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2012 ACSL Archives |
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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. |
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Protect Your Rights! Act Now to Support Legal Transportation of Firearms When Congress passed the Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) in 1986, one of the key provisions of the bill was intended to protect the rights of gun owners to legally transport their firearms between locations where they are legally allowed to possess them.
Finally, it's important to note that while the NRA is working to enact a national Right-to-Carry Reciprocity bill this bill does not achieve that. This legislation is intended only to provide real legal protection for people transporting cased and unloaded guns while travelling. Source: NRA / ILA
Pennsylvania Firearms Preemption Legislation Needs Your Support Now Contact your State Legislators TODAY to Support HB 1523 and SB 1438!
The anti-gun extremists are pulling out the stops trying to stop pro-firearm legislation. Yesterday, anti-gun Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) member, along with other MAIG members and other anti-gun mayors were at the state Capitol trying to rally opposition to common sense firearms legislation that will keep law-abiding gun owners from becoming criminals. Pennsylvania already has a firearms preemption statute giving the state the sole authority to make firearm laws, unfortunately there are several anti-gun mayors, Mayor Nutter included, and municipalities who feel they are above the law. House Bill 1523 andSenate Bill 1438 would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, these bills would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been threatened and unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearms preemption law. Citizens should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don`t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another. Please call AND e-mail your state Legislators TODAY! Urge him or her to SUPPORT HB 1523 and SB 1438 and not to be swayed by anti-gun rhetoric and individuals who have, themselves, broken state law by passing anti-gun legislation in their own municipalities. Contact information for your state Legislators can be found here. SUPPORT HB 1523 and SB 1438. Your state Legislators do not need to take advice from local politicians who have no regard for the law. Source: NRA / ILA
"Respecting States' Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act" Introduced in U.S. Senate For the second time in as many weeks, a national Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. Source: NRA / ILA
Act Now in Support of National Right to Carry Reciprocity On March 13, U.S. Senators Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced S. 2188, the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2012." The bill is the Senate companion to H. R. 822, which was approved by the U. S. House last November by a vote of 272-154. Source: NRA / ILA
National Anti-Gun Group Sets its Sights Against Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill Contact your state Representative TODAY to SUPPORT HB 1523
Billionaire anti-gun activist and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" (MAIG) are once again moving into Pennsylvania. They are now working to try to stop the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from passing House Bill 1523, common sense firearms legislation that will keep law-abiding gun owners from becoming criminals. HB 1523 could be heard on its second consideration in the state House at any time when the legislature returns this coming week, and it needs your active and immediate support. To find contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here. Source: NRA / ILA
Firearms Preemption Enhancement and Workplace Protection Bill Introduced in the Senate
Senate Bill 1438, introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate today, is much-needed legislation that would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law and also protect your right to store your firearm in your privately-owned and locked motor vehicle while parked in publicly accessible parking lots controlled by your employer or a business you frequent. Every state Senator in Pennsylvania needs to know that SB 1438 is exactly what law-abiding gun owners want and need passed. That is why it is imperative that you also forward this alert to your family, friends and fellow gun owners across Pennsylvania and ask them to also call AND e-mail their state Senator. Source: NRA / ILA
DEP ‘Falcon-Cam’ returns
