groups to stop hunting on some public lands where hunting has traditionally occurred.
“The USSA has strongly encouraged such legislation for over a decade to spell out in law that fishing and hunting on federal public lands must be protected from the rising animal rights lobby,” said Bill Horn, former Assistant Secretary of Interior and USSA’s director of federal affairs. “This bill will provide needed protection for years to come.”
If enacted, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act will specify that federal public land management officials shall exercise their authority under existing law, including provisionsregarding land-use planning, to encourage the use of and access to federal public lands and waters for fishing, hunting, and recreational shooting. Going forward, all management plans would include provisions for those popular practices.
The new bill will include lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, including lands designated wilderness or administratively classified as wilderness eligible or suitable, and primitive or semi-primitive areas. National parks, however, are excluded from the Act as are wildlife refuges governed by the 1997 Act.
Joining USSA in championing HR 2834 are the American Sportfishing Association, National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, and the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation.
Hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters across America who use public lands should stay abreast of the developments of this bill and note its positive long-term impact on outdoor heritage recreation on public lands in the future. Contact the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance at 614-888-4868 for more details or
visitwww.ussportsmen.org.
Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Five Big Wins for Gun Owners In House Spending Votes
This week, the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved amendments blocking the use of federal funds to implement two controversial schemes by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and it rejected amendments proposing two of gun control groups’ other top priorities. In addition, the full House adopted a provision protecting gun possession on Army Corps of Engineers land.
First, on Wed. July 13, by a vote of 25 to 16, the committee approved Rep. Denny Rehberg’s (R-Mont.) amendment to the 2012 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bill, prohibiting the BATFE from requiring firearm dealers in states bordering Mexico to file reports on certain rifle sales. The Justice Department had announced earlier in the week that the BATFE would soon begin requiring dealers to file the reports on individuals who buy two or more detachable-magazine semi-automatic rifles larger than .22 caliber within a period of five business days.
“For more than a decade, efforts to track rifle purchases and create a national gun registry have failed to gain support in Congress, so the ATF is working to implement these regulations using rules written by unelected bureaucrats,” Rep. Rehberg said. "I'm going to keep this government accountable to the people."
By a vote of 28-19, the committee also approved Rep. John Carter’s (R-Texas) amendment to stop BATFE from prohibiting the importation of shotguns that have one or more various features disliked by the BATFE, most of which are common to firearms used for protection or sport. Such features include adjustable stocks and extended magazine tubes. Rep. Carter, like Rep. Rehberg, is a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and believes that “federal gun regulations often create burdens for law-abiding citizens and infringe upon constitutional rights provided by the Second Amendment.”
Anti-gun Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) was not so successful with her amendment to authorize the Attorney General to prohibit the possession of firearms by anyone whose name appears on the FBI’s secretive terrorist watchlist. Her proposal failed by a vote of 27-18, indicating that a majority on the committee understands the many problems with this idea. Chief among those is that 95 percent of people on the watchlist are already prohibited from possessing firearms in the U.S. because they are not citizens or legal residents of the United States. In March, a similar amendment pushed by Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) was rejected by the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 21-11.
Joining Lowey in defeat was Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), whose amendment to gut the law that limits BATFE firearm trace data to law enforcement agencies failed by a vote of 27-20. Schiff alleged that the law—the Tiahrt Amendment, hated by gun control groups—had impeded the congressional investigation of BATFE’s "Fast and Furious" debacle. However, members of Congress leading that investigation disagreed. In a letter to House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform, and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said, “the Tiahrt provision has not impeded our investigation. The provision has not been cited by anyone from whom we have sought information as a reason to deny our requests.”
Next, in a Thurs. July 14 voice vote on the House floor, the House adopted an amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill (H.R. 2354—which passed the House on July 15) prohibiting expenditures to enforce the Army Corps of Engineers regulation that bans gun possession on the 11 million acres of land and water the Corps manages. The amendment, sponsored by Reps. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) will enhance self-defense rights for law-abiding Americans who hunt, camp and fish on Corps property. (Rep. Gibbs, joined by the other lawmakers, has previously sponsored H.R. 1865, the "Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act," to overturn the Corps' anti-gun rule.) Commenting on the amendment, Rep. Altmire noted, "It is important for sportsmen to be able to defend themselves while they legally hunt and fish on property that the Corps owns and operates, much of which is in rural areas without adequate law enforcement."
Though none of these votes settle the respective issues—the pro-gun amendments will still have to pass the Senate, and more anti-gun amendments are always possible—all are setbacks for gun control supporters who had been encouraged by talk of the Obama administration planning to bypass Congress and implement a variety of gun control schemes “under the radar.” The Brady Campaign also hoped the rifle sales reports requirement would be followed by a new “assault weapon” ban and a law prohibiting private sales of firearms, the latter of which President Obama alluded to in March. As all of these issues move through the legislative process, we'll keep you informed of new developments; in the meantime, if your U.S. Representative voted to support gun owners' rights on these votes, please be sure to say "Thank you!"
You can call your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, or you can use the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org to find contact information.
Source: NRA / ILA
Bill Attacking Pennsylvania’s Sporting Tradition Remains Active on Senate Calendar
Please Continue to Contact Your State Senator!
With the final days of the legislative session quickly winding down for the summer recess, Senate Bill 626 remains on the Senate Calendar for possible consideration by the Pennsylvania Senate. Animal “rights” activists are again actively lobbying for this legislation to be considered this week. This legislation is an unjustified attack by animal “rights” extremists who want to criminalize and ban organized bird shoots in Pennsylvania.
Organized bird shooting is a traditional international shooting sport widely practiced in over thirty-five states across the nation, not just in Pennsylvania as opponents falsely claim. For over a century, shoots have been held in Pennsylvania by law-abiding, ethical shooting enthusiasts.
Radical national animal “rights" groups, led by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), have organized and funded efforts in Pennsylvania and around the country to ban this longstanding traditional shooting sport. But, make no mistake, this is not just about banning organized bird shoots, this is ultimately about banning all hunting, species by species. Here are a few examples of HSUS activities:
* Led a 2006 ballot campaign to ban dove hunting in Michigan (contributing $1.6 million to the effort)
* Funded a ballot initiative in 2004 to ban traditional bear hunting in Maine
* Successfully lobbied for the cancellation of the 2006 New Jersey black bear hunt
* Opposed hunting on National Wildlife Refuges
* Opposed state pheasant stocking programs in Pennsylvania and across the country
Please continue to contact your state Senator TODAY and urge him or her to protect Pennsylvania’s sporting traditions and OPPOSE SB 626. For help identifying your state Senator and their contact information, please clickhere.
Source: NRA / ILA
Legislation Removing Pennsylvania’s Sunday Hunting Ban Introduced
A bill introduced on 6/29/11 by Representative John Evans (R- Edinboro) would remove Pennsylvania’s long standing prohibition on Sunday hunting. The measure, House Bill 1760, will transfer the authority to regulate Sunday hunting from the Legislature to the Game Commission.
Pennsylvania is one of only 11 states that continue to restrict or prohibit hunting on Sundays. Currently, only crows, coyotes and foxes are permitted to be hunted on Sundays in the state. Pennsylvania’s prohibition dates back to 1873 and serves as a barrier to recruiting new hunters and retaining existing hunters.
Limiting hunters to one weekend day afield limits the economic impact that could be realized. According to a National Shooting Sports Foundation study, removing the Sunday hunting restrictions would result in an estimated 8,190 new Pennsylvania jobs paying more than $245 million in wages. It would also generate three-quarters of a billion dollars in economic impact each year for Pennsylvania.
The introduction of HB 1760 is buoyed by a vote taken yesterday by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to approve a resolution supporting the repeal of the statutory prohibition on Sunday hunting. Click here for a copy of the resolution.
“We’re extremely pleased at the leadership shown by Chairman Evans and Chairman Staback for pushing this important bill,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA director of state services. “Lifting the Sunday hunting ban will not only help recruitment and retention in Pennsylvania, but will also prove to be an immediate economic boost to the state’s economy.”
The bill is being supported by the Sunday Hunting Coalition –a multi-organization coalition of leading conservation, sportsmen’s, and hunting groups committed to removing bans and restrictions on Sunday hunting. In addition to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, members of the coalition include: the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Cabela’s, National Rifle Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Archery Trade Association, Boone and Crockett Club, Delta Waterfowl, Mule Deer Foundation, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, and the Wildlife Management Institute.
Take Action! Pennsylvania sportsmen are encouraged to contact their state representative today in support of HB 1760. Tell them that there is no justification for the Sunday hunting ban, and ask that they sign on as a co-sponsor. Removing the ban will increase hunter opportunity, encourage new hunter participation, and boost the state’s economy.
To find your state representative’s contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.
Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Have you considered Mine Subsidence Insurance?
In Pennsylvania, coal has been mined underground for more than 200 years. Although mining techniques have changed over the centuries, the room and pillar and longwall mining methods have remained the two most common ways of extracting coal from the ground.
The two areas of Pennsylvania affected by mine subsidence are the Bituminous and Anthracite Coal Regions. The Bituminous, or soft coal region, is mostly in the western half of the Commonwealth, and the Anthracite, or hard coal region, is mostly in the northeastern part.
Counties in the Bituminous Region are: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington and Westmoreland.
Counties in the Anthracite Region are: Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Dauphin, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming.
Who needs Mine Subsidence Insurance (MSI)?
Any homeowner whose property sits on top of an abandoned coal and clay mine. Adjacent properties are also at risk for both mine subsidence and mine water breakouts, which are the sudden release of water from flooded underground mines.
How can I find out if my house is on top of an abandoned mine?
Search the mining conditions under your structure by clicking on the Zip Code Look Up link. Enter your zip code and municipality. The look up will tell you if your structure is located in an at risk area. Some maps are available that show you, street by street, which neighborhoods are undermined. If you are at risk, you now able to apply online.
Doesn’t my homeowner’s policy cover me?
Damage due to mine subsidence or mine water breakouts are usually not covered by your homeowner's insurance policy.
Is everything covered with an MSI policy?
Only complete buildings, buildings under construction, and appurtenances to those structures may be insured. A separate policy is necessary for each building you desire to insure.
Is my detached garage covered under the policy for the house?
No, a detached garage would need its own policy. A separate policy is necessary for each complete building you desire to insure.
What are appurtenances?
Appurtenances are defined as fences, retaining walls, paved or improved patios, walks, driveways, and in ground swimming pools. All appurtenances must be permanently affixed and securely attached to the land surface and adjacent to and used in conjunction with the part of the insured structure that is the building. Damage to appurtenances is limited to 10% of the coverage amount and covered only if the insured structure is damaged by the same event.
What losses are covered?
A MSI policy covers damage to your home or buildings and their appurtenances that occurs during the policy period and which is caused by the movement of the ground surface as a result of the collapse of underground coal or clay mine workings, or from a sudden unexpected breakout of water from an abandoned mine. Losses to appurtenances are limited to 10% of the coverage amount. The insured building must be damaged by the same event before losses to appurtenances can be paid.
Does MSI cover the contents of my house?
MSI only covers damage to the building and its appurtenances. In most cases, personal belongings are not damaged or are recoverable.
Does mine subsidence damage have a deductible clause?
Yes. Residential structures have a $250 deductible, while non-residential structures have a $500 deductible. If at the time of a claim settlement the total cost of repair exceeds the policy limit, the deductible is waived.
How are claims processed?
Claims are filed with a DEP field office and are investigated by the MSI Fund. Compensation for a valid claim is based on the actual cost to repair or replace covered damages and cannot exceed the value of the coverage, or the replacement cost of the structure, whichever is less. To file a claim, you simply call 1-800-922-1678.
How do I purchase a Mine Subsidence Insurance policy?
You are able to apply online via the new MSI online application or call the MSI Help Desk at 1-800-922-1678 to apply over the telephone or to have an application mailed to you.
I just submitted an application online. When does the policy go into effect?
All applications are subject to review. You will receive a Certificate of Insurance upon completion of the review. The policy effective date is the day that you submit the application via the online system subject to review.
Can I submit an application or renew my policy online?
You are now able to use your credit or credit/debit card to submit an application or renew your policy. Go to the MSI online system to apply or renew.
Could I renew my policy over the phone?
You are now able to use your credit or credit/debit card to renew your policy over the phone.
If I’m buying a new house, when should I apply for insurance?
When you have an agreement to purchase or when you make your mortgage application. Your insurance coverage will become effective at closing.
How long is the term of the policy?
Coverage is written for a term of one year and is renewable annually.
How much does MSI cost?
As of January 1, 2009, premium rates are reduced by 25%. An average policy of $130,000 would cost just $85 a year or about $7 a month.
Is there a discount for senior citizens?
Yes, if you’re 65 or older by the premium due date, you get a 10 percent discount. Discounts apply to the primary residence only. It does not apply to garages or outbuildings.
How much MSI should I buy?
Coverage is available from $5,000 to $500,000. Your home should be insured up to its replacement value plus 10% to coverage losses to the appurtenances.
Do you need to inspect my property before I can purchase MSI?
Buildings located in an area with a record of past or recent problems will require an inspection before MSI can be purchased. A fund representative will contact you if an inspection is required.
Can a structure be insured if it is damaged?
