Category: Self Defense

SAF Sues Michigan Over Gun Grab

SAF Sues Michigan Agency Over Civil Rights Violations Against Foster Parents

The Second Amendment Foundation today filed a federal lawsuit against the head of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on behalf of four Michigan residents, alleging civil rights violations under color of law for enforcing restrictions on the Second Amendment rights of people who want to be foster or adoptive parents.

SAF is joined in the lawsuit by William and Jill Johnson and Brian and Naomi Mason. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, alleges that MDHHS caseworkers told Mr. Johnson, a 100-percent disabled Marine Corps veteran who sought custody of his grandson that he would have to give the agency the serial numbers of all of his firearms. When he questioned this, the caseworkers allegedly told him, “If you want to care for your grandson you will have to give up some of your constitutional rights.” This was after the state asked the Johnsons to be foster parents to their grandson.

Two weeks later, the lawsuit alleges, a Gogebic County Court judge told the Johnsons that if they wanted their grandson placed in their care, “We know we are violating numerous constitutional rights here, but if you do not comply, we will remove the boy from your home.” Read more

Self Defense

D.C. Personal Protection Reciprocity Act Introduced

GW:  Wow!  Look how quickly they’ve swung into action to save their own hides.  Just don’t forget about us everday-Americans!

Washington, D.C – Today, Congressman Thomas Massie, Chairman of the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus, introduced H.R 2909, the D.C Personal Protection Reciprocity Act. This legislation would allow individuals with a valid concealed carry permit issued from their home state to carry their firearms in the District of Columbia.

“After the horrific shooting at the Republican Congressional Baseball practice, there will likely be calls for special privileges to protect politicians,” Congressman Massie explained. “Our reaction should instead be to protect the right of all citizens guaranteed in the Constitution: the right to self-defense. I do not want to extend a special privilege to politicians, because the right to keep and bear arms is not a privilege, it is a God-given right protected by our Constitution.”

“If not for the heroic efforts of the United States Capitol Police at the ball field yesterday, things could have been much worse. What’s always evident in these situations is this: the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.

“To ensure public safety, we need to repeal laws that keep good guys from carrying guns, since not everyone has a personal police detail,” stated Congressman Massie. “The right to keep and bear arms is the common person’s first line of defense in these situations, and it should never be denied.” Read more

Self Defense

Michigan Constitutional Carry Approved by House

The constitutional concealed carry bills shot through the full Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday, a week after they were approved by the House Judiciary Committee. The legislation, House Bills 4416-4419, received bi-partisan support, each passing with between 4-6 more votes than necessary for a majority.

 

Reps. John Chirkun (D-Roseville), Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) and Phil Phelps (D-Flushing) joined most Republicans in supporting the bills. Among Republicans, Reps. Chris Afendoulis (R-Grand Rapids Twp.), Martin Howrylak (R-Troy), David MATUREN (R-Brady Twp.), Michael McCready (R-Bloomfield Hills), Dave Pagel (R-Berrien Springs), and Rob Verheulen (R-Walker) voted against some or all of the bills. Many thanks to all of you who contacted your state representative in support of removing this barrier to self defense rights. Our grassroots lobbying paid off!
The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration. A reminder that these bills are not yet law and carrying concealed without a license is still a felony in Michigan. Due to the extra benefits that a concealed pistol license provides including an exemption from MCL 750.234d gun free zones, out-of-state reciprocity, the ability to borrow a pistol from another person, and the ability to by-pass purchase permits for private party pistol purchases, CPL holders with licenses expiring this year should renew regardless of the forward progress of this legislation.
Self Defense

USCCA President on Terror and the Gun Debate

U.S. Concealed Carry Association President: “London Terror Attacks SHOULD Spark Gun Debate”
Asks Why National Media Isn’t Focusing On Failed Anti-Gun Laws in Europe, Elsewhere

Tim Schmidt, President & Founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, Available for Commentary

In the aftermath of this past weekend’s terrorist attacks in London, some in the national media and anti-Second Amendment community criticized President Donald Trump for rightly observing that they did not immediately spark a renewed debate over gun control because the attackers did not use guns. But Tim Schmidt, President & Founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, said today that the President’s observation was the correct one and that the recent terrorist attacks in London, Paris and elsewhere SHOULD bring the issue of failed gun control laws to the forefront including the inability of citizens in many countries to adequately protect themselves. Read more

Gun Control, Self Defense

Michigan Constitutional Carry Wins Committee Approval

This past Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee approved constitutional concealed carry legislation on a party line vote of 6-4. The bills now go to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Timing on a vote is unpredictable.
One important change was made in committee. Both concealed pistol license holders and people carrying without a license would be required to disclose “upon request” of a peace officer. This would eliminate the current requirement for CPL holders to provide immediate disclosure but adds a disclosure requirement for carry without a license. The change was made at the request of the Michigan State Police.
A Democratic amendment to disqualify people from constitutional concealed carry if they would not qualify for a concealed pistol license was defeated due to the burden it would impose on law enforcement. Also defeated was a Democratic amendment to impose a mandatory training requirement for constitutional carry as it would be very difficult to enforce without a license.
CPL holders would continue to enjoy the additional benefits not provided to unlicensed individuals. It is our expectation that most CPL holders would wish to retain and renew their concealed pistol licenses once the legislation becomes law rather than engaging in unlicensed carry. The additional benefits a CPL provides would likely result in an increase in the number of people seeking training and a license in the future as interest in concealed carry increases. This is the result that has been experienced in other states that have adopted constitutional carry. Counterintuitively, not mandating training results in more people pursuing it.
It is time to contact your state representative on these bills.  You can find your state representative HERE. Please ask them to support House Bills 4416-4419.
Self Defense