Falcons have nested at the building for 12 years. To date, the nest has produced 53 eggs and 45 hatchlings. Of these, 29 falcons survived; 13 males and 16 females. The gender of one of the nestlings that hatched in 2008, the runt of the clutch, or set of offspring, could not be determined. Already this year, the resident male, who has been at the site since 2005, has had to defend his territory from an ambitious adolescent tiercel. This development leaves the female falcon with two potential mates this season. Last year, the female falcon laid a clutch of four eggs, and only one hatched. The first eggs of the 2012 breeding season will be laid in late March. The eggs should begin to hatch around mid-May and the young falcons, or “eyases,” will begin to take their first flights, or “fledge” in mid-June. Follow the falcons by visiting here. There, fans can also sign up to receive the Falcon Wire electronic newsletter. Follow the falcons on Twitter here. Source: PA DCNR
Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill Tabled by the House of Representatives Contact your state Representative TODAY to SUPPORT HB 1523 This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives moved House Bill 1523 off the active calendar and onto the tabled bill calendar. This recent action came as a disappointment to many supporters in the legislature since the bill was approved in the state House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19 to 4 and was supported by both sides of the aisle. HB 1523 would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been threatened and unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearms preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don’t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another. HB 1523 has already been delayed and that postponement of action has given anti-gun advocacy groups more time to try to rally opposition, like getting billionaire anti-gun activist and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" (MAIG) involved. They are already working to try to stop the state House from passing, this common sense firearms legislation that will keep law-abiding gun owners from becoming criminals. There are at least thirteen anti-gun amendments to HB 1523 that range from a “ballistic imaging” mandate to gutting the current “state preemption” statute, which would make MAIG and anti-gun advocacy groups very happy. We cannot let this critical pro-gun legislation get hijacked by out-of-staters who just believe that all gun owners are criminals. Call AND e-mail your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to bring HB 1523 up for its second consideration and to SUPPORT HB 1523 when it comes up for that vote. We cannot let anti-gun rhetoric and a New York City Mayor undermine the Second Amendment in Pennsylvania. This much-needed pro-gun bill would make major changes to enhance Pennsylvania’s current firearms preemption law and it needs everyone’s help now. To find contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here. Sportsmen’s Heritage Act Clears Key Hurdle The newly introduced House Resolution 4089—strongly supported by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) – has cleared the U.S. House of Representatives’ Natural Resources Committee and awaits a vote before the full House. The bill passed the committee by a vote of 27 to 16. HR 4089, which is a package of four high-priority bills will:
“USSA is pleased that the House Natural Resources Committee took such prompt action to approve H.R. 4089 -- the most important pro-hunting legislation since the 1997 Refuge Improvement Act,” said Bill Horn, USSA Director of Federal Affairs (and former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior). “We tip our hats to the 24 Republicans and three Democrats who supported the bill.” Click here to view the vote breakdown. The American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Safari Club International, USSA, and many other organizations are working hard to ensure passage by a broad bi-partisan majority. Take Action! Every sportsman and sportswoman should contact their Congressman now and urge them to support this groundbreaking bill. Ask your Congressman to vote yes on HR 4089, the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012. To find your Congressman’s contact information, visit USSA's Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/LAC. Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill Postponed until March The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has again postponed its second consideration of NRA-backed House Bill 1523 - this time until the week of March 12. House Bill 1523, sponsored by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearm preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don`t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another. Unfortunately, this delay will give anti-gun advocacy groups more time to try to rally opposition to this common sense legislation. In turn, this also gives us time to contact all our family, friends and fellow gun owners to urge them to also call, e-mail, fax and write our state Representative urging them to not fall for anti-gun rhetoric. Every state Representative in Pennsylvania needs to know that HB 1523 as amended by the state House Judiciary Committee is exactly what law-abiding gun owners want and need passed. We cannot let this critical legislation get hijacked.