Structures with significant damage can be insured if the damages are first repaired or if an estimate of the cost to repair the damages is provided to the MSI Fund. The cost to repair, adjusted for inflation, would be excluded from any damage claim settlement. However, a policy would not be issued if the cost to repair exceeded the replacement cost of the structure or the policy limit of $500,000, which ever is less, because that policy would have no value.
What can cause damage to structures other than mine subsidence?
Following are some common causes of structural damage which may be mistaken for mine subsidence:
เฝ Settlement under surface loads
เฝ Landslides and soil creep
เฝ Shrinking and swelling of soils
เฝ Freezing and thawing of soils
เฝ Surface and subsurface erosion
เฝ Poor construction methods
เฝ Structural movements
เฝ Structural deterioration
How long has the Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund been in operation?
Pennsylvania's non-profit Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund has been in continued operation since 1961. Since that time, over $23 million in homeowner claims has been paid.
Source: PA DEP
Pennsylvania Governor Signs NRA-Backed Castle Doctrine into Law
Governor Tom Corbett has signed Pennsylvania Castle Doctrine legislation into law. This common-sense measure permits law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place where they have a legal right to be. It also protects individuals from civil lawsuits by an attacker or attacker’s family when force is used.
“Gov. Corbett and Pennsylvania lawmakers know that law-abiding citizens must have the right to protect themselves when criminals attack without fear of being second-guessed by an overzealous prosecutor,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director, National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action. “Crime victims don’t have the luxury of time when confronted by a criminal and must be able to count on the law being on their side. This new law accomplishes that by removing any mandate of forcible retreat.”
The NRA has led the nationwide movement to pass Castle Doctrine legislation, beginning with Florida in 2005. Pennsylvania is the 27th state to adopt this important measure with overwhelming bipartisan support. House Bill 40, sponsored by Rep. Scott Perry (R-92), passed by a 164 to 37 margin. Richard Alloway, II (R-33), sponsored the companion bill to HB 40, Senate Bill 273, which passed 43-4.
“I am very gratified that Governor Corbett has signed this legislation into law, correcting the grievous error made by the previous administration in denying these long-sought protections to our citizens,” said Rep. Perry. “There are many people who have worked hard to get this legislation to this point, and I am grateful to my House and Senate colleagues and to the National Rifle Association for their support. The time has finally come to return common sense and good judgment to state government, and this legislation is a step in that direction. A criminal should never have an advantage over a citizen who abides by the rules of decent society, and today, we finally achieved the goal of returning the right of self-defense to the law-abiding.”
"Law-abiding gun owners should not have to fear prosecution for acting to prevent a violent crime," said Sen. Alloway, who introduced Castle Doctrine legislation that was approved by the Senate in March. "I am thankful that the General Assembly has taken action to protect responsible gun owners who respond when facing a serious threat from a criminal. I would also like to thank the NRA for their strong leadership and hard work on this effort as it moved through the legislative process.”
“On behalf of NRA members and all gun owners in Pennsylvania, I would like to thank Rep. Perry; Sen. Alloway; and Gov. Corbett for their leadership in helping make Castle Doctrine a reality for Pennsylvanians,” concluded Cox. “This Castle Doctrine bill places the law on the side of law-abiding gun owners who unfortunately become victims of crime – exactly where the law should be.”
Source: NRA / ILA
Pennsylvania’s Sporting Tradition Ban Referred to Senate Appropriations
Please Contact Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee!
Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill supported by “animal rights” extremists and state Senator Patrick Browne (R-16) is again leading the charge. Simply put, Senate Bill 626 would criminalize and ban organized bird shoots in Pennsylvania.
Organized bird shooting is a traditional, international shooting sport widely practiced in over thirty-five states across the nation not just in Pennsylvania as opponents falsely claim. For over a century, shoots have been held in Pennsylvania by law-abiding, ethical shooting enthusiasts, hunters, and sportsmen who would not tolerate an activity that would constitute cruelty to animals.
Radical national "animal rights" groups, led by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), have organized and funded efforts in Pennsylvania and around the country to ban this longstanding traditional shooting sport. Make no mistake; this isn't just about banning organized bird shoots, but banning all hunting species by species. Here are a few examples of HSUS activities:
* Led a 2006 ballot campaign to ban dove hunting in Michigan (contributing $1.6 million to the effort)
* Funded efforts ballot initiative in 2004 to ban traditional bear hunting in Maine
* Successfully lobbied for the cancellation of the 2006 New Jersey black bear hunt
* Opposes hunting on National Wildlife Refuges
* Opposes state pheasant stocking programs in Pennsylvania and across the country
Please call and e-mail members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to oppose SB 626. Remind committee members that Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has many longstanding traditions dating back hundreds of years and Pennsylvanian’s stand by those traditions - vote to oppose SB 626. Contact information for the committee can be found here.
Source: NRA / ILA
Sportsmen Win Major Courtroom Battle Over Hunting on Public Lands
The lengthy battle over hunting access on dozens of units of the 100 million-acre National Wildlife Refuge system has ended—and hunters can declare VICTORY! In April 2011, federal Judge James S. Gwin ruled for sportsmen across America by granting summary judgment in favor of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other defendants while denying a lawsuit aimed at closing hunting on National Wildlife Refuge System parcels. After this ruling, an appeal process was opened, and the appeal clock began ticking. On Monday, that appeal period came to an end with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) failing to file any appeal.
“This long sought win is a great victory for hunters everywhere, and reinforces the process of keeping national wildlife refuges open for hunting, by hunters,” said Bill Horn, the US Sportsmen’s Alliance director of federal affairs.
This long-running case began in 2003, when the Fund for Animals, which later merged with the HSUS, filed a lawsuit to stop hunting on 39 refuges. The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation (USSAF), along with other organizations, intervened on behalf of sportsmen. Anti-hunting groups later expanded the lawsuit to nearly 60 refuges. USSAF defended this case for eight years, through many rounds of hard-fought and costly briefing, providing stability in the defense as the U.S. attorneys assigned to the case changed frequently over that time.
Judge Gwin’s April 2011 ruling stopped HSUS' attempt at using the National Environmental Policy Act to close hunting on these refuges. In making the decision, the judge noted that “Plaintiffs, however, are not entitled to an inviolate sanctuary for their preferred uses – Congress has determined that, to the extent possible, hunters, fishers, observers, photographers, and educators must share the refuge.”
The 1997 Refuge Improvement Act, championed by the USSA, made hunting, fishing and other wildlife oriented activities priority uses on refuge units. The Act also mandated hunting and fishing activities be "facilitated". Now, 14 years after passage of the Act, Judge Gwin’s ruling firmly rejects Plaintiffs’ attempt to “end run” the Act.
"The majority of national wildlife refuges were created to be open to hunting, and now hunters everywhere can continue to legally pursue their interests on these great public lands," said Walter “Bud” Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. "With the end of this prolonged battle, this solidly reaffirms that hunting is a priority use of refuge land wherever and whenever compatible with wildlife management."
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF), the legal arm of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, has worked since the beginning of this case to defend the rights of hunters and has collaborated with other groups including Safari Club International (SCI). Together, the SLDF and SCI are co-counsels and also represent Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, Izaak Walton League, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, and California Waterfowl Association.
National Wildlife Refuges provide vast opportunities for hunters seeking waterfowl, big game, furbearers, and much more. Refuge hunting provides countless hours of public recreation while also helping maintaining optimal wildlife populations.
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 empowered the Fish and Wildlife Service to open refuges to hunting when compatible with the purposes for which the refuges were established. Today, hunters can continue to enjoy these benefits thanks to this important win.
Source: The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
www.ussportsmen.org
Pennsylvania to Hold Sunday Hunting Hearing
Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives will be holding a public hearing this Thursday, June 9, 2011 to discuss ending the prohibition on Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. The hearing before the House Game and Fisheries Committee will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort (777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA 15622). Pennsylvania sportsmen who are able to attend are encouraged to do so to show their support for removing this outdated ban.
“Sunday hunting restrictions limit hunting opportunities and hurt efforts to recruit new hunters,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA director of state services. “Repealing this outdated prohibition will not only help recruitment, but it will also generate three-quarters of a billion dollars in economic impact each year for Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania remains one of only 11 states that restricts or outright prohibits hunting on Sundays. Other states that restrict or prohibit hunting on Sundays include: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
The Sunday Hunting Coalition is a multi-organization coalition of leading conservation, sportsmen’s, and hunting groups committed to removing bans and restrictions on Sunday hunting. In addition to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, members of the coalition include the National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Archery Trade Association, Boone and Crockett Club, Cabela’s, Delta Waterfowl, Mule Deer Foundation, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, and the Wildlife Management Institute.
Take Action! Pennsylvania sportsmen are encouraged to attend the hearing to show support for removing the Sunday hunting ban. Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to contact their state representative. Tell them that there is no justification for the Sunday hunting ban and that removing the ban will increase hunter access, encourage new hunter participation, and boost the state’s economy.
To find your state representative’s phone number, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.
Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Senator Pippy is pleased to report that HB 40 was passed before the full Senate this afternoon by a vote of 45-5, including Senator Pippy’s vote in favor of the bill.
As there were no amendments to the bill passed by the House of Representatives, HB 40 will now be presented to Governor Tom Corbett for his signature or veto.
Gov. Corbett will have ten days to either sign or veto the bill. If he does nothing, the bill will become law without his signature after 10 days.
You can visit the following link to monitor the progress of this bill on Governor Corbett’s desk:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=40.
Thank you for your continued interest in this issue.
Source: WILL THOMEIER
OFFICE OF SENATOR JOHN PIPPY
www.senatorpippy.com
Click here to read HB 40
ACTION ALERT on Castle Doctrine
HB40 is to be scheduled for a 3rd Consideration vote on Friday, June 17. This vote can take place at any point during the day's session, and it's also possible during 3rd Consideration when anti-gun initiatives can be amended to the bill. It's imperative that everyone contact their senators and ask them to vote YES on HB40 final pasage, and vote NO on any and all amendments.
Please contact majority senator leadership and ask them to run HB 40 as a clean bill with NO amendments.
Make sure you contact YOUR senator, Majority party Leadership senators and all the senators that voted for amendments. If you have the extra time contact the rest. We have many strong supporters in the senate so focus on the list below in order shown to be most effective with time you have.
PLEASE make time to contact the senators early on June 17 that you can.
There is a lot riding on these votes.
We do not know when this 3rd consideration vote in the senate is going to happen on HB 40, so it could be any time on June 17 between 11am to 11pm AND senators can get contacted on the floor by their staff.
You can also contact your senator staff by phone and request an email or special message be sent to your senator. Get the staffer email address and follow up with a phone call to make sure it was given to your senator.
This takes extra time and effort, is it worth the cost you to make sure your senator knows how you feel before they cast their vote representing you?.
