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State Gun Laws

Good News from the States

New Jersey (06/26/2009): â€œOne-Handgun-A-Monthâ€ Goes to Governor!
Just after midnight last night, the New Jersey State Senate approved S. 1774, a life-saving bill aimed at stopping gun trafficking. The bill would limit the purchase of handguns to one a month per person, effectively putting gun traffickers out of business. The final vote tally in the 40 member body was 21-15. The State Assembly passed the same bill just over a year ago. The bill now goes to Gov. Corzine who is expected to sign it.

Texas (06/26/2009): Gov. Perry Signs the NICS Improvement Bill Into Law!
Gov. Rick Perry of Texas signed into law the NICS Improvement bill, HB 3352.This will require Texas to enter the names of those adjudicated mentally ill into the background check system for gun purchases, which would block gun sales to those who a court says could be a danger to themselves or others.

Pennsylvania (06/09/2009): Lancaster Becomes Eighth PA City to Pass Anti-Trafficking Law
Tonight, the Lancaster City Council voted unanimously to pass a law requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to the police. This measure will remove a commonly used alibi employed by gun traffickers and help get illegal guns off the streets. Lancaster joins Wilkinsburg, Allentown, Pottsville, Reading, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh to become the eighth municipality in Pennsylvania to pass the requirement.

Texas (06/01/2009): Guns on Campus Bill in Texas Dies
With the adjournment of the Texas legislature, both the "Guns on Campus" and "Guns in the Workplace" bills are dead. This year 11 states have now defeated the NRA-sponsored Guns on Campus legislation.

Texas (06/01/2009): NICS Improvement Bill Passes Texas Legislature
Our priority bill to block mentally ill people from buying firearms passed the legislature and is now on Gov. Perry's desk. The Governor has until June 21st to sign or veto the bill.

Louisiana (05/28/2009): Guns on Campus Bill Dies in the House
Earlier this evening HB 27, the Louisiana Guns on Campus bill, was smashed by a vote of 18-86 in the Louisiana House. Ten states have defeated the NRA's top priority guns on campus legislation so far this year.

Maryland (05/19/2009): Gov. O' Malley Signs Legislation to Disarm Domestic Abusers
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley today signed two bills into law ensuring the removal of firearms from the possession of domestic abusers. The new laws grant judges the authority to confiscate guns from the subjects of temporary protective orders, and require judges to do so in the case of final protective orders. The Governor made passage of these bills a top priority in this legislative session and both received strong bipartisan support.

Colorado (05/15/2009): Gov. Ritter Vetoes Gun Lobby Bill
Gov. Ritter vetoed bad legislation, HB 1180, that would have undermined Colorado's gun show loophole law that voters overwhelmingly passed in 2000 with 70% of the vote. The bill would have exempted concealed carry permit holders from a Brady background check at guns stores and gun shows.

Missouri (05/15/2009): Two NRA Endorsed Bills Fail
Both "Guns on Campus" and "Guns in the Workplace" bills died.

Alabama (05/15/2009): Two NRA Endorsed Bills Rejected
Both "Guns on Campus" and "Guns in the Workplace" bills were rejected.

Minnesota (05/15/2009): Legislature Passes Bill to Block Gun Purchases of Adjudicated Mentally Ill
Important legislation, SF 722, to help ensure that people who are adjudicated mentally ill donâ€™t gain easy access to guns overwhelmingly passed the Minnesota legislature and is now on Governor Pawlenty's desk.

Washington (04/30/2009): Gov. Gregoire Signs Bill to Block Gun Purchases of Adjudicated Mentally Ill
HB 1498 will help ensure that people who are adjudicated mentally ill donâ€™t gain easy access to guns. The new law will require the state to enter more names of those adjudicated mentally ill into the background check system used for gun purchases.

North Carolina (04/24/2009): Repeal of "Permit to Purchase Law" Pulled from Consideration
SB 782 was pulled from scheduled consideration in the Senate Commerce Committee. SB 782 would have repealed the "permit to purchase" requirement from their local sheriff. The North Carolina Sheriffs' Association (NCSA) are in opposition to the bill.

Texas (04/16/2009): College Students and Advocates Rally Against Guns on Campus
Hundreds of students walked out of their classrooms at the University of Texas to protest dangerous legislation, HB 1893, that would force guns on college and university campuses throughout the state. The students and hundreds of other advocates, parents, faculty and concerned citizens then gathered at the steps of the State Capitol in Austin to call upon legislators to reject the Guns on Campus bill.

Washington (04/13/2009): State Senate Passes Important Bill
HB 1498, a bill that will upload more disqualifying mental illness records into the NICS system passed the State Senate by a vote of 39-1 and now heads to Gov. Gregoire's desk. The Governor has pledged to sign the bill.

North Dakota (04/10/2009): Guns on Campus Bill Voted Down.
The North Dakota State Senate rejected the gun lobby's attempt to force college and university campuses to allow loaded guns on campus. Six NRA "A-rated" State Senators voted against this measure.