As reported, anti-gun Representatives have filed at least thirteen anti-gun amendments to the bill for its second consideration. These amendments range from “ballistic imaging” mandate to gutting the current “state preemption” statute. Source: NRA / ILA Governor signs historic Marcellus Shale law
The historic measure is the first comprehensive re-write of the state’s Oil and Gas Act since 1984. It contains much of what Corbett outlined in his Marcellus Shale proposal last October. His plan followed the work of the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission. House Bill 1950 contains 24 of the legislative recommendations offered by the advisory commission. “This growing industry will provide new career opportunities that will give our children a reason to stay here in Pennsylvania,” Corbett said. “Thanks to this legislation, this natural resource will safely and fairly fuel our generating plants and heat our homes while creating jobs and powering our state’s economic engine for generations to come.” The new law enhances environmental standards by:
This law also authorizes counties within the shale regions to adopt an impact fee, which will be used by local communities experiencing the actual impacts of unconventional shale gas development. To recognize the tight economics associated with low natural gas prices, the fee amount can fluctuate annually and is based on the average price of natural gas for the preceding year. If all eligible counties adopt the fee, estimates for revenue are approximately $180 million in 2012, climbing to $211 million in 2013 and $264 million in 2014. State agencies with a role in mitigating shale gas impacts, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, the Public Utility Commission, Pennsylvania Emergency management Agency, State Fire Commissioner and the Fish and Boat Commission, will receive fixed dollar amounts off the top of the revenues collected from the fee. After that, 60 percent is directly distributed to impacted counties. A significant percentage of the remaining 40 percent will also be distributed to those counties through either population- or road-mileage-based formulas, or through the awarding of competitive grants. The new law also provides long-term regulatory predictability for job-creators and capital investors, and helps businesses succeed by providing increased uniformity and fairness of local regulations while preserving local government’s traditional zoning authority. Upon petition, the Public Utility Commission is authorized to review ordinances to make sure they comply with state law. Finally, the law creates a Natural Gas Energy Development Program, which will provide incentives to convert fleets with vehicles weighing at least 14,000 pounds to compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or bi-fuel vehicles. At least 50 percent of the funds must be used for grants to local transportation organizations, including mass transit agencies. The law’s provisions authorizing counties to adopt ordinances imposing an impact fee go into effect immediately. The majority of the law takes effect in 60 days. Source: PA DCNR
Fishing and Hunting Protection Bill Introduced in the U.S. SenateProtection of fishing, hunting, and shooting on national forest and public lands has taken a step forward with the Senate introduction of the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act. Introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), the measure is backed by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, American Sportfishing Association, National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and others in the angling, hunting and wildlife conservation community. The bill will protect fishing, hunting, trapping, recreational shooting and wildlife management practices on more than 400 million acres of public land across America managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The measure mandates that these public lands are open until closed for angling, hunting and shooting while enabling the agencies to make specific closures or restrictions determined to be necessary and supported by sound facts and evidence. The bill is patterned after the 1997 National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act which made fishing and hunting “priority public uses” on federal wildlife refuge system lands and has helped protect fishing and hunting there from anti-fishing/anti-hunting zealots. The new Senate bill also fixes loopholes created by lawsuits by anti-hunting organizations that have hampered hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation. For example, under the bill, the Forest Service can keep its public lands open for hunting and fishing even if nearby state and private lands are also open. Previously, a court had ruled that federal public lands might have to be closed if other nearby lands hosted hunters. Similarly, fish and wildlife conservation and management will remain primary purposes on BLM, Forest and Wildlife Refuge lands reversing court rulings from San Francisco. Restrictions in the 1964 Wilderness Act on motorized access, logging and other commodity uses are expressly not affected by the bill and remain in place. Bill Horn, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Director of Federal Affairs welcomed the introduction: “USSA deeply appreciates today’s action by Senators Murkowski and Manchin. We have been working for over a decade in support