Keep the message simple to all senators
Vote FOR HB 40 as a clean bill with NO amendments
Per Kim Stolfer the chairman of Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) will record ANY vote for ANY amendment as a anti-gun vote. We want HB 40 run with NO amendments. you can include this FOAC notice in your message if you want
(R) - Joseph Scarnati -President Pro Tempore of Senate -jscarnati@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-7084 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-2755
Co Sponsor
(R) - Patrick Browne - Majority Floor Leader - pbrowne@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-1349 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-3458
Co Sponsor
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(R) - Dominic Pileggi - Majority Whip -dpileggi@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-4712 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-7490
Co Sponsor
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(D) - Judy Schwank jschwank@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-8925 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0578
note senator Schwank is new to senate and has not cast any votes on Castle Doctrine
(D) - John Blake blake@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-6481 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-5198
(D) - Jim Brewster brewster@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-5580 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-3588
Co Sponsor
(D) - Jay Costa costa@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-7683 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-5976
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(D) - Andrew Dinniman andy@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-5709 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-4384
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(R) - Jane Earll jearll@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-8927 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-1588
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(R) - Edwin Erickson eerickson@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-1350 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-0196
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(D) - Lawrence Farnese farnese@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-5662 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-4531
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(D) - Wayne Fontana fontana@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-5300 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-5484
Co Sponsor
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(R) - Stewart Greenleaf sgreenleaf@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-6599 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-7328
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(D) - Daylin Leach dleach@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-5544 - - HBG FAX (717) 705-7741
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(D) - Michael Stack stack@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-9608 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-2162
Co Sponsor
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(R) - Robert Tomlinson rtomlinson@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-5072 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-2991
Co Sponsor
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(R) - Patricia Vance pvance@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-8524 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0576
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(R) - Mary White mwhite@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-9684 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-6088
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
(D) - Anthony Williams williams@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-5970 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0574
Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment
If you have the extra time contact these senators as well
(R) - David Argall dargall@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-2637 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-8657
Co Sponsor
(R) - Lisa Baker lbaker@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-7428 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-9242
Co Sponsor
(D) - Lisa Boscola boscola@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-4236 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-1257
Co Sponsor
(R) - Michael Brubaker mbrubaker@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-4420 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-3156
Co Sponsor
(R) - Jake Corman jcorman@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-1377 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-3146
(R) - John Eichelberger jeichelberger@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-5490 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-5192
Co Sponsor
(D) - Jim Ferlo ferlo@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-6123 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-3695
(R) - Mike Folmer mfolmer@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-5708 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-3455
Co Sponsor
(D) - Richard Kasunic rkasunic@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-7175 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-0195
Co Sponsor
(R) - Charles McIlhinney cmcilhinney@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-7305 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-5962
Co Sponsor
(R) - Bob Mensch bmensch@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-3110 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-8004
Co Sponsor
(R) - John Pippy jpippy@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-5839 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-4437
Co Sponsor
(R) - Robert Robbins rrobbins@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-1322 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0577
Co Sponsor
(R) - Lloyd Smucker lsmucker@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-6535 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-5471
Co Sponsor
(D) - Tim Solobay solobay@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-1463 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-2108
Co Sponsor
(R) - Elder Vogel Evogel@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-3076 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-2756
Co Sponsor
(R) - Kim Ward kward@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-6063 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0580
Co Sponsor
(R) - Mike Waugh mwaugh@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-3817 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-1900
Co Sponsor
(R) - Donald White dwhite@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-8724 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-1589
Co Sponsor
(D) - John Wozniak wozniak@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-5400 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0573
Co Sponsor
(R) - Gene Yaw gyaw@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-3280 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0575
Co Sponsor
(D) - John Yudichak yudichak@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-7105 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-4141
Co Sponsor
These senators are on the Senate Judiciary committee and cast votes for CD on June 14 flag day and FULLY support CD, make sure you thank them for their votes
(R) - Richard Alloway alloway@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-4651 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-2753
Co Sponsor
(R) - John Gordner jgordner@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-8928 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-9715
Co Sponsor
(R) - Jane Orie jorie@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-6538 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-8625
Co Sponsor
(R) - Jeffrey Piccola jpiccola@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-6801 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-3722
Co Sponsor
(R) - John Rafferty jrafferty@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-1398 - - HBG FAX (717) 783-4587
Co Sponsor
If you really got the extra time you can also contact these senators and IF one of them is your senator remind them how you are displeased with their past votes on Castle Doctrine
(D) - Vincent Hughes hughes@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-7112 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0579
Voted Against CD repeatily and Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment so probably not worth your time contacting
(D) - Shirley Kitchen kitchen@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-6735 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0581
Voted Against CD repeatily and Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment so probably not worth your time contacting
(D) - Christine Tartaglione tartaglione@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-1141 - - HBG FAX (717) 787-7439
Voted Against CD repeatily and Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment so probably not worth your time contacting
(D) - LeAnna Washington washington@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-1427 - - HBG FAX (717) 772-0572
Voted Against CD repeatily and Voted 4 the so called FL loophole amendment so probably not worth your time contacting
here is contact information for all senators in HBG
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/senators_alpha.cfm
46 of 50 batch emails address
just keep in mind phone calls and faxes are more effective right now than emails are in the senate
jschwank@pasenate.com; blake@pasenate.com; brewster@pasenate.com; jscarnati@pasen.gov; pbrowne@pasen.gov; dpileggi@pasen.gov; costa@pasenate.com; andy@pasenate.com; jearll@pasen.gov; eerickson@pasen.gov; farnese@pasenate.com; fontana@pasenate.com; sgreenleaf@pasen.gov; dleach@pasenate.com; stack@pasenate.com; rtomlinson@pasen.gov; pvance@pasen.gov; mwhite@pasen.gov; williams@pasenate.com; dargall@pasen.gov; lbaker@pasen.gov; boscola@pasenate.com; mbrubaker@pasen.gov; jcorman@pasen.gov; jeichelberger@pasen.gov; ferlo@pasenate.com; mfolmer@pasen.gov; rkasunic@pasenate.com; cmcilhinney@pasen.gov; bmensch@pasen.gov; jpippy@pasen.gov; rrobbins@pasen.gov; lsmucker@pasen.gov; solobay@pasenate.com; Evogel@pasen.gov; kward@pasen.gov; mwaugh@pasen.gov; dwhite@pasen.gov; wozniak@pasenate.com; gyaw@pasen.gov; yudichak@pasenate.com; alloway@pasen.gov; jgordner@pasen.gov; jorie@pasen.gov; jpiccola@pasen.gov; jrafferty@pasen.gov;
At this point in time we do not know IF any amendments has been filed for HB 40 will advise when and if any are filed for you to take quick action against them.
Please do you part and contact the senators and THANK YOU in advance for your efforts and cooperation working with us to help pass Castle Doctrine into law.
fyi HERE is what is supposed to happen on 3rd consideration in senate
Quote:
3rd consideration process typically goes like this in senate:
HB 40 is brought up for consideration.
If there any amendments filed they have to be brought up each one at a time and or debated then voted on.
This last min stuff is total BS and I personally believe its un constitutional as it violates the sunshine rule to have a chance to review legislation prior to voting: In the senate as little as 15 minutes before a bill is brought up, an amendment can be properly filed and it has to be voted on even on 3rd consideration.
Any that amendments gets approved is add to the final bill – we don’t want this on HB 40 as it has to go back over to house for a concurrence vote.
If there are NO amendments filed, HB 40 is brought up, then debated, immediately after the debates end there is a call for an up or down vote.
IF the bill passes with a majority of votes, over the next day or so both house leaders certify the votes and language of approved bill.
The final copy of approved legislation is put in front of the governor to sign or not.
With Tom Corbett he will gladly sign Castle Doctrine in its curent form and HB 40 become law given an Act # and takes effect in 60 days
We are almost at the end of a Really long journey stay the course do you part and contact the senators on June 17 and lets get this a done deal.
Just remember: Phone calls and faxes to HBG are more effective than emails on short notice with the senate.
Castle Doctrine Bill Passes Pennsylvania Senate Committee
Please contact your state Senator TODAY!
Today, House Bill 40, NRA-backed castle doctrine legislation, passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 13 to 1 vote. This bill will now be considered in the state Senate as early as tomorrow, June 15.
Introduced by state Representative Scott Perry (R-92), HB 40 would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted into law, it would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
Please contact your state Senator TODAY and respectfully urge him or her to support HB 40. Contact information for your state Senator can be found here.
Source: NRA / ILA
EPA Seeks More Information from Natural Gas Drilling Operations to Ensure Safety of Wastewater Disposal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today directed six natural gas drillers to disclose how and where the companies dispose of or recycle drilling process water in the region. EPA continues to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to ensure that natural gas production takes place safely and responsibly. These actions are among the ongoing steps EPA is taking to ensure drilling operations are protective of public health and the environment. Natural gas is a key part of our nation’s energy future and EPA will continue to work with federal, state and local partners to ensure that public health and the environment are protected.
“We want to make sure that the drillers are handling their wastewater in an environmentally responsible manner,” said EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “EPA is continuing to work with PADEP officials who are on the frontlines of permitting and regulating natural gas drilling activities in Pennsylvania.”
EPA’s action follows a request by PADEP asking drillers to voluntarily stop taking wastewater to Pennsylvania wastewater treatment plants by May 19. EPA wants to know where drillers are now going to dispose of their wastewater and will work with PADEP to ensure EPA has access to this information. The companies must report back to EPA by May 25 with information on the disposal or recycling of their drilling process water.
The companies receiving the information requests are: Atlas Resources L.L.C; Talisman Energy USA; Range Resources – Appalachia, L.L.C.; Cabot Gas and Oil Corporation; SWEPI, LP; and, Chesapeake Energy Corporation. These six companies account for more than 50 percent of the natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania.
EPA has also requested that PADEP:
ยท Notify EPA when facilities are accepting hydraulic fracturing wastewater so EPA can assess if a pretreatment program or additional permit limits are needed;
ยท Apply water quality standards for the protection of drinking water at the point of wastewater discharge, rather than at the point of first downstream drinking water intake;
ยท Consider more “representative” sampling where drinking water facilities are downstream of treatment plants accepting Marcellus Shale gas wastewater; and
ยท Be aware that EPA has sent a letter to PADEP’s southwest regional office clarifying that Federal Underground Injection Control permits are required for any placement of hydraulic fracturing wastes in injection wells or bore holes.
EPA requested these actions in a letter to PADEP Secretary Michael Krancer dated May11. The letter also asked the state agency take action to ensure that any new practices for disposing of drilling wastewater are legally enforceable.
In another action related to the energy extraction industry, EPA has issued a proposed order to the Tunnelton Liquids Company to stop the underground injection of waste treatment into an abandoned mine in Saltsburg, Indiana County, Pa. EPA issued the order under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires company to cease its unauthorized discharge waste, including wastewater related to oil and gas production.
For more information visit http://www.epa.gov/region03/marcellus_shale/
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Castle Doctrine Bill to be Heard in Senate Committee Tomorrow
Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee TODAY!
Tomorrow, June 14, House Bill 40, NRA-backed castle doctrine legislation, will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee at 11:30 a.m. This bill passed in the state House by a 164 to 37 vote on April 12.
Introduced by state Representative Scott Perry (R-92), HB 40 would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted into law, it would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB 40 with no anti-gun amendments. Contact information for this committee can be found here
Source: NRA / ILA
.
National Right-to-Carry
Reciprocity Bill Introduced In U.S. House
Last week, H.R. 822, was introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Schuler (D-N.C.). The measure would allow any person with a valid state-issued concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm in any state that issues concealed firearm permits, or that does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms. A state's laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would apply within its borders. The bill also applies to Washington,D.C., Puerto Rico and U.S. territories.
H.R. 822 would not create a federal licensing system. Rather, it would require the states to recognize each others' carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards. Rep. Stearns has introduced such legislation since 1995.
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121 and urge him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 822. Additional contact information can be found using the "Write Your Representatives"feature at www.NRAILA.org.
To read more about this legislation, please click here.
Source: NRA / ILA
Pennsylvania: Castle Doctrine Bill Passes House and Moves to the Senate
Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed important self-defense reform legislation by a 164 to 37 vote. To see how your state Representative voted click here.
Introduced by state Representative Scott Perry (R-92), House Bill 40, NRA-backed Castle Doctrine legislation, would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted into law, it would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
Law-abiding gun owners of Pennsylvania should not be treated like criminals because they choose to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
HB 40 now moves to the state Senate for committee assignment.
Source: NRA / ILA
A Letter To the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners:
It’s Monday morning, March 28th. Ironically I have traveled 7 hours this weekend to scout for this fall’s deer season in Ohio. The hunting has deteriorated so badly in my beloved Potter County, that my brother and I have been forced to seek good deer hunting in neighboring states.
I’m sitting at the breakfast table enjoying a cup of java, and casually open the April 2011 issue of GAME NEWS that I packed for the trip. I turn back the cover to the first article and sadly smile at the headline, “Myth’s & Legends of the Whitetail”. How appropriate I think to myself.
In the few minutes it takes me to digest the article, my emotions are running wild. The author Ms. Janine Fleegle, a fledgling wildlife biologist at the PGC has touched on a subject I have been waiting patiently to see for some time. While her arrogant and condescending tone is certainly aggravating, I am more incensed at her dishonest portrayal of the 2002 'Stakeholders’ Meeting - a meeting I personally attended.
You see, this was the meeting where the Game Commission’s deer management objectives were established. I have wanted to comment on this event for some time, but patiently bided my time waiting for the Game Commission to bring it up (which I knew they would eventually do) in an effort to defend their sorry deer management plan.
In the previously mentioned article entitled, “Special Interests”, Ms. Fleegle would have the reader believe that sportsmen held the overwhelming majority in terms of the representation at that meeting. As she states:
“Of the 19 external stakeholder groups invited to participate, 6 were sportsmen’s groups. Their representation (sportsmen) on the panel was double that of forestry and conservation interests and triple that of agricultural interests. So who’s the special interest group with disproportionate representation”?
Before gleaning over the invitation list to see if this statement is valid, let’s first take a look at who was not at this historic meeting. That would include Ms. Fleegle, Chris Rosenberry, Carl Roe and, of course, the current cast of PGC Game Commissioners.
My point being that none of the people in decision making positions today are qualified to render an opinion about what transpired on July 16, 2002. And perhaps the least qualified of all is Ms. Fleegle, who waxed so authoritatively on this topic in her GAME NEWS article.
There is however, one notable “attendee” exception, that being long time Director of Wildlife Management, Cal DuBrock. Cal summarized the meeting at the end of the day with “The Next Steps” and “Closing Announcements”. But more on him later.
As for the people who were there, let’s start with those Sportsmen’s Groups that allegedly comprised, according to Ms. Fleegle, “the special interest group with disproportionate representation”:
Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs
Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Deer Association
United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania
Quality Deer Management Association
National Wild Turkey Federation
In addition to the Sportsmen’s Groups, Farmers were represented by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association.
Commercial Forestry was represented by Keith Horn and Associates, Forestry Investments Associates and Kane Hardwoods.
Environmental-Conservation Groups were represented by Audubon, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy.
Federal and State Agencies were represented by the USDA’s Forestry Service, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and DCNR.
Urban-Suburban Municipalities were represented by Montgomery County Parks. (Are they even “Stakeholders?”)
Legislators were represented by a member of the Senate and House Game and Fisheries Committee.
And just to round things out, there was one Game Commissioner present, along with eight employees of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Now, even a cursory glance at this list of attendees reveals that only the Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania have been – and still are – opposed to the deer reduction plan. All of the others, including the five other Sportsmen’s Groups in attendance, have been lock-step with the Game Commission’s deer reduction program from day one!