Virginia (04/09/2009): Virginia Senate Upholds Gov. Kaine's Vetoes of Dangerous Gun Bills
The Virginia State Senate voted to sustain Gov. Kaine's veto of a bill that would have allowed concealed weapons permit holders to carry guns into bars. The Senate also sustained vetoes of a bill that sought to effectively end gun buyback programs, and one to create additional exemptions to the state's one handgun per month law.

Maryland (04/04/2009): Maryland Passes Legislation to Disarm Domestic Abusers
The Maryland General Assembly overwhelmingly passed two measures aimed at removing firearms from the possession of domestic abusers. The legislation grants judges the authority to confiscate guns from the subjects of temporary protective orders, and requires judges to do so in the case of final protective orders. The bills were pushed strongly by Gov. O'Malley who is expected to sign them into law.

Tennessee (04/01/2009): Guns on Campus bill fails in Legislature
Guns on Campus bill fails in Legislature: HB 798, a bill to force loaded guns onto college and university campuses failed to pass in the House Criminal Practice Subcommittee. There are other Guns on Campus bills pending in the state legislature that we will continue to watch.

(03/16/2009): States Battle Over Guns On Campus
States across the country are thwarting attempts by the gun lobby to force colleges and universities to allow loaded, hidden guns on campus. This exceptional bi-partisan effort, coupled with support from law enforcement, university administrators and the education community, has already suppressed this type of dangerous legislation in Arkansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Virginia.

As the gun lobby continues to brazenly march this reckless type of legislation around the country, we will continue to urge legislatures to defeat it every step of the way.

Arkansas (02/26/2009): Bill That Would Allow Guns in Churches Fails in State Senate
A bill that would have forced Arkansas churches to allow their attendees to carry loaded, hidden handguns failed in the Arkansas Senate.

The proposal to amend the state's concealed-weapons law to remove "any church or other place of worship" from a list of places where firearms are banned failed by a voice vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Oklahoma (02/12/2009): Bill to Carry Guns in Oklahoma Campuses Killed in the Senate
Today, a bill to permit guns to be carried on college campuses in Oklahoma died in a Senate Education Budget Subcommittee.

Defeat of the measure in the Subcommittee means the issue is dead for the year.

New Jersey (02/05/2009): Governor Signs Assault Weapons Bill
Representatives from the New Jersey Million Mom March chapters and Ceasefire NJ attended a ceremony today as Governor Corzine signed legislation cracking down on machine gun and assault weapons possession. The law increases penalties for possession and passed through the legislature with overwhelming support.

Virginia (02/05/2009): Gun Show Loophole Bill Stalls
SB 1257, a bill to close the state's gun show loophole, fell just two votes short of final passage on the Senate floor. A major lobbying push led by advocates including survivors of the Virginia Tech tragedy brought the bill further than most had predicted.

Virginia (01/26/2009): Gun Show Loophole Bill Heads to Senate Floor due largely to a heavy lobbying push from advocates and activists
SB 1257, a bill to close the state's gun show loophole, passed the Senate Courts of Justice Committee today by a single vote. Two committee members who opposed the same bill last year changed their votes to "aye" under overwhelming pressure from advocates. The bill now heads to the full Senate for a vote expected as early as Wednesday, January 28.

New Jersey (12/08/2008): â€œOne-Gun-A-Monthâ€ Bill Heads to New Jersey Senate
Today, the New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee approved S. 1774, a life-saving bill aimed at stopping gun trafficking. The bill would limit the purchase of handguns to one a month per person, effectively putting gun traffickers out of business. The bill now moves to the full Senate where a vote could come soon.

New York (11/05/2008): Democrats Take Control of the New York State Senate
For the first time since 1964, Democrats have taken control of the New York State Senate. In a major upset, two New York State Senate challengers endorsed by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence defeated long-term NRA-backed incumbents. For the past decade, the State Senate leadership has kept common-sense gun legislation bottled-up in committee and has not allowed votes or even hearings on important bills. The New York State Assembly, in contrast, has passed strong legislation, including 'microstamping' and improved gun dealer regulations. The new Senate leadership promises to be friendlier to the cause of gun violence prevention.

Illinois (11/05/2008): Brady-endorsed State Senator John Cullerton Elected as the new State Senate President in Illinois
Brady-endorsed State Senator John Cullerton was elected as the new State Senate President in Illinois. Sen. Cullerton beat out an NRA A-rated Senator. Advocates will make a strong push for sensible gun laws in the 2009 legislative session.

Wisconsin (11/05/2008): The NRA Loses Big Time in Wisconsin as Democrats Take State Assembly
The NRA took a hit on Election Day when the Democrats took control of the State Assembly for the first time since 1994. With Democrats in control, voters proved to the gun lobby that their scare tactics aren't working.

California (08/14/2008): Assembly Passes Bill to Keep Loaded Guns Out of Cars!
A top priority bill, SB 1171, passed the California Assembly by a vote of 45-32. This legislation would prohibit a person from carrying a loaded firearm in a car on any public street or highway in California. Loaded guns in cars put other drivers and our police officers in danger. The bill now moves to the Senate for a concurrence vote.