of this kind of legislation and as threats mount to fishing, hunting and shooting on public lands, the need for this bill grows. We look forward to working with the Senators and their colleagues to get this landmark measure enacted this year and ensure protection in law of our cherished angling and hunting heritage.” American Sportfishing Association added its support: “Recreation is the single largest economic output of national forests and grasslands, with 46.5 million anglers spending over $1.2 billion annually to enjoy recreational fishing on USFS lands,” said Gordon Robertson, Vice President of the ASA. “It is astounding that with such high demand, access is still a barrier for millions of anglers. This legislation directs the USFS and BLM managers to not only promote recreational fishing and hunting access, but to further take advantage of one of the biggest economic drivers for the agencies and the rural communities near their lands.” The National Rifle Association offered its strong support: “Protecting the traditions of hunting and shooting on our public lands has long been a NRA priority and the Murkowski/Manchin bill does just that. The leadership for sportsmen and sportswomen demonstrated by the two Senators will not be forgotten by us and our members,” said Susan Recce, NRA Director of Conservation. Safari Club International also hailed the bill: “By introducing legislation that will protect America’s hunting, shooting, and fishing community for generations to come, Senators Murkowski and Manchin have taken a much needed bi-partisan step forward. Too frequently, the hunting community is dealt lip-service, but Senator Murkowski and Senator Manchin have brought to the Senate serious legislation that will protect hunting for a generation. The companion legislation introduced in the House of Representatives is equally important to the future of hunting. On behalf of SCI and all of our partners, we would like for all members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus to co-sponsor the ‘sportsmen endorsed’ legislation,” said President of SCI, Kevin Anderson. Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation added: “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus has been working with the sportsmen’s community on this Act to allow Federal land planners to evaluate the impacts that management activities have on hunting, fishing and recreational shooting, and to provide a clear analysis of how proposed actions would impact access to Federal lands.” The new Senate Bill is a companion to legislation passed by the House Natural Resources Committee 29-14. That bill, H.R. 2834, is currently awaiting a vote before the full U.S. House of Representatives. Contacts: USSA: Mike Faw, Director of Communications: mfaw@ussportsmen.org Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Act Now to Stop Obama/Holder Gun Registration Scheme Recently, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. issued a ruling upholding an Obama administration policy that requires federally licensed firearms retailers in states bordering Mexico to report multiple sales of semi-automatic rifles. The case was brought by two NRA-backed firearm retailers and by the National Shooting Sports Foundation acting on behalf of its affected members. Plaintiffs have already filed an appeal—but while we await the outcome, your help is urgently needed in seeking congressional action to end this illegal policy. Source: NRA / ILA
Votes on Pro-Gun House Bills Postponed until February
Please continue to contact your state Representative! Today, the state House Judiciary Committee was scheduled to vote on two very important firearm bills. Unfortunately, the votes on House Bill 1523 and House Bill 1668 have been delayed until next month. Please continue to call AND e-mail your state Representative urging him or her to support HB 1523 and HB 1668. These much-needed pro-gun bills would make critical changes to enhance Pennsylvania’s firearm laws. House Bill 1523, sponsored by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearm preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearm preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don't even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another. To find contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here. Source: NRA / ILA
They Pulled HB 1523 AGAIN! Let’s make them want to Constitution of the United States of America Amendment II A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Article 1 DECLARATION OF RIGHTS Right to Bear Arms Section 21. The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned. The Dirty Dozen As 2012 begins, it’s important to take note of groups that are working against your opportunities to hunt, trap, fish and enjoy the outdoors. To that effect, here is what we call The Dirty Dozen: 1) Humane Society of the United States or HSUS—needs no commentary or introduction to hunters and trappers everywhere, but has been in the news and advertisements recently for sharing only one percent with animal shelters of the $187,515,301.00 the group raked in during 2010. Details are at http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=2954. 2) People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA—outrageous, radical and out of touch with mainstream America on issues related to pets, food, hunting, trapping, fishing and many other topics. PETA also promotes a vegan lifestyle and has many programs to turn children against farming, hunting, trapping, fishing and other mainstream lifestyles. This group paid legal fees for a convicted animal rights terrorist. 