While the numbers on the surface may support Ms. Fleegle’s contention (i.e., that sportsmen were disproportionately represented at this meeting), in actuality it was a cleverly camouflaged, highly misleading attempt by the PGC to use a dog and pony show to achieve a pre-determined outcome. And, just for the record and all posterity, this outcome would ultimately provide the cornerstone of what is today the Pennsylvania Deer Management Plan.
In hindsight, this is now all too evident as I remember how long time deer reduction proponent Susan Stout from the USDA Forest Service promptly raised her hand, and suggested that we “Manage deer from an ecosystem perspective,” when the facilitator asked for someone to identify the first objective for deer management.
Unfortunately for sportsmen, back then the term – “ecosystem” - was not as commonly understood as it is today. But the well represented environmental community in the room, the real disproportionately represented special interest group, knew exactly what she meant, and of course they were in strong agreement. The rest, as they say, is history.
So if Ms. Fleegle was not present at this meeting, where did the idea for such an article emanate, and who provided the details about a meeting that took place almost nine years ago?
The obvious answer is, of course, that she was directed to do so by her boss, Mr. Calvin W. DuBrock, the Director of the Bureau of Wildlife Management … the man who has fanned the flames for deer reduction from the git-go while always flying well below the radar screen … and the very same man who summarized the meeting at the end of the day.
Gentlemen, hopefully you will consider this testimony as evidence that the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Deer Management Plan has far more to do with an environmental agenda, than it does with science. And coupled with the recently released Historical Deer Harvest Analysis by John Eveland that shows how woefully inaccurate the PGC deer numbers really are, this should be the final straw that breaks the back of a highly suspect and crumbling deer management plan.
In the face of the overwhelming evidence and sportsmen’s sentiment that has poured in over the last 3 years, it’s time to step up to the plate, do the job you were appointed to do, and put an end to this travesty. These are critical times for the sportsmen of Pennsylvania, and business as usual just doesn’t cut it any more…..
Regards,
Greg Levengood
Allegheny County Sportsmen's League, Inc. // PA Sportsmen’s Association // PA Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs // Eastern PA Firearms Coalition //
PA Firearms Owners Association
Unified Sportsmen of PA // FOAC & ‘many’ other pro-gun groups
***RALLYALERT***
www.2aRally.com
Click here for flyer
Harrisburg 2nd Amendment Rally — HELP Needed Gunowners!
Special thanks to Woolrich for their donation of a Freedom Blanket for a prize at the 2011 2nd Amendment Rally.
Dear Citizen
On Tuesday, May 10, 2011 the 6th Annual Second Amendment-Second to None Rallyin Harrisburg starts at 10AM on the steps of the Harrisburg Capitol (plan on being there at 9AM). We will be there to celebrate our constitutionally protected right to bear arms and to ‘reject’, IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS, the agenda of some in government that criminals and their actions can dictate how we exercise ‘our’ freedoms!
ร Are YOU tired of anti-2nd Amendment legislators and organizations holding US responsible for criminal acts committed by those who should be in JAIL?
ร Are YOU tired of elected leaders, who swore an oath to our constitution, selectively shredding our freedoms because of prejudice, fear or a desire to expand governmental power at OUR expense?
ร Are YOU tired of being subjected to legislation from legislators who have not read the Constitution?
ร Are YOU tired of local governments enacting laws in defiance of state law?
Then PLEASE join with us to send our message of Freedom around this state and the nation by attending this rally! It is our fervent desire to advance our freedoms BUT we cannot get there without your help! We are ALL volunteers and this is YOUR rally for YOUR FREEDOMS!
Joining us at this 6th Annual Second Amendment-Second to None Rally in Harrisburg are recognized leaders from around the state and nation as follows:
ร Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, Pro-Gun Leader in the PA House of Representatives
ร Rep. Rep. Scott Perry, Sponsor-HB 40-Castle Doctrine
ร Senator John Pippy, Co-Sponsor-SB 273-Castle Doctrine (Senate)
ร Larry Pratt, Gun Owners of America President
ร David Keane, National Rifle Association President
ร Steve Toprani, Washington County District Attorney
ร Mike Slupe, Butler County Sheriff
ร Joe Tartaro, Executive Editor- The NEW Gun Week
These leaders will be joined by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (see the message and personal invitation from Rep. Metcalfe below) and dozens of pro-gun legislative leaders from the House and Senate along with ALL the leaders of ‘every’ grassroots PA organization.
Dear Second Amendment supporter,
With the recent passage of the Castle Doctrine (HB 40) through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, I would like to personally invite you to stand with fellow Second Amendment activists from across the Commonwealth in support of our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
On Tuesday, May 10, 2011, Second Amendment supporters from across the state will gather at the State Capitol in Harrisburg for the PA Annual Right to Keep and Bear Arms rally. The rally will begin at 10 a.m. with remarks from: Rep. Scott Perry (R-York/Cumberland), prime sponsor of the Castle Doctrine (HB 40); Sen. John Pippy (R-37); David Keene, National Rifle Association president-elect (5/2/11); Kim Stolfer, Firearm Owners Against Crime; and others.
I have attached the flier for this year’s rally, which includes a full list of speakers. Please feel free to print the flier and distribute it. For additional information about the rally, please visit: www.repmetcalfe.com or www.2arally.com.
I hope you are able to join with Second Amendment advocates and state legislators on May 10, 2011. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 724-772-3110.
For Liberty ,
Daryl Metcalfe
State Representative
PLEASE do not miss this golden opportunity to interact with elected leaders and be part of a special gathering of citizens from around our state as we raise our voices together in support of the rights bequeathed to us by our forefathers!
Once again we will be featuring Castle Doctrine, HB 40 along with a growing list of legislation to address the flaws in current PA law and reclaim some of our lost freedom. These laws can be devastating if you are unfamiliar with how to properly navigate the so-called ‘reasonable’ restrictions that currently exist on our freedoms!! It is important to remember that PA is graded by anti-gun organizations as being the 10th most restrictive state in the nation for gun ownership.
As you know, there have been sweeping changes in the Governor’s office and the PA House of Representatives members and Leadership after the 2010 elections. These new House members and party leadership have a renewed interest in working with us but we must show them that we are still determined to see our problems corrected. It is important to remember that while the Constitution is realistically ‘only’ a piece of paper, what gives it true power is the citizens belief in it and willingness to stand by it at critical moments and this is one of those moments!
Please join with us on May 10th - We look forward to working with you!
With Deepest Regards and Appreciation,
Kim Stolfer Harry Schneider
Legislative Committee, Chairman Legislative Committee, Chairman
Allegheny County Sportsmen's League Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Association
Firearms Owner’s Against Crime, Chairman E-Mail -- psa@pagunlaws.com
E-Mail -- activist@fyi.net
**Agenda of Events on May 10th:
9:00AM Sign up, get your second amendment badge and organize into groups under team leadership.
10:00AM Rally/Press Conference with legislators and second amendment leaders (lasting approximately about 1 hour).
*At the end of this rally ONE lucky **participant will win a Rossi SCJ4510 Revolving Cylinder Rifle!
(Firearm provided by Ace Sporting Goods / George Romanoff)
The ticket will be drawn by Rep. Metcalfe.
(**Participants must sign up at tables for tickets and must be present!)
11:00AM After the rally everyone will break up into smaller groups under team leadership. Your team leader will take you to specifically assigned state reps so that all 203 of them will hear from gun owners all across the state. Once these assigned legislators are visited then each team will float to other Representatives in the Senate and House including each personal representative.The MOST important point is that ALL 203 Representatives and 50 Senators hear from gun owners, especially the anti-gun legislators that introduce these bills intended to strip your rights away. Your team leader will break around lunch time, after lunch meet up with your team leader to finish up. We plan these legislative lobbying events to run between 9am and 3pm.
***You can help even MORE by doing the following:
Download the flyer, print lots of copies, take it to your gun clubs and post it, take it your local gun stores have them post it as well, email all of your gun owning friends and relatives, let the word go far and wide across PA -- shout it loudly so that everyone knows the Second Amendment Is Second to None. Also visit the ACSL & EPFC& PAFOA Legislative Sections and view the lists of proposed firearm laws pending in Harrisburg.
Contact Information (Details & Help with Travel Arrangements)
ACSL– Sally Barnett (412) 793-4437 or Kim Stolfer (412) 221-3346
From the West:
Beaver County Sportsmen’s League, Inc. (2 Buses)
McKeesport Sportsmen’s Club (1 Bus/Jim Kerr – 724.331-1880)
Parkway Center Mall (vans)
EPFC- Jack Iannantuono (610) 395-6392
(Parking arrangements have been made for the Harrisburg Farm Show parking lot. When you enter the gate make a left and park in the far corner away from the building. Shuttles will be running to the capitol building. You can also park in one of the several lots close to the Capitol building.
The grassroots organizations involved with this effort are listed below:
Allegheny County Sportsmen's League (ACSL),
Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs (PFSC),
Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Association (PSA),
Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association (PAFOA)
Gun Owners of America (GOA),
National Rifle Association (NRA),
Second Amendment Sisters (SAS),
Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Association (PRPA),
Pennsylvania Gun Collectors Association (PGCA)
Eastern Pennsylvania Firearms Coalition, (EPFC)
Philadelphia Federation of Sportsmen's Club, (PhilaFSC)
Pennsylvania Gun Owners Association (PGOA)
Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania (USP)
National Association of Firearms Retailers (NAFR),
Pennsylvania State Fish & Game Protective Association,
The Pink Pistols
Western Pennsylvania 30 Caliber League, Inc.
Firearms Owners Against Crime (FOAC)
New blood tracking legislation for PA
Andy Bensing was in Harrisburg on Monday, January 31st and found out that a new bill to allow the use of leashed dogs to track wounded deer is definitely in the works. Rep. Jeff Pyle is currently circulating the new bill among House members looking for co-sponsors to sign on. Now is a good time for all of us to help out with the cause and contact our own House Representative and ask him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor. The bill does not have a number yet as it has not been introduced yet. Just ask your local Rep. to co-sponsor Rep. Pyle's Leashed Tracking Dog Bill. The more co-sponsors the bill has before it is introduced, the stronger it looks and the easier it will be to pass. Here is a link to find the contact info for your Rep. if you need it.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/index.cfm?CFID=35583840&CFTOKEN=42494915
Susan Edwards
Director Deer Recovery of PA
NEW PERMIT REQUIRED FOR SGL PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGE USERS
Current hunting/furtaker license also provides range privilege
Beginning April 1, 2011, those who visit one of the State Game Lands public shooting ranges will need to obtain either a new $30 range use permit or be in possession of a current general hunting or furtaker license, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials.
“Over the past few years, the Game Commission has made large investments into its 29 State Game Land shooting ranges across this Commonwealth,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “These investments have taken the form of lead remediation, safety barrier reconstruction, shooting range redesign and other related projects. These investments came at a high cost, but kept many shooting ranges open and available to the public.
“Historically, hunter and furtaker license dollars have provided most, if not all, of the resources for keeping the agency’s shooting ranges open to the public. Additionally, the open use of State Game Lands for shooting activities by those not licensed has resulted in some situations where ranges and State Game Lands have been used for illicit activities.”
Exceptions to this permit requirement are those 15 years of age and younger properly accompanied by a licensed or permitted person 18 years of age or older, and each licensed hunter or range permit holder could have one guest.
Range permits are available to purchase through the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by clicking on the “Shooting Range Permit” icon in the center of the homepage, or clicking on “Public Shooting Ranges” in the “Quick Clicks” box in the right-hand column of the homepage. Unlike online hunting and furtaker license purchases, range use permits can be printed at the time of purchase. For the first year, range permits will be valid from the date of purchase until June 30, 2012. After that, permits will be valid on a license year basis (from July 1 through June 30).
Range permits also can be purchased at the agency’s Harrisburg Headquarters and all six region offices, and require either a credit or debit card.
Range permits and hunting or furtaker licenses do not need to be displayed while using a State Game Lands public shooting range, but must be in possession, as well as a secondary form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
On Feb. 1, the Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a regulatory change to implement the range permit requirement. In doing so, the agency is taking a step toward accomplishing the twin goals of having unlicensed persons contribute toward the cost of maintaining the ranges, and better quantifying and controlling the use of the shooting ranges.
The regulation also prohibits all other target shooting from taking place on State Game Lands, except at designated ranges. The regulatory change will not result in any increased cost or change in privileges for licensed hunters and furtakers.
Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission
Pennsylvania Legislature Returns to Work on Monday, April 11 and
HB 40 Could be Brought Up for a Vote at Any Time
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will reconvene on Monday, April 11 to resume its legislative business and HB 40 (Castle Doctrine) could be brought up as early as that day. It is critical that Pennsylvania gun owners start contacting their Representative in support of this bill.
Introduced by state Representative Scott Perry (R-92), House Bill 40, NRA-backed Castle Doctrine legislation, would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted into law, it would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
Law-abiding gun owners of Pennsylvania should not be treated like criminals because they choose to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support HB 40 with NO amendments. For contact information or help identifying your state Representative, click here.
