Pa. House expands votes to expand gun rights, Megan's Law

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) - The state House of Representatives has sent to Gov. Ed Rendell legislation that would broaden the self-defense rights of gun owners.

The legislation removes the language in Pennsylvania's so-called "castle doctrine" that requires a "duty of retreat" before using deadly force when threatened by an attacker or intruder.

Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, said the new language would give residents the right to defend themselves and their families when they are under attack anywhere they are legally allowed to be; including their yard, their car, and their place of work.

The legislation would also give immunity from civil lawsuits to people who legally use force in self-defense.

The "castle doctrine" legislation is an amendment to a bill that would require convicted sex offenders who are homeless to register with state police under Megan's Law, and report in person to state police on a weekly basis until they have a home.

The state Superior Court has twice ruled that the penalty provisions in Megan's Law for failing to register cannot be applied to a person who is homeless.

By: WSPA-27 Lancaster

Texas Legislature to Consider Firearms freedom Act

As Texas prepares for the convening of the 82nd Legislature on January 11, several important bills pertaining to the right of Texans to keep and bear arms will come under consideration. Among the gun rights-related bills is HB 145, which was introduced by Rep. Jodie Laubenberg (R-Dist. 89). If HB 145 becomes law, Texas would become the latest state to join the ranks of those which have adopted a Firearms Freedom Act.

As reported previously for The New American, Texas has considered similar legislation in the past. The 81st Legislature considered HB 1863, “Relating to exempting the intrastate manufacture of a firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition from federal regulation.” As Alex Newman wrote for The New American:

Following Montana’s lead, the Lone Star State has introduced a bill in the legislature challenging federal authority to regulate guns under the interstate commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. Under the proposed legislation, firearms and ammunition produced in Texas for use in the state would be exempt from federal laws and regulation.

The bill’s sponsors say it is more about defending states’ rights and sovereignty from an over-reaching federal government than about guns. "I think states have got to stand up or else most of their rights are going to be buffaloed by the administration and by Congress," said Republican Texas state Rep. Leo Berman, one of the bill’s chief sponsors. "It deals with firearms and ammunition, which raises eyebrows, but it's more of a 10th Amendment bill than a Second Amendment bill," added Andy Kuchera, his legislative director. "Sovereignty is a big issue right now."

By: James Heiser, The New American

NJ Politicians Demand of Lists of Gun Owners & NRA Members Passes Committee

Charlotte, NC --On Monday, November 15, the New Jersey State Government, Wagering and Tourism Committee approved S2379 by a 3 to 1 vote.

Introduced by State Senator’s Barbara Buono (D-18) and Loretta Weinberg (D-37), this legislation would require organizations such as the NRA and the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC), to send information regarding their contributions to the government.

Specifically, S2379 would mandate that any “issue advocacy organization” classified under IRS Code as a 501(C)(3), 501(C)(4) or 527 that engages in the election or defeat of any person to state or local elective office; the passage or defeat of any public question; or that provides political information on any candidate, submit the names and addresses of contributors and their employers to the Election Law Enforcement Commission.

At this time, S2379 has yet to be scheduled for debate on the Senate floor, so please continue to check your email and www.NRAILA.org for any new developments.

In the mean time, please begin contacting your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to oppose S2379!

By: Ammoland.com