3) Center for Biological Diversity—the CBD makes a living suing mainly the federal government, and then recouping those fees and more. CBD strives to expand the Endangered Species Act to include hundreds of animals and plants. The group has also been involved in some seemingly tangential activities such as passing out condoms in a campaign about controlling the human population. 4) Defenders of Wildlife—works to save and increase the number of wolves, prairie dogs, and other nuisance species roaming America. But there is no doubt Defenders' main focus is their misguided effort to protect and restore wolves throughout the Lower 48 States and in Alaska. They do this without regard to the havoc caused by uncontrolled wolf populations to other wildlife such as moose, elk and mule deer. According the group’s IRS 990, Defenders’ of Wildlife collected more than $29 million in revenue in 2010, spending more than $1.5 million on more fund raising during that period. 5) American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals— ASPCA thinks hunting and trapping are cruel and should be outlawed everywhere, beginning with wildlife refuges. It advances its anti-hunting agenda by lobbying legislators, government officials and policy makers to obtain support for anti-sportsmen legislation. The ASPCA encourages grassroots activists to take part in letter writing campaigns to legislators and encourages boycotts of products tested on animals. 6) Sierra Club—Sierra Club and many of its chapters oppose access by roads to vast tracts of public lands and the group also opposes many scientific wildlife management practices. The Sierra Club’s Legal Defense Fund has frequently sued the federal government over those issues, then sought reimbursement for its legal expenses. Many of its chapters have actively opposed hunting. For example, a New Jersey Sierra Club chapter has been a leader in opposing that state’s bear hunts. The Sierra Club Grand Canyon chapter worked to end all hunting in Arizona when Proposition 109 was being considered. The Sierra Club in California opposed bear hunting with hounds. Yes, actions speak louder than words - the Sierra Club and many of its chapters are anti-hunting. 7) Friends of Animals— is opposed to deer, goose, wolf and other types of hunting according to its website information. The group has formed protests against deer management hunts in the Northeast and also formed a protest in Montana opposing wolf hunting. 8) Wild Earth Guardians—is opposed to trapping and worked to end trapping on all public lands in New Mexico, according to the group’s website. WEG also actively opposes wolf and mountain lion hunting. 9) Animal Welfare Institute—sued to stop trapping in Maine because of the Canada lynx. The AWI reports that it wants to “end the torture inflicted on furbearing animals by steel jaw leghold traps and wire snares.” The group’s website also reports that it “…wants to end cruel and irresponsible hunting and trapping, capture and killing for profit …” The group, active since 1951, produces “Trapped Animal” and “Cull of the Wild” brochures filled with sensational mistruths to present its opposition to trapping and the fur industry. 10)Animal Legal Defense Fund—opposes hunting and trapping and notes that “animals are entitled to basic legal rights in our society.” In other words, they believe a squirrel should be able to sue you for hunting it. This group’s IRS 2010 Form 990 reports revenue of more than $5 million – all to take away your outdoor heritage. 11)In Defense of Animals—worldwide organization founded in 1983 that would like to see all hunting banned. It also strongly opposes trapping and other forms of animal use based on the opinion that these acts are unduly exploiting animals. 12)International Fund for Animal Welfare—an international organization that has done considerable work to ban hunting with hounds and seal hunting. It boasts of approximately two million members worldwide, and believes “all animals and humans are linked in fate.” It first gained notoriety when it campaigned to ban Canada seal hunts. Keep the Dirty Dozen in mind when talking to other sportsmen and friends and family this year. To help the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in its efforts to protect hunting, fishing, and trapping, consider a donation by visiting www.ussportsmen.org/donate. Source: Compliments of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance/ www.ussportsmen.org
Three More Wins for Gun Owners H.R. 2055—the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012—has been passed by the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and has been sent to the President for his expected signature. This bill contains three NRA-backed provisions that will strengthen our Second Amendment rights and prohibit your federal tax dollars from being used to advance an anti-gun agenda.
These junk science studies and others like them are designed to provide ammunition for the gun control lobby by advancing the false notion that legal gun ownership is a danger to the public health instead of an inalienable right. Source: NRA / ILA
Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill Hearing Postponed Vote Now Expected Monday, February 13, 2012 Please Continue to Contact your state Representative!
Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives postponed its second consideration of NRA-backed House Bill 1523due to the Marcellus Shale drilling debate. Anti-gun advocacy groups are lobbying hard to derail this common sense legislation. As predicted, anti-gun Representatives have filed at least thirteen anti-gun amendments to the bill for second consideration. These amendments range from “ballistic imaging” mandate to gutting the current “state preemption” statute. We cannot let them hijack this critical legislation. It is imperative that you call AND e-mail your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to support HB 1523 and OPPOSE any and all House floor amendments. This much-needed pro-gun bill would make major changes to enhance Pennsylvania’s current firearm preemption law. Source: NRA / ILA
ALERT & UPDATE Feb 8th
First Batch email are current sponsors to HB 1523 Metcalfe Private Firearm Ownership Protection Act on Target for House Consideration The House Judiciary Committee today approved legislation sponsored by State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) to impose financial penalties against any city, township or other jurisdiction that illegally adopts a local firearm ordinance. Metcalfe introduced the Private Firearm Ownership Protection Act in response to cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that have already violated Section 6120 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code that specifically prohibits local firearm laws. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would require the offending local jurisdiction to reimburse any plaintiff or organization that successfully challenges an illegal local firearm ordinance for actual damages, reasonable attorney fees and other legal costs. “Article 1, Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution affirms in no uncertain terms that: ‘The right of citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned,’” said Metcalfe. “The purpose of my legislation is to financially deter and/or punish any local government body or official who blatantly violates the clearly established boundaries of our state law and our Constitutions by arbitrarily enacting gun control measures that leave law-abiding citizens disarmed and defenseless against violent intruders.” Approved by the House Judiciary Committee with strong bipartisan support, House Bill 1523 now advances to the full House for consideration. For the latest Second Amendment legislative updates or to sign the “Standing Up to Gun Control” petition, visit RepMetcalfe.com. Source: State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) House Judiciary Committee vote was 19-4 for passage THANK YOU to ALL that contacted the Reps You can view the amended HB 1523 here http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1523
Legislative ALERT & UPDATE
http://articles.philly.com/2012-02-02/news/31016995_1_illegal-guns-gun-violence-gun-owners Will state disarm the city on gun law FOUR YEARS AGO, City Council passed a law requiring gun owners whose firearms were lost or stolen to report the missing weapons to police within 24 hours or face fines of up to $2,000 and 90 days in jail. The idea was to thwart "straw purchasers," people who buy guns legally and then sell or give them to criminals. Police tracing crime guns often hit a dead-end when their legal owners say that their guns were long-lost or stolen. Other cities beset by gun violence followed Philly's lead, even though Pennsylvania lawmakers in 2008 rejected a proposal to pass a statewide law to report lost or stolen handguns. Forty-eight municipalities statewide - from sprawling metropolises like Pittsburgh to tiny burgs like Oxford, in Chester County - now have local laws requiring timely reporting of lost or stolen guns or have passed resolutions asking the state to do so. But now, under a bill that state lawmakers are considering, Philadelphia and its followers could face financial penalties for enacting gun-control measures that supersede state law. The bill, introduced in May by state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, would allow any gun owner challenging the local ordinances to collect attorneys' fees and damages from the city that passed the ordinance. The bill may come up for discussion and a vote Monday in the House Judiciary Committee. Discussion on the bill was postponed last week, after gun-control activists lobbied to oppose it. The issue is key in Philadelphia, where Mayor Nutter and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey blame gun violence for the city's murder spike - 85 percent of last year's 324 murder victims were shot, and Nutter last week announced $500 rewards to tipsters who out anyone with illegal guns. This bill sets the stage for a showdown between gun-rights supporters and illegal-gun foes like Nutter and Ramsey, who say that gun control is the city's best hope for reducing violence. The state and city long have wrestled in court over the city's right to enact gun-control laws. "We're against any measure that would inhibit the city's ability to seek legislative remedies in order to get perpetrators and their illegal guns off the streets of Philadelphia," said Mark McDonald, a Nutter spokesman. Today, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson plans to introduce a resolution urging the Judiciary Committee to reject the bill. Max Nacheman, director of CeaseFirePA, called the bill a bullying tactic aimed at reversing the local ordinances and crippling towns from clearing their streets of illegal guns. "These guns aren't coming off container ports at sea," Nacheman said. "These are guns that were all, at one point or another, bought legally. You can't lose a gun in a couch cushion like you can lose a TV remote." But supporters say that lost-and-stolen-gun reporting requirements penalize lawful gun owners and do little to affect illegal-gun trafficking. "You can't have a hodgepodge all over the state; it don't work that way," Caltagirone said. "If it's going to be done, it has to be done statewide." More than 350 firearms have been reported missing in Philly since 2008, when the city enacted its reporting law, police spokesman Lt. Ray Evers said. Evers could not provide similar data for firearms reported stolen.