This alert is posted to www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=6569
Source: NRA / ILA
Anti-Gun Amendments Defeated Again in the Keystone State!
Earlier this afternoon, attempts to attach anti-gun amendments to House Bill 40 were defeated. The so-called “Florida Loophole” was once again defeated by a 140 to 50 vote, after which three anti-gun amendments were withdrawn.
Introduced by state Representative Scott Perry (R-92), House Bill 40, NRA-backed Castle Doctrine legislation, would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted into law, it would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
Law-abiding gun owners of Pennsylvania should not be treated like criminals because they choose to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
The state House will be returning in April to give final consideration to HB 40. In the meantime, please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support HB 40 with NO amendments. For contact information or help identifying your state Representative, click here.
Source: NRA / ILA
EPA Warns, “Children Act Fast...So Do Poisons,” in Observance of Poison Prevention Week
National awareness campaign planned for March 20-26 to reduce poisonings in U.S.
In ongoing effortsto protect people’s health,the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is collaborating with the Poison Prevention Week Council to encourage the public to keep poisonous substances out of the hands of children. In observance of National Poison Prevention Week (March 20-26), EPA recommends that locking household cleaners, disinfectants, solvents and other materials is the best way to reduce accidental poisoning among children.
“Because it takes only a split second for a child to be poisoned, we want everyone to remember the theme ‘Children Act Fast…So Do Poisons.’ Most exposures that occur in the home can be prevented or substantially reduced through proper and safe storage, use and supervision of all household products,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “Poison Prevention Week serves as a reminder for everyone to keep pesticides locked up and away from children, and to read and follow all labels to minimize the potential dangers from pesticides.”
EPA promotes poison prevention each year to increase public awareness of the potential danger to children from pesticides and other household products. In 2009, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that more than half of the 2.4 million poisoning incidents each year involve children younger than six years old. Leading causes of poisonings include cosmetics such as perfume and nail polish, deodorant and soap, household cleaning products and medications.
Adults are also susceptible to poisoning (intentional or unintentional), but from generally different sources, including pain medicines, sedatives (drugs to reduce anxiety), sleeping pills, antipsychotics used to treat mental illness, household cleaning products, antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs (drugs to treat heart disease) and alcohols.
Anyone who has been exposed to a pesticide or other toxic substance and may be experiencing non-life-threatening symptoms should call the National Poison Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222. In case of more serious exposures,call 911. In addition, EPA urges the public to report all pesticide exposures to the product manufacturer (including the registration number found on the product label of all pesticide products registered by EPA). Registered manufacturers are required to report these incidents to EPA, and the agency uses the data to decide whether additional regulatory action is needed.
More information on poison prevention: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/poisonprevention.htm
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League vehemently protests the suborning implications of Ms. Weisberg’s article in the January 21, 2011 edition of Pennsylvania Outdoor News.
The original article can be viewed here. The Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League rebuttal follows:
Dear Jeff & Deborah:
This correspondence is in response to Deborah Weisberg’s article, “Eveland, his critical report create[s] buzz,” which appeared in the January 21, 2011 edition of Pennsylvania Outdoor News.
This was a golden opportunity for investigative journalism to dig deeper into this report ‘and’ the supporting documentation, which would explain why the ACSL has adopted the evidence presented by John Eveland. ‘We’ did do ‘our’ research and after a rigorous course of due diligence, the Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League (the oldest and largest sportsmen’s league in Pennsylvania) endorsed Mr. Eveland's report by adding it to the League’s web site along with the corroborating evidence.
Because of the vetting behind this endorsement, the Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League vehemently protests the suborning implications of Ms. Weisberg’s article, to whit (as anonymously quoted by a “former colleague”) Mr. Eveland is “not always able to process information properly” and (as attributed to Mr. Cal Dubrock) there is “no record of any bear management plan or any species management plan authored by Eveland.”
Ms. Weisberg could easily have countered both of these misleading assertions with no more effort than a phone call. Instead, she chose to include them without rebuttal and you, as the newspaper’s editor, condoned this nuanced defamation.
This is where, in our opinion, your article dropped the proverbial ball. Therefore, the question must be asked, was this simply a case of shoddy journalism or was this an overt attempt to impugn the credentials of Mr. Eveland and, causally, discredit the contents of his report? Whichever it was, efforts by both you and Ms. Weisberg to rationalize this affront to full and honest reporting were unconvincing ‘at best’.
By allowing others to make it a personality conflict (which began at the second paragraph) this entire issue became not about the facts as presented on the Allegheny County sportsmen's league website it became an exercise in diverting attention ‘from’ the real issues.
In the real world, and to analogize for a moment; for nearly 50 years our military has used as the primary combat weapon the M-16 rifle. Many believe this rifle is adequate and functional and yet when you carry one in combat personally and/or talk to soldiers who have actually carried it, as I have, a different picture and story emerges that is not being reported by the media. Because of the impact that the negative controversy would have and the possible allegations of causing the death of our service members, the truth has been neatly tucked away, much like what we are experiencing today on deer management. But the reality is that three individuals, one in the Army, one at Rock Island Arsenal, and one at Colt Firearms, have been responsible for needless casualties in combat. We see a similar pattern of behavior happening here wherein a select few individuals have turned science on its’ ear and are deftly avoiding accountability and responsibility.
The Allegheny County Sportsmen's League would gladly have presented the information and facts and research of the Pennsylvania game commission at the time of the redirection of Pennsylvania deer management policy if there had been any! Our request(s) for this information predates the current board of commissioners by several years and was made in person at the commission headquarters ‘and’ to Gary Alt at several of his presentations. This failure to be accountable to the hunting public, who are the actual customers, and the lack of transparency as evidenced by the comments of Cal DuBrock in this article demonstrate why there is a need for the commissioners to take the helm and redirect policy.
It is important to note that I speak to sportsmen’s clubs all across the state and in not one club, thus far, have I found a consensus of support for the current deer management program. It is also important to note that every sportsmen's club in the 39th District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the seat that former state representative Levdansky used to hold, opposed the reelection of Levdansky.
It also would've been appropriate to speak with other legislators involved in this issue rather than limiting the investigation for this article to former state representative David Levdansky. Legislators such as ‘former’ State Representative Dan Surra, or State Representative Ed Staback or Senator John Pippy since all of these legislators were and are involved in game management issues.
Further, it is common knowledge that you are (in addition to being the editor of Pennsylvania Outdoor News) a full-time employee of PennStateUniversity. It is also common knowledge that PennStateUniversity is ‘connected’ to, and has a vested interest in, the “healthy forest” portion of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s deer management program.
Jeff, given the “slant” of Ms. Weisberg’s article, and the fact that you authorized the publication of same, the Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League must entertain the possibility that your decision regarding Ms. Weisberg’s article reveals a conflict of interest.
In the interest of fairness, the League grants you the benefit of the doubt. However, from your follow up to others (which I have been copied on) it appears that you support the use of unfounded assertions pertaining to Mr. Eveland. This political ploy of ‘killing the messenger’ to silence the message (Eveland’s well documented “critical report”) by using ad hominem attacks is not only inappropriate but it is also an insult to everyone who has spent so much time researching and working on this issue.
You should know that the Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League is prepared to take whatever action is necessary to defend our hunting heritage.
Sincerely,
Kim Stolfer
ACSL, Legislative Committee, Chairman
www.acslpa.org
(412) 221-3346, Home Phone
(412) 257-1099, Home Fax
(412) 352-5018, Cell
Special ‘Opening Day’ Scheduled for March 12 on Beaver County's Hereford Manor Lakes
Anglers visiting Upper and Lower Hereford Manor Lakes in Beaver County can enjoy a special “Opening Day” on Saturday, March 5, and fish for stocked trout one last time before the lakes are drawn down in spring in anticipation of breaching the dams.
“We know how important these lakes are to the anglers in western Pennsylvania, so we wanted to give families one last ‘Opening Day’ before the lakes are closed,” said John Arway, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). “Our plan is to stock the lakes with trout in late morning or early afternoon on March 5, giving anglers a good weekend of fishing.”
Mr. Arway emphasized that the stocking will depend on the weather. If the lakes are still frozen on March 12, the PFBC will stock them once the ice melts. If the lakes can be stocked on March 12, the creel limit and minimum size limit for trout will be 5 fish per day and 7 inches, respectively.
Last Nov. 1, the PFBC lifted all seasons, sizes and creel limits in preparation of the complete drawdown of the lakes and breaching of the dams. These regulations remain in place with the exception of the trout creel and size limits.
Removing all harvest restrictions provides additional recreational opportunities for anglers and can help reduce the number of fish that could potentially be stranded when the water level drops. Once the draining of the lakes begins, which is expected to be in late April or early May, all public access to the lakes will be prohibited. At that time, the PFBC will attempt to salvage as many game fish as possible from the lakes and relocate them to other waters in the area. The dates of the fish salvage will be announced once they are set.
The Hereford Manor Lakes are popular fishing and boating impoundments located in Franklin Township, Beaver County. The dams were constructed prior to 1958 in conjunction with strip mining operations and were acquired by the PFBC in 1973. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Dam Safety has declared both dams as “high hazard, structurally deficient” structures which must be rebuilt. Breaching the dams is the first phase of the project and is expected to be completed by November.
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
Allegheny County Sportsmen's League, Inc.
Pennsylvania Sportsmen’s Association
***PRIORITY: High
March 7, 2011
***CRITICAL LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT***
Issue: Castle Doctrine Passes House Judiciary Committee – House Bill 40
Dear Citizen:
For 7 years we have been working to improve the use of force laws (known as Castle Doctrine) here in Pennsylvania . Your efforts have generated an overwhelming level of support in the House and Senate. So much so that one of the first orders of business was to reintroduce and swiftly take action on passage of House Bill 40 / Castle Doctrine. There are currently 140 co-sponsors of this important measure in the House of Representatives.
Again, we want ‘nothing more’ than what other states have: reasonable legislation that will provide important protections for ‘law-abiding’ citizens who must use protective force when confronted by violent career criminals.
House Bill 40 passed the House Judiciary Committee today and will be brought to the floor for 2nd consideration this coming Wednesday, the 9th. This is where the anti-gun groups will try to amend and kill this legislation. We are asking you to Please contact your PA State House Member and as many other members of the House of Representatives, especially leadership, that you can! PLEASE let them know that you want them to support this legislation WITHOUT AMENDMENT. (Please see the list of House Members contact information at the end of this message!)
To Review the Bill: HB 40does not change the use of force requirements. What it does is eliminate the honest law abiding citizen’s duty to retreat when confronted by violent criminals and provide honest citizens with legal protection if they defend themselves from criminals. It contains an anti-carjacking provision that will change state law so that if a criminal illegally and forcibly enters an occupied vehicle, the presumption is that he intends to harm the passengers. Protections against civil actions are also provided, should your assailant or his relatives sue you for harming the criminal when you defended yourself and this includes protections for law enforcement as well.
We thank you in advance for your help with this critical and time sensitive step forward for our Freedoms!
Respectfully,
Kim Stolfer Harry Schneider
Legislative Committee, Chairman Legislative Committee, Chairman
Allegheny County Sportsmen's League Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Association
E-Mail -- activist@fyi.net psa@pagunlaws.com
Website -- www.acslpa.org
(412) 221-3346, Home Phone
(412) 257-1099, Home Fax
Members of the House below are listed alphabetically (Please focus on ‘your own legislator’, House Leadership, Pro-gun House members and Undecided legislators once again) and their e-mail addresses are next to their names.
