U.S. Sen. Graham Introduces FFL Protection Act

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced the NSSF-supported S. 1788, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act this week, which would strengthen penalties for burglaries and robberies of federally-licensed firearms dealers. “I am proud to reintroduce this effort to make ‘smash-and-grabs’ more costly for criminals. I believe in responsible gun ownership – not criminals stealing firearms,” Sen. Graham said in a press release. The bill has 12 co-sponsors. NSSF’s Larry Keane thanked Sen. Graham in a press statement, noting “The Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act is a significant reinforcement of our federal laws to help deter both first-time and repeat violators and ensure those convicted of these crimes serve serious time.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) reported a 71 percent increase in the number of thefts from FFLs from 2013 through 2017, which peaked at 577 such crimes.

NSSF Brings ‘Don’t Lie’ Campaign to Detroit

NSSF’s Larry Keane kicked off a month-long awareness campaign warning would-be straw-purchasers “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy.” Keane was joined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Attorney’s Office, Michigan State Police, and sheriffs from Oakland, Wayne and Genesee Counties and Detroit Police Department. A press conference was held at Bass Pro Shops where it was noted that firearms retailers are the front line preventing straw purchases. The message of the month-long campaign warns that buying a firearm for someone who can’t pass a background check brings 10 years in jail and up to a $250,000 fine. Don’t Lie for the Other Guy® is funded by the firearms industry and conducted in partnership with the ATF. The ATF chose Detroit for this campaign, which has been done for 20 years.

Gov. Northam Sets July 9 for Special Gun Session

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced July 9 would begin a special General Assembly session to address gun control proposals in the wake of the murders of 12 in Virginia Beach. There is no determined length, structure or topics to be considered, as that will be determined by the House of Delegates and state Senate leaders, both of whom rejected Northam’s call to ban modern sporting rifles, standard capacity magazines, suppressors, reinstate a one-a-month gun purchase limit and criminalize private sales. The murderer in Virginia Beach passed background checks for both firearms he purchased and an additional two for the suppressor, which requires fingerprints submission and chief law enforcement officer notification. NSSF is already speaking with Virginia lawmakers to ensure the freedom to exercise Second Amendment rights is protected.

Delaware Gov. Signs Storage Law

Delaware Gov. John Carney signed a law expanding home storage requirements to add criminal penalties for firearms owners whose firearms are not made inaccessible to children or prohibited persons. Legislative language was improved to shift the burden of proof to the state from gun owners but doesn’t address the unique requirements each firearms owner must consider when safely storing firearms. This was the only gun control bill to reach the governor. NSSF opposed measures including bans on modern sporting rifles, standard capacity magazines and state training and permit requirements which failed. NSSF advocates for firearms safe storage and partners with 15,000 law enforcement agencies to distribute 38 million firearms safety kits including gun locks. Firearms owners should consider their specific needs, recognizing one-size-fits-all approaches are overly broad.

Vermont Gov. Rejects Waiting Periods

Vermont’s Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a gun control bill that would have mandated a 24-hour waiting period before a firearms transfer could be completed. Gun control advocates pushed for the legislation claiming it would deter suicide. Opponents including NSSF said the legislation doesn’t contribute to public safety, but infringes on Second Amendment rights. The legislation originally called for a 48-hour waiting period, but was narrowed and applied only to handguns when it was clear it wouldn’t pass the legislature. Gov. Scott said the legislature should focus instead on strengthening the state’s mental health system, reducing adverse childhood experiences, combatting addiction and improving economic opportunity.

Maine Legislators Protect Second Amendment

After an intense public relations push from anti-gunners (a visit from David Hogg) and other out of state groups, Maine legislators stood strong in protecting the rights of its citizens. The Maine House defeated (66-80 vote) LD 1099, a Universal Background Check bill that would have required background checks for private gun sales in the state. The bill was also defeated in the Senate by a 16-19 vote. This move preserves the vote of the citizens in the 2016 election who voted against question 3 (52-48) to mandate background checks. Also this week the legislature rejected a bill that would have created a minimum 72-hour waiting period for the purchase of a gun and another that would have required gun owners to use trigger locks or gun safes on firearms stored at home. Thank you to the Maine legislature in protecting the rights of its citizens.

N.H. Live Free or Die? Not Anymore

New Hampshire Democrats did not wait long to strip Granite State residents of their Second Amendment rights. N.H.’s House approved Senate changes to bills requiring background checks and waiting periods before commercial firearms sales. NSSF testified in opposition to both bills but they are now on their way to Gov. Chris Sununu’s desk. House Bill 109, a Universal Background Check bill, would require a background check for commercial firearms sales or transfers and establishes a criminal penalty for violating the provisions. The bill was approved by the House on a 196-161 vote. The second bill headed to the governor, House Bill 514, would establish a three-day waiting period (which could be up to six days) that an individual must wait in order to take physical possession of a firearm. It was approved on a 197-160 vote. NSSF urges all New Hampshire residents to contact Gov. Sununu’s office and urge him to veto these bills.