National Rifle Association Launches NRA Carry Guard

ATLANTA – On Monday, the National Rifle Association of America announced the launch of NRA Carry Guard, a program created to provide America’s most comprehensive insurance and legal coverage, as well as best-in-class training for those who carry a gun. NRA Carry Guard members can access many great benefits including legal assistance and the ability to select their own counsel, as well as immediate access as needed to supplementary payments for bail, legal retainer fees, compensation while in court and more. NRA Carry Guard is the only membership program for self-defense insurance and training developed and supported by the National Rifle Association, representing the next evolution in freedom’s defense from the most powerful civil rights organization in American history. Read more

Self Defense

MCRGO’s 2017-2018 Legislative Agenda

 
Following the passage of concealed pistol reform sponsored by Sen. Mike Green (R-Mayville) and spearheaded by MCRGO in early 2015, the past two years have been relatively quiet. That is about the change with some major changes on the agenda for this legislative session. Note that the legislative process is very unpredictable and it is impossible to provide an accurate prediction on when or if these bills will pass and be signed into law. Similarly, Snyder, like most governors, often does not indicate in advance whether he will sign or veto legislation.
Constitutional Concealed Carry:  This is the big goal for many gun owners. Two constitutional concealed carry packages have been introduced in the House so far and a third is expected. The legislation would eliminate the need to have a license to carry concealed in Michigan while retaining Michigan’s existing CPL for reciprocity and other benefits. A growing number of states are adopting constitutional concealed carry and seeing positive results including a decrease in crime and an increase in people taking non-mandatory training.
Pistol Free Zones:  Legislation is expected to be introduced shortly in the Senate which would repeal many of Michigan’s pistol free zones.
Registration:  Of all the major firearms bills on the horizon, upcoming House legislation to eliminate mandatory pistol registration has the best prospects. Michigan is one of only a handful of states that requires pistol registration. Michigan’s existing system is in disarray.
Young Adult Concealed Carry:  Legislation separate from constitutional concealed carry will be introduced shortly in the House which would allow 18-20 year olds to obtain a provisional concealed pistol license.  Because of the provisional nature of the license, it would not impact reciprocity agreements with other states.
Preemption Enforcement:  While a difficult battle is expected with lobbyists representing local government interests, MCRGO supports a re-introduction of legislation from last session which would strengthen the enforcement of preemption.
Online CPL Renewal:  Concealed pistol reform includes a requirement that the Michigan State Police offer on-line renewal of concealed pistol licenses by 2018.  Technical legislation which would allow this to happen has nearly completed its journey through the legislative process and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Snyder later this spring.

 
Firearms, Self Defense

Civil Rights Groups Threaten Philadelphia, Other Cities With 2A Litigation over Tasers, Electronic Arms

SACRAMENTO, CA — Yesterday, attorneys for civil rights advocacy organizations Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and Firearms Policy Foundation (FPF) sent legal letters to the cities of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Tacoma, Washington; and Wilmington, Delaware demanding that they repeal their respective bans on electronic arms or face federal Second Amendment litigation. Last week, a demand was sent to the City of Westminster, Maryland, regarding its ban.

The Philadelphia Code § 10-825 states that no “person shall own, use, possess, sell or otherwise transfer any ‘stun gun’,” making a violation of the law subject to a fine of up to $300 “and/or imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days.”

“The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms, not only the right to keep and bear firearms,” explained attorney Stephen D. Stamboulieh in the letters. Read more

Self Defense

Michigan Constitutional Concealed Carry Bills Introduced

The text for House Bill 4416, the main bill in the constitutional concealed carry package introduced this past week in the Michigan House of Representatives can be found HERE. The bill is straightforward. It simply repeals the requirement to have a license to carry concealed in Michigan. It does not address pistol free zones or registration. We anticipate future bills on those issues this legislative session.

Article 1, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution states that “Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state.” Currently that constitutional right only protects open carry. A license is required in Michigan to carry concealed. HB 4416 would treat concealed carry the same way open carry is today. Michigan Concealed Pistol Licenses would still be available for those who want them for other reasons such as out-of-state carry with reciprocity, etc.
While MCRGO’s board has yet to take a position on these brand new bills, the board has voted to support the concept of constitutional concealed carry. Despite the “blood in the streets” fears, there is no evidence in states that have already adopted constitutional concealed carry that there has been an increase in the number of unjustified shootings as a percentage of the total number of people carrying outside the home. By helping to increase the number of people carrying legally for self defense, constitutional concealed carry could contribute to fewer violent crimes in our state. Read more
Self Defense

National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill Introduced in Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has introduced the NSSF-supported Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (S.446), a companion to the House of Representatives bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.). The proposed legislation, with 30 co-sponsors, would compel states to recognize concealed carry permits issued from other states that have concealed carry laws within their own borders – much in the same way a driver’s license is recognized. The bill aims to eliminate the confusion of varying state-by-state laws and provide protection for Second Amendment rights for permit holders.

“This bill strengthens both the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and the power of states to implement laws best-suited for the folks who live there,” Sen. Cornyn said. “This legislation is an important affirmation of our Second Amendment rights and has been a top priority of law-abiding gun owners in Texas for a long time.” Read more

Firearms, Gun Control, Self Defense
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