Click Here IF you need to find your Legislator (or cut & paste the link below into your browser)
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/#address
**Representatives contact information is listed below:
William F. Adolph wadolph@pahousegop.com (717) 7871248
Ryan Aument raument@pahousegop.com (717) 7057161 - HB 40 sponsor
Matthew E. Baker mbaker@pahousegop.com (717) 7725371 - HB 40 sponsor
Bryan Barbin bbarbin@pahouse.net (717) 7831491 - HB 40 sponsor
Stephen Barrar sbarrar@pahousegop.com (717) 7833038 - HB 40 sponsor
John C. Bear jbear@pahousegop.com (717) 7871776 - HB 40 sponsor
Kerry A. Benninghoff kbenning@pahousegop.com (717) 7831918 - HB 40 sponsor
Stephen Bloom sbloom@pahousegop.com (717) 7722280 - HB 40 sponsor
Karen Boback kboback@pahousegop.com (717) 7871117 - HB 40 sponsor
Scott W. Boyd sboyd@pahousegop.com (717) 7836422 - HB 40 sponsor
Brendan F. Boyle bboyle@pahouse.net (717) 7873055
Matthew Bradford mbradford@pahouse.net (717) 7722572
Joseph F. Brennan jbrennan@pahouse.net (717) 7729902 - HB 40 sponsor
Michele Brooks mbrooks@pahousegop.com (717) 7835008 - HB 40 sponsor
Rosemary Brown rbrown@pahousegop.com (717) 2606171
Frank Burns fburns@pahouse.net (717) 7728056 - HB 40 sponsor
Ronald I. Buxton rbuxton@pahouse.net (717) 7839342
Thomas R. Caltagirone tcaltagi@pahouse.net (717) 7873525 - HB 40 sponsor
Mike Carroll mcarroll@pahouse.net (717) 7873589 - HB 40 sponsor
Martin T. Causer mcauser@pahousegop.com (717) 7875075 - HB 40 sponsor
Jim Christiana jchristi@pahousegop.com (717) 2606144 - HB 40 sponsor
Paul I. Clymer pclymer@pahousegop.com (717) 7833154 - HB 40 sponsor
H. Scott Conklin sconklin@pahouse.net (717) 7879473 - HB 40 sponsor
Dom Costa dcosta@pahouse.net (717) 7839114 - HB 40 sponsor
Paul Costa pcosta@pahouse.net (717) 7831914
Jim Cox jcox@pahousegop.com (717) 7722435 - HB 40 sponsor
Thomas C. Creighton tcreight@pahousegop.com (717) 7725290 - HB 40 sponsor
Lynda Culver lculver@pahousegop.com (717) 7873485 - HB 40 sponsor
Lawrence Curry lcurry@pahouse.net (717) 7831079
Bryan Cutler bcutler@pahousegop.com (717) 7836424 - HB 40 sponsor
Peter J. Daley pdaley@pahouse.net (717) 7839333 - HB 40 sponsor
Tina Davis tdavis@pahouse.net (717) 7834903
Gary Day gday@pahousegop.com (717) 7873017 - HB 40 sponsor
Daniel Deasy ddeasy@pahouse.net (717) 7728187 - HB 40 sponsor
Sheryl Delozier sdelozie@pahousegop.com (717) 7835282 - HB 40 sponsor
Tony DeLuca tdeluca@pahouse.net (717) 7831011 - HB 40 sponsor
Gordon Denlinger gdenling@pahousegop.com (717) 7873531 - HB 40 sponsor
Eugene DePasquale edepasqu@pahouse.net (717) 7877514
Frank Dermody fdermody@pahouse.net (717) 7873566 - HB 40 sponsor
H. William DeWeese wdeweese@pahouse.net (717) 7833797 - HB 40 sponsor
Gene DiGirolamo gdigirol@pahousegop.com (717) 7837319
Maria Donatucci mdonatuc@pahouse.net (717) 7838634
George Dunbar gdunbar@pahousegop.com (717) 2606132 - HB 40 sponsor
Brian L. Ellis bellis@pahousegop.com (717) 7877686 - HB 40 sponsor
Joe Emrick jemrick@pahousegop.com (717) 2606159 - HB 40 sponsor
Eli Evankovich eevankovich@pahousegop.com (717) 7831819 - HB 40 sponsor
John R. Evans jevans@pahousegop.com (717) 7729940 - HB 40 sponsor
Garth D Everett geverett@pahousegop.com (717) 7875270 - HB 40 sponsor
Florindo J. Fabrizio ffabrizi@pahouse.net (717) 7874358
Frank A Farry Ffarry@pahousegop.com (717)2606140 - HB 40 sponsor
Mike Fleck mfleck@pahousegop.com (717) 7873335 - HB 40 sponsor
Matt Gabler mgabler@pahousegop.com (717) 2606142 - HB 40 sponsor
Richard A. Geist rgeist@pahousegop.com (717) 7876419 - HB 40 sponsor
Camille "Bud" George cgeorge@pahouse.net (717) 7877316 - HB 40 sponsor
Marc J. Gergely mgergely@pahouse.net (717) 7831018 - HB 40 sponsor
Jaret Gibbons jgibbons@pahouse.net (717) 7052060 - HB 40 sponsor
Mark Gillen mgillen@pahousegop.com (717) 7878550 - HB 40 sponsor
Keith J. Gillespie kgillesp@pahousegop.com (717) 7057167 - HB 40 sponsor
Mauree A. Gingrich mgingric@pahousegop.com (717) 7831815 - HB 40 sponsor
Robert W. Godshall rgodshal@pahousegop.com (717) 7836428 - HB 40 sponsor
Neal P. Goodman ngoodman@pahouse.net (717) 7872798 - HB 40 sponsor
Glen R. Grell ggrell@pahousegop.com (717) 7832063 - HB 40 sponsor
Seth M Grove sgrove@pahousegop.com (717) 7832655 - HB 40 sponsor
Joe Hackett jhackett@pahousegop.com (717) 2606168
Marcia M. Hahn mhahn@pahousegop.com (717) 7838573 - HB 40 sponsor
Gary Haluska ghaluska@pahouse.net (717) 7873532 - HB 40 sponsor
Michael K. Hanna mhanna@pahouse.net (717) 7722283 - HB 40 sponsor
R. Ted Harhai tharhai@pahouse.net (717) 7722820 - HB 40 sponsor
Julie Harhart jharhart@pahousegop.com (717) 7725398 - HB 40 sponsor
Patrick J Harkins pharkins@pahouse.net (717) 7877406
Kate Harper kharper@pahousegop.com (717) 7872801 - HB 40 sponsor
C. Adam Harris aharris@pahousegop.com (717) 7837830 - HB 40 sponsor
Doyle Heffley dheffley@pahousegop.com (717) 2606139
Susan C. "Sue" Helm shelm@pahousegop.com (717) 7871230 - HB 40 sponsor
Tim Hennessey thenness@pahousegop.com (717) 7873431 - HB 40 sponsor
Dick L. Hess dhess@pahousegop.com (717) 7877076 - HB 40 sponsor
David S. Hickernell dhickern@pahousegop.com (717) 7832076 - HB 40 sponsor
John Hornaman jhornama@pahouse.net (717) 7722297 - HB 40 sponsor
Scott E. Hutchinson shutchin@pahousegop.com (717) 7838188 - HB 40 sponsor
Warren Kampf wkampf@pahousegop.com (717) 2606166
Rob Kauffman rkauffma@pahousegop.com (717) 7052004 - HB 40 sponsor
Sid Kavulich skavulich@pahouse.net (717) 7834874
Fred Keller fkeller@pahousegop.com (717) 7873443
Mark K. Keller mkeller@pahousegop.com (717) 7831593 - HB 40 sponsor
Tom H. Killion tkillion@pahousegop.com (717) 7720855 - HB 40 sponsor
Jerry Knowles jknowles@pahousegop.com (717) 7879029 - HB 40 sponsor
Bill Kortz bkortz@pahouse.net (717) 7878175 - HB 40 sponsor
Nick Kotik nkotik@pahouse.net (717) 7833780 - HB 40 sponsor
Tim Krieger tkrieger@pahousegop.com (717) 2606146 - HB 40 sponsor
Deberah Kula dkula@pahouse.net (717) 7721858 - HB 40 sponsor
John Lawrence jlawerence@pahousegop.com (717) 2606117 - HB 40 sponsor
Mark Longietti mlongiet@pahouse.net (717) 7724035 - HB 40 sponsor
John A. Maher jmaher@pahousegop.com (717) 7831522 - HB 40 sponsor
Tim Mahoney tmahoney@pahouse.net (717) 7722174 - HB 40 sponsor
Sandra Major smajor@pahousegop.com (717) 7832910 - HB 40 sponsor
David Maloney dmaloney@pahousegop.com (717) 260-6161 - HB 40 sponsor
Joseph F. Markosek jmarkose@pahouse.net (717) 7831012 - HB 40 sponsor
Jim Marshall Jmarshall@pahousegop.com (717) 2606432 - HB 40 sponsor
Ronald S. Marsico rmarsico@pahousegop.com (717) 7832014
Kurt Masser kmasser@pahousegop.com (717) 260-6134 - HB 40 sponsor
Robert Matzie rmatzie@pahouse.net (717) 7874444 - HB 40 sponsor
Daryl Metcalfe dmetcalf@pahousegop.com (717) 7831707 - HB 40 sponsor
Carl Metzgar cmetzgar@pahousegop.com (717) 7838756 - HB 40 sponsor
Nick Miccarelli NickMicc@pahousegop.com (717) 7873472 - HB 40 sponsor
Nicholas A. Micozzie nmicozzi@pahousegop.com (717) 7838808 - HB 40 sponsor
David R Millard dmillard@pahousegop.com (717) 7831102 - HB 40 sponsor
Ron Miller rmiller@pahousegop.com (717) 7838389 - HB 40 sponsor
Duane Milne dmilne@pahousegop.com (717) 7878579 - HB 40 sponsor
Richard Mirabito rmirabito@pahouse.net (717) 7721314 - HB 40 sponsor
Dan Moul dmoul@pahousegop.com (717) 7835217 - HB 40 sponsor
Gerald Mullery gmullery@pahouse.net (717) 7834893 - HB 40 sponsor
Kevin Murphy kmurphy@pahouse.net (877) 841-1450 - HB 40 sponsor
Thomas P Murt tmurt@pahousegop.com (717) 7876886 - HB 40 sponsor
T. Mark Mustio mmustio@pahousegop.com (717) 7876651 - HB 40 sponsor
Brandon Neuman bneuman@pahouse.net (717) 7834834 - HB 40 sponsor
Donna Oberlander doberlan@pahousegop.com (717) 7729908 - HB 40 sponsor
Bernard T. O'Neill boneill@pahousegop.com (717) 7057170 - HB 40 sponsor
Eddie Day Pashinski epashins@pahouse.net (717) 7830686 - HB 40 sponsor
John D. Payne jpayne@pahousegop.com (717) 7872684 - HB 40 sponsor
Michael Peifer mpeifer@pahousegop.com (717) 7832037 - HB 40 sponsor
Scott Perry sperry@pahousegop.com (717) 7838783 - HB 40 sponsor
Joseph A. Petrarca jpetrarc@pahouse.net (717) 7875142 - HB 40 sponsor
Scott A. Petri spetri@pahousegop.com (717) 7879033 - HB 40 sponsor
Tina Pickett tpickett@pahousegop.com (717) 7838238 - HB 40 sponsor
Jeffrey P. Pyle jpyle@pahousegop.com (717) 7835327 - HB 40 sponsor
Thomas J. Quigley tquigley@pahousegop.com (717) 7729963 - HB 40 sponsor
Marguerite Quinn mquinn@pahousegop.com (717) 7721413 - HB 40 sponsor
Kathy L. Rapp klrapp@pahousegop.com (717) 7871367 - HB 40 sponsor
Adam Ravenstahl aravenstahl@pahouse.net (717) 7875470 - HB 40 sponsor
Harry A. Readshaw hreadsha@pahouse.net (717) 7830411 - HB 40 sponsor
Dave Reed dreed@pahousegop.com (717) 7057173 - HB 40 sponsor
Mike Reese mreese@pahousegop.com (717) 7839311 - HB 40 sponsor
Douglas G. Reichley dreichle@pahousegop.com (717) 7871000 - HB 40 sponsor
Brad Roae broae@pahousegop.com (717) 7872353 - HB 40 sponsor
Todd Rock trock@pahousegop.com (717) 7835218 - HB 40 sponsor
Chris Ross cross@pahousegop.com (717) 7831574
Rick Saccone rsaccone@pahousegop.com (717) 260-6122 - HB 40 sponsor
Chris Sainato csainato@pahouse.net (717) 7722436 - HB 40 sponsor
Dante Santoni dsantoni@pahouse.net (717) 7833290
Stanley E. Saylor ssaylor@pahousegop.com (717) 7836426 - HB 40 sponsor
Mario M. Scavello mscavell@pahousegop.com (717) 7877732 - HB 40 sponsor
Curt Schroder cschrode@pahousegop.com (717) 7832520 - HB 40 sponsor
Josh Shapiro jshapiro@pahouse.net (717) 7837619
Justin Simmons jsimmons@pahousegop.com (717) 7831673 - HB 40 sponsor
Ken Smith ksmith@pahouse.net (717) 7831359 - HB 40 sponsor
Matthew Smith mhsmith@pahouse.net (717) 7831850 - HB 40 sponsor
Samuel H. Smith shsmith@pahousegop.com (717) 7873845 - HB 40 sponsor
Curtis G. Sonney csonney@pahousegop.com (717) 7839087 - HB 40 sponsor
Edward G. Staback estaback@pahouse.net (717) 7835043 - HB 40 sponsor
Todd Stephens tstephens@pahousegop.com (717) 260-6163
Jerry A. Stern jstern@pahousegop.com (717) 7879020 - HB 40 sponsor
Richard R. Stevenson rstevens@pahousegop.com (717) 7836438 - HB 40 sponsor
P. Michael Sturla msturla@pahouse.net (717) 7873555
Rosemarie Swanger rswanger@pahousegop.com (717) 7872686 - HB 40 sponsor
Will Tallman wtallman@pahousegop.com (717) 7838875 - HB 40 sponsor
John J. Taylor jtaylor@pahousegop.com (717) 7873179 - HB 40 sponsor
Mike Tobash mtobash@pahousegop.com (717) 260-6148 - HB 40 sponsor
Marcy Toepel mtoepel@pahousegop.com (717) 7879501 - HB 40 sponsor
Tarah Toohil ttoohil@pahousegop.com (717) 260-6136 - HB 40 sponsor
Dan Truitt dtruitt@pahousegop.com (717) 260-6164
Michael Turzai mturzai@pahousegop.com (717) 7729943 - HB 40 sponsor
Mike Vereb mvereb@pahousegop.com (717) 7057164 - HB 40 sponsor
Randy Vulakovich rvulakov@pahousegop.com (717) 2606407 - HB 40 sponsor
Chelsa Wagner cwagner@pahouse.net (717) 7831582
Katharine M. Watson kwatson@pahousegop.com (717) 7875452 - HB 40 sponsor
Jake Wheatley jwheatley@pahouse.net (717) 7833783
Jesse White jwhite@pahouse.net (717) 7836437 - HB 40 sponsor
BULK EMAILS – (If you wish to send a bulk e-mail to all Representatives the grouping below represents all of the legislators listed above-just copy and paste into your e-mail message-we suggest you use BCC for this)