Governor Corbett announces $31.5 million investment in recreation, conservation, community revitalization projects statewide
“The health and vitality of our communities is reflected in the quality of their parks and trails, access to rivers, open spaces and opportunities to be active outdoors,” Gov. Corbett said. “Through these grants, we’re able to fund hundreds of projects to help conserve and enhance our natural assets.” Corbett, joined by DCNR Secretary Rick Allan and Rep. Mike Vereb, said these investments include a $202,000 grant to Montgomery County for improvements to Upper Schuylkill Valley Park. The work will include providing better access for people with disabilities to the river and to fishing, which is important to the adjacent county geriatric center; along with a canoe/kayak launch area; trails to the existing wildlife exhibit area along the river; a new rustic picnic area with pavilion; new signage; native plantings; and enhanced parking. “We have a wealth of parks and forests and every citizen of this state lives within 25 miles of a state park, but we also know that community parks, with miles of trails and water and green spaces, play an important part of our lives and keep us connected to nature,” the governor said. “That’s what makes this series of grants so important.” The DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships grant program combines several funding sources into one grant program. Funding comes from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal funds. The grants will support a variety of proposals, including 43 trail projects; protecting 3,051 acres of open space; supporting 122 community parks; 12 river conservation projects; and 41 projects for regional and statewide heritage area, park, greenway and trail initiatives. “We at DCNR work every day to make connections between communities and citizens with outdoor recreation projects like this,” said Secretary Allan. “The thing that people want most is outdoor recreation close to their homes, whether its trails, whether it’s in a park or recreation facility near them, they want them close to their homes and their communities. Our community conservation partnership program grants allow us to work with communities and nonprofits in order to make these things work. “The grants provide for the funding, planning and acquisition of parks, trails and conservation areas. We make these investments because we know that these assets help keep families healthy and help keep us economically vibrant, with great places to live, work and play,” Allan said. DCNR has placed a stronger emphasis on encouraging projects that develop green and sustainable practices and has made a number of resources available at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/greening/greeninggrants.aspx. Some other funded projects include:
The department also has put a considerable effort into implementing trail-related recommendations from the statewide outdoor recreation plan, and many trail projects are being funded, including: $2.3 million for motorized trails for the opening of Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area in Northumberland County with an expected 200 miles of trails for off-road vehicles; and the acquisition of 1,200 acres for an off-highway vehicle park in Armstrong County. More than $2.3 million is being provided to Heritage Areas including: developing educational and interpretative signage for mobile devices; further development of the Mainline Canal Greenway and D&L and Schuylkill river trails; water trail enhancements, river town assessments; scenic byways; and to plan and market heritage tourism events. For a list of grants by county, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/index.aspx. Source: PA DCNR
Obama Administration Grabs for Broader Powers In a controversial new policy, the Obama Administration plans to broaden the reach of the already far reaching federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The new policy will make it easier to list more species of fish and wildlife as “endangered or threatened” and more broadly impose the ESA’s many restrictions. Greater limitations on fishing and hunting, wildlife management, and public land access are a likely result. The proposed policy, released on December 9 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), see http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-09/pdf/2011-31782.pdf which newly interprets an old statutory term in the ESA: “a significant portion of its range,” or SPR for short. Under the new interpretation, if a species is endangered or threatened in its SPR, it will be listed (and subject to the full range of ESA restrictions) in ALL areas where it is found even if not endangered or threatened in those other areas. The policy admits “we recognize this interpretation may lead to application of the protections of the Act in areas in which a species is not currently endangered or threatened with extinction, and in some circumstances may lead to the expenditure of resources without concomitant conservation benefits.” Furthermore, those federal agencies admit that “application of the draft policy would result in the Services listing and protecting throughout their ranges species that previously we would not have listed, or would have listed in only portions of their ranges.” Previously the SPR term had been regarded as a restriction on determining the existence of endangered or threatened species and the geographic scope of related ESA restrictions. In fact, when the original ESA was signed into law in 1973, that was precisely the meaning ascribed to SPR: “the term ‘significant portion of its range’ is used … to provide the Secretary with the authority to protect a [fish or wildlife] population [not the whole species] unique to some portion of the country.” The proposed Obama policy turns this intent on its head and recasts SPR as the basis for expanding species listings and the on-the-ground effect of such listings. What does this mean to anglers and hunters? U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is worried that it gives the anti-angling, anti-hunting animal rights lobby more ammunition to attack our community. For example, activists have been pushing hard to put sage grouse on the list of endangered or threatened species. If they can show that the grouse are “threatened” in one area (and it’s a “significant portion of its range”), then all of the grouse could be listed – and made off limits to hunting everywhere. Anglers could face similar restrictions – get a species listed because it is in trouble in one area, then it’s off-limits everywhere because “this interpretation may lead to application of the protections [and restrictions] of the Act in areas in which a species is not currently endangered or threatened.” Besides these threats – plainly stated in the proposed policy – new rounds of litigation impacting a wide variety of fish and wildlife species are almost guaranteed. The policy opines that “Congressional intent regarding the SPR phrase is unclear” and admits that court rulings interpreting the phrase are also inconsistent. The USFWS and NMFS are plowing ahead to twist and broaden the meaning of this phrase which will spawn litigation, create more costs to taxpayers, and open more opportunities for activists, including activist judges, to call the shots on fish and wildlife management. We shouldn’t be surprised by this action. Broader federal power, more regulations, hostility to state management of fish and wildlife, and a determination to spend more federal money (even where public benefits aren’t clear) have been hallmarks of the Obama Administration. Reinterpreting the ESA as part of its continuing federal power grab is just par for the course. USSA has carefully read 20 pages of Federal Register fine print and will be re-reading it again to see if there are any other buried regulatory “gotchas.” Public comments can be filed by February 7, 2012, and you can be sure we will be registering our strong opposition. Source: By Bill Horn, Director of Federal Affairs, USSA
PA House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Action Imminent
The PA House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote on two important pro-gun pieces of legislation up for a vote next week on January 24 House Bill 1668 is meant to address the weaknesses in Pennsylvania law regarding the transportation of firearms and the criteria for which has created many hardships for Pennsylvania gunowners. This bill was introduced by Rep. Tim Krieger who is to be commended for his willingness to take on this thorny social issue and try to resolve some of the mistakes that continue to plague citizens across this Commonwealth! FOAC will grade a vote in support of this legislation as pro-gun. We encourage all gunowners to take a long look at this and consider contacting their representatives!
House Bill 1523 was introduced by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe to address the issues that continue to result in violations of Pennsylvania’s preemption law that prohibits local communities from enacting their own gun laws. Since there appears to be an unwillingness by the district attorney's in the counties where these flagrant violations are occurring to hold accountable these local communities criminally as is provided for in the law, this legislation provides for the option to hold these communities and those who enact the laws civilly responsible by imposing financial penalties. Representative Daryl Metcalfe is to be commended for doggedly pursuing these local communities flagrant violations of the law and attempting to institute an appropriate remedial action option. FOAC will grade a vote in support of this legislation as pro-gun! We encourage all gunowners to take a long look at this legislation as well and consider contacting their representatives! Read About HB 1523 Here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1523 **Note Please focus your attention on your Representative (if he/she is a Judiciary Committee member) and then next on the Judiciary Committee members who have ‘not’ yet committed to this legislation. Thank you!!! ACSL, Legislative Committee, Chairman FOAC, Chairman PSA, Legislative Committee, Vice-Chairman
Please contact the PA House Judiciary Committee Members as listed below: House JUDICIARY Committee Representatives contact information
CCRKBA LAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF NATIONAL CONCEALED CARRY MEASURE The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms lauded today’s 272-154 majority vote by the House of Representatives on passage of H.R. 822, the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011. |
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