wadolph@pahousegop.com; raument@pahousegop.com; mbaker@pahousegop.com; bbarbin@pahouse.net; sbarrar@pahousegop.com; jbear@pahousegop.com; kbenning@pahousegop.com; sbloom@pahousegop.com; kboback@pahousegop.com; sboyd@pahousegop.com; bboyle@pahouse.net; mbradford@pahouse.net; jbrennan@pahouse.net; mbrooks@pahousegop.com; rbrown@pahousegop.com; fburns@pahouse.net; rbuxton@pahouse.net; tcaltagi@pahouse.net; mcarroll@pahouse.net; mcauser@pahousegop.com; jchristi@pahousegop.com; pclymer@pahousegop.com; sconklin@pahouse.net; dcosta@pahouse.net; pcosta@pahouse.net; jcox@pahousegop.com; tcreight@pahousegop.com; lculver@pahousegop.com; lcurry@pahouse.net; bcutler@pahousegop.com; pdaley@pahouse.net; tdavis@pahouse.net; gday@pahousegop.com; ddeasy@pahouse.net; sdelozie@pahousegop.com; tdeluca@pahouse.net; gdenling@pahousegop.com; edepasqu@pahouse.net; fdermody@pahouse.net; wdeweese@pahouse.net; gdigirol@pahousegop.com; mdonatuc@pahouse.net; gdunbar@pahousegop.com; bellis@pahousegop.com; jemrick@pahousegop.com; eevankovich@pahousegop.com; jevans@pahousegop.com; geverett@pahousegop.com; ffabrizi@pahouse.net; Ffarry@pahousegop.com; mfleck@pahousegop.com; mgabler@pahousegop.com; rgeist@pahousegop.com; cgeorge@pahouse.net; mgergely@pahouse.net; jgibbons@pahouse.net; mgillen@pahousegop.com; kgillesp@pahousegop.com; mgingric@pahousegop.com; rgodshal@pahousegop.com; ngoodman@pahouse.net; ggrell@pahousegop.com; sgrove@pahousegop.com; jhackett@pahousegop.com; mhahn@pahousegop.com; ghaluska@pahouse.net; mhanna@pahouse.net; tharhai@pahouse.net; jharhart@pahousegop.com; pharkins@pahouse.net; kharper@pahousegop.com; aharris@pahousegop.com; dheffley@pahousegop.com; shelm@pahousegop.com; thenness@pahousegop.com; dhess@pahousegop.com; dhickern@pahousegop.com; jhornama@pahouse.net; shutchin@pahousegop.com; wkampf@pahousegop.com; rkauffma@pahousegop.com; skavulich@pahouse.net; fkeller@pahousegop.com; mkeller@pahousegop.com; tkillion@pahousegop.com; jknowles@pahousegop.com; bkortz@pahouse.net; nkotik@pahouse.net; tkrieger@pahousegop.com; dkula@pahouse.net; jlawerence@pahousegop.com; mlongiet@pahouse.net; jmaher@pahousegop.com; tmahoney@pahouse.net; smajor@pahousegop.com; dmaloney@pahousegop.com; jmarkose@pahouse.net; Jmarshall@pahousegop.com; rmarsico@pahousegop.com; kmasser@pahousegop.com; rmatzie@pahouse.net; dmetcalf@pahousegop.com; cmetzgar@pahousegop.com; NickMicc@pahousegop.com; nmicozzi@pahousegop.com; dmillard@pahousegop.com; rmiller@pahousegop.com; dmilne@pahousegop.com; rmirabito@pahouse.net; dmoul@pahousegop.com; gmullery@pahouse.net; kmurphy@pahouse.net; tmurt@pahousegop.com; mmustio@pahousegop.com; bneuman@pahouse.net; doberlan@pahousegop.com; boneill@pahousegop.com; epashins@pahouse.net; jpayne@pahousegop.com; mpeifer@pahousegop.com; sperry@pahousegop.com; jpetrarc@pahouse.net; spetri@pahousegop.com; tpickett@pahousegop.com; jpyle@pahousegop.com; tquigley@pahousegop.com; mquinn@pahousegop.com; klrapp@pahousegop.com; aravenstahl@pahouse.net; hreadsha@pahouse.net; dreed@pahousegop.com; mreese@pahousegop.com; dreichle@pahousegop.com; broae@pahousegop.com; trock@pahousegop.com; cross@pahousegop.com; rsaccone@pahousegop.com; csainato@pahouse.net; dsantoni@pahouse.net; ssaylor@pahousegop.com; mscavell@pahousegop.com; cschrode@pahousegop.com; jshapiro@pahouse.net; jsimmons@pahousegop.com; ksmith@pahouse.net; mhsmith@pahouse.net; shsmith@pahousegop.com; csonney@pahousegop.com; estaback@pahouse.net; tstephens@pahousegop.com; jstern@pahousegop.com; rstevens@pahousegop.com; msturla@pahouse.net; rswanger@pahousegop.com; wtallman@pahousegop.com; jtaylor@pahousegop.com; mtobash@pahousegop.com; mtoepel@pahousegop.com; ttoohil@pahousegop.com; dtruitt@pahousegop.com; mturzai@pahousegop.com; mvereb@pahousegop.com; rvulakov@pahousegop.com; cwagner@pahouse.net; kwatson@pahousegop.com; jwheatley@pahouse.net; jwhite@pahouse.net;
The grassroots organizations in support of this bill are listed below:
Allegheny County Sportsmen's League (ACSL),
Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs (PFSC),
Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Association (PSA),
National Rifle Association (NRA),
Gun Owners of America (GOA ),
Second Amendment Sisters (SAS),
Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Association (PR&PA),
Pennsylvania Gun Collectors Association (PGCA)
Lehigh Valley Firearms Coalition (LEVFC),
Philadelphia Federation of Sportsmen's Club,
Pennsylvania Gun Owners Association (PGOA)
Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania (USP)
Pennsylvania State Fish & Game Protective Association,
The Pink Pistols
OpenCarry.org
Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association (PAFOA)
National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSA)
Western Pennsylvania 30 Caliber League, Inc
**(FOAC) Firearms Owners Against Crime records all votes related to firearms and the constitutional connections thereof.
As a side Note keep May 10, 2011 open and plan on coming to HBG and for the
6th 2011 2nd Amendment Liberty in PA is Second to None rally & lobbying event
Castle Doctrine Legislation Moving Forward in Pennsylvania
Contact your state Senator Today!
Tomorrow, March 8, the Pennsylvania Senate will vote on Senate Bill 273, Castle Doctrine legislation.
SB 273, reintroduced by state Senator Richard Alloway, II (R-33), would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted, this law would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
Please contact your state Senator today and urge him or her to support SB 273. The law-abiding gun owners of Pennsylvania should not be treated like criminals, because they choose to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
For contact information or help identifying your state Senator, please click here.
Earlier today, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee voted 21 to 1 to pass the House version of Castle Doctrine legislation. House Bill 40 was introduced by state Representative Scott Perry (R-92).
HB 40 will now move to the House floor for consideration. A date has not been set to hear this important legislation, but we will keep you informed to when it will be heard before the full House. In the meantime, please call your state Representative today and urge him or her to support HB 40. For contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here.
Source: NRA / ILA
Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee will Vote on Castle Doctrine Bill on
Monday, March 7
This Monday, March 7, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee will vote on important pro-gun legislation. Introduced by state Representative Scott Perry (R-92), House Bill 40 (Castle Doctrine legislation) would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted into law, it would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
In 2010, both the state House and Senate overwhelming passed this important self-defense legislation, which was vetoed by anti-gun Governor Ed Rendell before he left office.
Please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee today and urge them to support a Pennsylvanians right to self-defense by voting for HB 40. Contact information for the House Judiciary Committee can be found here.
Source: NRA / ILA
Immediate ACTION ALERT – Castle Doctrine in Senate [March 1st]
Senator Alloway's SB 273 Castle Doctrine is scheduled to run on March 1st and just one anti-gun amendment (A00737) has been filed against SB 273. Philadelphia area Senator Leach has filed his ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole (2010) anti-gun amendment (A00737) to SB 273 (see attached) that would prohibit PA residents to lawfully carry firearms by using non-resident LTCF permits.
While this amendment is described as the Florida Loop Hole this language is MUCH broader in scope and prohibits lawful carry of a firearm by citizens using ‘ANY’ non-resident permit. Currently the requirement to obtain most non-resident licenses is a much higher standard than PA has with most requiring mandatory training, fingerprints of applicant processed through the FBI and a complete background check through NICS-AGAIN. Obviously the push for this change begs the question as to why??? Since criminals will not pursue these licenses then it must indicate that here in PA residents are facing a hostile climate of some kind when applying for a License to Carry a Concealed Firearm. This is EXACTLY the case and the motivation for this ‘anti-gun measure’ comes from Philadelphia area Senators.
IF you see the danger in this amendment, and agree with our concerns, we ask you and your friends to PLEASE light up the Phones of the Judiciary Committee in opposition to this Amendment and in support of SB 273. We need everyone to ask the Judiciary Committee Members to:
- Vote YES on SB273 ‘without’ amendments (a Clean bill)
- Vote NO on Sen. Leach's recently filed ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (A00737)
As you can see from the list below; we are at a disadvantage right now with the Leach Amendment and need to sway at least two votes to our side to oppose his amendment. PLEASE focus your efforts against the Leach amendment on the (3) three Senators listed below:
1. Mary Jo White
2. Patrick Browne
3. Michael Stack
IF you have time please expand your contacts and focus on ALL the Senators (except for the last three in the ‘Lost Cause’ category) to oppose Leach’s amendment.
Make sure the entire committee knows we're paying attention to this vote.
Kim Stolfer
FOAC, Chairman
www.foac-pac.org
Judiciary Committee Senators and Contact information:
Note: PLEASE phone and fax Senators as e-mails are generally delayed or not received by the individual Senators
(R) Joseph Scarnatijscarnati@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-7084
HBG Fax (717) 772-2755
(R) John Gordnerjgordner@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-8928
HBG Fax (717) 787-9715
(R) Jane Oriejorie@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-6538
HBG Fax (717) 772-2470
Note: Senator Orie will not be available to vote on this bill so don't contact her.
(R) Jeffrey Piccolajpiccola@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-6801
HBG Fax (717) 783-3722
(R) John Raffertyjrafferty@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-1398
HBG Fax (717) 783-4587
(D) Lisa Boscolaboscola@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-4236
HBG Fax (717) 783-1257
(R) Mary Whitemwhite@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-9684 HBG Fax (717) 772-3459
Voted 4 ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (2010)
(D) Michael Stackstack@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-9608
HBG Fax (717) 772-2162
Voted 4 ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (2010)
(R) Patrick Brownepbrowne@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-1349
HBG Fax (717) 772-3458
Voted 4 ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (2010)
(R) Stewart Greenleafsgreenleaf@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-6599 HBG Fax (717) 783-7328
REALLY Highest value to contact - majority Judiciary Chairman of the house.
The chairman is ONLY one that can allow a vote in the Judiciary Committee
Voted 4 ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (2010)
(D) Wayne Fontanafontana@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-5300
HBG Fax (717) 772-5484
Voted 4 ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (2010)
***Lost Cause Legislators:
These Senators on Judiciary Committee (listed below) voted against Castle Doctrine and for the ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (2010)
(D) Daylin Leachdleach@pasenate.com
HBG Phone (717) 787-5544
HBG Fax (717) 783-2902
Voted against CD and ‘Sponsored’ ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (2010) and contacting this Senator will be a waste of your time. Expect this to be a NO vote in Judiciary Committee.
(R) Jane Earlljearll@pasen.gov
HBG Phone (717) 787-8927
HBG Fax (717) 772-1588
Voted against CD and voted for ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (2010) and contacting this Senator will be a waste of your time. Expect this to be a NO vote in Judiciary Committee.
(D) Lawrence Farnese Jr. (No e-mail)
HBG Phone (717) 787-5662
HBG Fax (717) 787-4531
Voted against CD and ‘voted for’ ‘so-called’ Florida Loop Hole Amendment (2010) and contacting this Senator will be a waste of your time. Expect this to be a NO vote in Judiciary Committee.
Pennsylvania: Castle Doctrine Legislation Scheduled to be Heard March 1
Senate Bill 273, Castle Doctrine legislation, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 1. SB 273, reintroduced by state Senator Richard Alloway, II (R-33) overwhelming passed both the state House and Senate last year and was vetoed by Governor Ed Rendell before he left office.
SB 273 would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted, this law would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee TODAY and urge them to continue to support for SB 273. Contact information for the Senate Judiciary Committee can be found here.
Source: NRA / ILA
D.C. Gun Bill: Fact And Fiction
Earlier this month, Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) introduced H.R. 645 the "Second Amendment Enforcement Act," to eliminate harsh gun control laws imposed by the District of Columbia after the Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008).
The bill will move the city's gun laws closer to the mainstream laws in place in most of America. For example, they will abolish the city's intentionally difficult and costly firearm registration requirement, its restrictions on carrying a gun for protection on private property, its post-Heller ban on hundreds of types of semi-automatic firearms denigrated as "assault weapons," its ban on standard defensive magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, and its California-style "microstamping" law and handgun "roster" system.
Anticipating that the D.C. Council will try to suppress gun ownership by preventing dealers from conducting business in the city, the bills provide for D.C. residents to buy handguns from firearm dealers in Maryland and Virginia, and prescribe reasonable conditions for the lawful transportation of firearms within the city.
A story appeared this week on Examiner.com calling into question NRA's support of what the misguided author claims is a "gun-control bill." The author claims, among other things, that, "H.R. 645 would turn victims, who had their firearms stolen, into criminals if the gun was not locked up."
In fact, H.R. 645 would substantially scale back D.C. law, which currently creates a crime of "criminally negligent storage of a firearm," punishable by six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both -- even if no one is injured. (If someone is injured, the crime is a felony, punishable by five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.)
In place of those provisions, the bill would eliminate punishment of victimless violations, only allowing a penalty in cases where a person is injured or killed. In all cases, the penalty would be a misdemeanor punishable by one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill would also mandate extreme prosecutorial discretion in cases where the gun owner's child is accidentally injured or killed, barring all prosecution in those cases unless the gun owner was grossly negligent.
The Examiner story also claims, "H.R. 645 gives a landlord the right to decide who is allowed to keep a firearm in the home or business." In fact, the opposite is true. What the bill actually says is that "Private persons or entities owning property in the District of Columbia may prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on their property by any persons, other than law enforcement personnel when lawfully authorized to enter onto the property or lessees occupying residential or business premises." (Emphasis added.) So the bill actually prohibits landlords from banning gun possession by tenants.
The Examiner story also accuses NRA of selling out on Right-to-Carry in D.C., failing to realize or acknowledge that what the bill actually does is restore D.C.'s pre-Heller discretionary permit system.
Because D.C. officials have demonstrated hostility toward the Second Amendment--imposing a "microstamping" law, "assault weapon" ban, ban on magazines holding over 10 rounds, and "unsafe handgun" ban (which the city modified after the ban was challenged in court)--the purpose of the bill is to prohibit the city from enacting new laws designed to thwart the exercise of the right to arms.
And therein lies the critical point that the Examiner author fails to grasp. The bill wasn't intended to try and fix every single problem with D.C.'s gun laws. Rather, it is a bill that is capable of passing both houses of Congress, that will fix the major problems identified in the Heller decision, thereby allowing ordinary D.C. residents to own guns and store them in their homes, loaded and ready for self-defense.
H.R. 645 is a good bill that NRA will continue to support. As NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox recently said, "NRA remains committed to restoring the right to self-defense for law-abiding citizens in Washington, D.C., by whatever legal or legislative means necessary."
Source: NRA / ILA
Rep Perry, on Jan 27, 2011 has reintroduced Castle Doctrine for the 2011-2012 session, it will be once again known as HB 40.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0040
For max support reason it’s basically the same bill as HB 40 (2009-2010 session) that was voted in the full house vote on Oct 5, 2010.
There are 135 current sponsors, if they are not on this list they are NOT sponsors, BTW all past sponsors (111 total that are still in office) except the one that stabbed us in the back resigned to be a sponsor again, We also have 18 of 25 Reps as co sponsors in Judiciary committee in final passage in this committee it should pass 24-1 in its current form. However both strengthening or water down amendments could be offered in this committee to CD, they shouldn't have the votes to weaken any more.
PERRY, METCALFE, AUMENT, BAKER, BARBIN, BARRAR, BEAR, BENNINGHOFF, BLOOM, BOBACK, BOYD, BRENNAN, BROOKS, BURNS, CALTAGIRONE, CARROLL, CAUSER, CHRISTIANA, CLYMER, CONKLIN, D. COSTA, COX, CREIGHTON, CUTLER, DALEY, DAY, DEASY, DELOZIER, DeLUCA, DENLINGER, DERMODY, DeWEESE, DUNBAR, ELLIS, EVANKOVICH, J. EVANS, EVERETT, FARRY, FLECK, GABLER, GEIST, GEORGE, GERGELY, GIBBONS, GILLEN, GILLESPIE, GINGRICH, GODSHALL, GOODMAN, GRELL, GROVE, HAHN, HALUSKA, HANNA, HARHAI, HARHART, HARPER, HARRIS, HELM, HENNESSEY, HESS, HICKERNELL, HORNAMAN, HUTCHINSON, KAUFFMAN, M.K. KELLER, KILLION, KNOWLES, KORTZ, KOTIK, KRIEGER, KULA, LAWRENCE, LONGIETTI, MAHER, MAHONEY, MAJOR, MALONEY, MARKOSEK, MARSHALL, MATZIE, METZGAR, MICCARELLI, MICOZZIE, MILLARD, MILLER, MIRABITO, MOUL, MULLERY, MURPHY, MURT, MUSTIO, NEUMAN, OBERLANDER, O'NEILL, PASHINSKI, PAYNE, PEIFER, PETRARCA, PETRI, PICKETT, PYLE, QUIGLEY, QUINN, RAPP, READSHAW, REED, REESE, REICHLEY, ROAE, ROCK, SACCONE, SAINATO, SAYLOR, SCAVELLO, SCHRODER, SIMMONS, K. SMITH, M. SMITH, S. H. SMITH, SONNEY, STABACK, STERN, STEVENSON, SWANGER, TALLMAN, J. TAYLOR, TOBASH, TOEPEL, TOOHIL, TURZAI, VEREB, VULAKOVICH, WATSON and WHITE
Here is Senator Alloway's version of Castle Doctrine. SB 273.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0273
Currently there is 30 sponsors in senate, if they are not on this list they are NOT sponsors
to SB 273, there were FOUR past sponsors that did not resign as sponsors in this session.
ALLOWAY, WOZNIAK, ROBBINS, FONTANA, EICHELBERGER, ORIE, FOLMER, PILEGGI, BREWSTER, SMUCKER, SOLOBAY, RAFFERTY, YAW, VOGEL, SCARNATI, BOSCOLA, STACK, PIPPY, MENSCH, TOMLINSON, BROWNE, WARD, YUDICHAK, D. WHITE, KASUNIC, GORDNER, PICCOLA, BAKER, BRUBAKER and WAUGH
Annual Sport Show
As you may know, the Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League sponsored the Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show for 25 years.
For the last two years, the ACSL did not get paid for their partnership efforts to promote and make the show a success for all. Expositions Inc., the owner of the Sport Show, refused to sign a contract with the ACSL to continue its sponsorship.
As a result, the ACSL will no longer sponsor or support the Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show.
Since this show was one of the main funding sources for the ACSL and rather than raise membership dues at this time, the ACSL is now turning to a Gun Bash to raise the necessary funding to make up this loss in revenue in order to keep fighting for your rights as we have done for about 75 years.
So if you appreciate the effort the ACSL does on your behalf consider buying an ACSL gun bash ticket or help sell tickets. 2011 Gun Bash information will be released soon.
EPA Improves Guidance for Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Cleanup
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today updated its guidance on how to properly clean up a broken compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). Included with the guidance is a new consumer brochure with CFL recycling and cleanup tips. EPA encourages Americans to use CFLs for residential lighting to save energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global climate change.
CFLs contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. When a CFL breaks, some of the mercury is released as vapor and may pose potential health risks. The guidance and brochure will provide simple, user friendly directions to help prevent and reduce exposure to people from mercury pollution.
More information on the clean up guidance: http://www.epa.gov/cflcleanup
More information on CFLs: www.epa.gov/cfl
Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Tucson Tragedy Prompts Renewed Calls For Gun Control
This week, the NRA and countless Americans offered prayers and condolences for those killed and wounded during the senseless assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).
Yet while those of us who defend the Second Amendment were respecting the heartache of the people of Tucson and waiting to learn the full facts of the case, anti-gun activists were renewing their push for more gun control laws. ("In the wake of these kinds of incidents, the trick is to move quickly," the Violence Policy Center's Kristen Rand told MSNBC.)
Rand and other gun ban advocates were quick to push several schemes.
The most widely publicized is the proposal by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) to re-impose the 1994 ban on new manufacture of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition, and to criminalize the transfer of existing magazines between law-abiding gun owners. These magazines are standard equipment for self-defense handguns and other firearms owned by tens of millions of Americans. Law-abiding private citizens choose them for many reasons, including the same reason police officers do: to improve their odds in defensive situations.
Also, Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) proposed to ban possession of firearms within 1,000 feet of the President, Vice President, Members of Congress or federal judges. Obviously, this proposal would be ignored by anyone who intends to harm a government official. But it would impose extraordinary burdens on honest gun owners, creating potentially hundreds of square miles of roving "gun free" areas throughout the United States.
There's no question that the debate over gun control will continue after the Tucson attack. Please rest assured that the NRA will, as always, stand front and center in defense of the rights of gun owners. And, as always, watch your NRA-ILA alerts for the latest news and calls to action on these critical issues.
Source: NRA-ILA
Allegheny County Sportsmen's League, Inc.
Firearms Owners Against Crime
Pennsylvania Sportsmen’s Association
November 27, 2010
***GovernorRendellTorpedoesCastle Doctrine***
Issue: Castle Doctrine Legislation Dies Under Lame Duck Rendell’s Pen!
As I predicted would happen, Gov. Rendell less than two hours ago vetoed House Bill 1926 that contained the Castle doctrine legislation as an amendment within it. In supporting the governor's veto District attorneys Association, Ed Marsico, stated that this legislation would encourage a "shoot first mentality"! Wow judges law enforcement and citizens around this state know these kind of rhetorical statements are nothing more than prejudicial, emotional hyperbole meant to avoid dealing with the issues; the real issue here is a slap in the face that has just been handed to every Pennsylvania citizen wherein Marsico has said you are less trustworthy than the citizens and the 23 other states that have passed this legislation!
All they have done is delay the inevitable as we have already laid the groundwork for this legislation to be reintroduced next year. We promise you that we will get this passed early next year so Pennsylvanians will enjoy the commonsense protections our founding fathers intended us to have!
We wish you and your family a joyous, Happy and Merry Christmas holiday and we appreciate your help with this effort! Any immortal words of the Terminator in the Terminator movies-"we will be back"!
Thank you again!
Respectfully,
Kim Stolfer Harry Schneider
Legislative Committee, Chairman Legislative Committee, Chairman
AlleghenyCounty Sportsmen's League Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Association
E-Mail -- activist@fyi.net psa@pagunlaws.com
Website -- www.acslpa.org
Chairman
Firearms Owners Against Crime
Website – www.foac-pac.org
(412) 221-3346, Home Phone
(412) 257-1099, Home Fax
New Rules For Gift Cards
New Federal Reserve rules provide important protections when you purchase or use gift cards. Here are some key changes that apply to gift cards sold on or after August 22, 2010:
Covered by the new rules
Store gift cards, which can be used only at a particular store or group of stores, such as a book store or clothing retailer.
Gift cards with a MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover brand logo. These cards generally can be used wherever the brand is accepted. (Not all cards with a brand logo are covered; see "Other prepaid cards" below for exceptions.)
New protections
Limits on expiration dates. The money on your gift card will be good for at least five years from the date the card is purchased. Any money that might be added to the card at a later date must also be good for at least five years.
Replacement cards. If your gift card has an expiration date you still may be able to use unspent money that is left on the card after the card expires. For example, the card may expire in five years but the money may not expire for seven. If your card expires and there is unspent money, you can request a replacement card at no charge. Check your card to see if expiration dates apply.
Fees disclosed. All fees must be clearly disclosed on the gift card or its packaging.
Limits on fees. Gift card fees typically are subtracted from the money on the card. Under the new rules, many gift card fees are limited. Generally, fees can be charged if
you haven't used your card for at least one year, and
you are only charged one fee per month.
These restrictions apply to fees such as:
dormancy or inactivity fees for not using your card,
fees for using your card (sometimes called usage fees),
fees for adding money to your card, and
maintenance fees.
You can still be charged a fee to purchase the card and certain other fees, such as a fee to replace a lost or stolen card. Make sure you read the card disclosure carefully to know what fees your card may have.
Other prepaid cards
These new rules apply only to gift cards, which are just one type of prepaid card. The new rules do not cover other types of prepaid cards, such as:
Reloadable prepaid cards that are not intended for gift-giving purposes. For example, a reloadable prepaid card with a MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover brand logo that is intended to be used like a checking account substitute is not covered.
Cards that are given as a reward or as part of a promotion. For example, a free $15 gift card given to you by a store if you purchase merchandise or services of $100 or more may have fees or an expiration date of one year rather than five years. Regardless, you must be clearly informed of any expiration dates or fees for these cards.
Source: U.S. Federal Reserve
ACSL Archives 2011
PLEASE NOTE: We have tried to maintain links where possible, but due to the archival nature of these articles, some links may have changed or be otherwise unavailable.