Maryland (08/11/2008): Bill to Reduce Gun Trafficking Passes in Baltimore City Council!
The Baltimore City Council approved legislation that would force individuals to report the loss or theft of their firearm to the Baltimore City Police within 48 hours. This bill will strike at the core of the gun trafficking issue in Baltimore by requiring the reporting of all lost and stolen firearms to the police. Illegal gun traffickers will now be held responsible in Baltimore when their guns are used in crimes and they no longer can claim that the gun was "lost" or "stolen". The bill now moves to the Mayor's desk where she is expected to sign the bill into law.

North Carolina (08/10/2008): Governor Signs Bill to Close a Critical Loophole!
Today North Carolina Governor Mike Easley signed into law SB 2081 a bill to close a loophole in North Carolina's gun laws. This life-saving legislation authorizes North Carolina to report individuals who have been adjudicated dangerously mentally ill, or who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

(08/06/2008): States Resoundingly Defeat Guns On Campus Legislation!
States across the country have thwarted attempts by the gun lobby to force colleges and universities to allow loaded, hidden guns on campus. This exceptional bi-partisan effort, coupled with support from law enforcement, university administrators and the education community, has already defeated this type of dangerous legislation in 15 states.

As the gun lobby continues to brazenly march this reckless type of legislation around the country, we will continue to urge legislatures to defeat it every step of the way.

New York (08/05/2008): Governor Signs NICS Improvement Bill!
Today Governor Paterson signed into law SB 8706, a bill that will prompt the state to begin reporting mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Prior to the bill's passage New York had reported almost no mental health records to the NICS system. Closing this loophole will ensure that people who have been adjudicated dangerously mentally ill, or who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution will not be able to buy firearms.

California (08/04/2008): Sacramento Ordinance to Reduce Illegal Gun Trafficking a Resounding Success!
An ammunition ordinance unanimously passed by the Sacramento City Council last year to improve public safety and aid law enforcement's ability to investigate gun crimes has been extremely effective! The city ordinance requires ammunition vendors to maintain records of ammunition sales in order to reduce illegal ammunition purchases within the City of Sacramento. The ammunition logs are used to identify prohibited possessors â€“ the police get warrants and go to the homes, where they are finding stockpiles of weapons. Many of these prohibited persons have felony convictions.

North Carolina (07/21/2008): Bill to Close a Critical Loophole Moves to Governor
The North Carolina State House unanimously passed SB 2081 to close a loophole in North Carolina's gun laws. This life-saving legislation authorizes North Carolina to report individuals who have been adjudicated dangerously mentally ill, or who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The bill moves to the Governor's desk and he is expected to sign it into law.

Arizona (07/11/2008): Governor Vetoes Dangerous Gun Bill!
Governor Janet Napolitano today vetoed a bill, HB 2389, that would have allowed virtually anyone to carry loaded hidden handguns on various modes of transportation, without a permit. The bill also would have endangered public safety by stripping out the requirement for gun owners to undergo a firearms safety training program prior to carrying a loaded, hidden handgun on different forms of transportation. The Governor should also be lauded for making a common sense decision to veto earlier legislation (HB2630) to lower the penalty for carrying a firearm without a permit to a petty offense. She also vetoed legislation (SB1106)to allow lifetime concealed carry permit bill.

North Carolina (07/10/2008): Senate Passes Bill to Close a Critical Loophole
The North Carolina State Senate passed SB 2081 to close a loophole in North Carolina's gun laws. This life-saving legislation authorizes North Carolina to report individuals who have been adjudicated dangerously mentally ill, or who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The bill moves next to the State House.

California (06/24/2008): Senate Committee Passes "Owner Authorized" Handgun Bill!
A top priority bill, AB 2235, passed the Senate Public Safety by a vote of 3-2. This bill would require new handguns to have features like fingerprint or grip recognition so that only an authorized user can fire the gun. "Owner Authorized" handguns will help reduce injuries, homicides, suicides, school shootings, and accidental shootings in California. The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

New York (06/24/2008): Legislature Passes NICS Improvement Bill!
After several rounds of negotiations with Governor Paterson, the state Senate and Assembly passed SB 8706, a bill that will prompt the state to begin reporting mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Prior to the bill's passage New York had reported almost no mental health records to the NICS system. Closing this loophole will ensure that people who have been adjudicated dangerously mentally ill, or who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution will not be able to buy firearms.

New Jersey (06/23/2008): One-Handgun-Per-Month Bill Passes State Assembly!
Today, the New Jersey State Assembly passed AB 339, a life-saving bill that will keep illegal guns off our streets and out of the hands of dangerous criminals. AB 339 will stop the bulk sales of handguns by limiting handgun purchases to one per month and put illegal gun traffickers out of business. The bill now moves to the New Jersey Senate.

California (06/17/2008): Ammunition Regulation Bill Passes Senate Committee
Today, a top priority bill, AB 2062, to regulate ammunition sellers passed Senate Public Safety Committee by a vote of 3-2. This bill would ensure that criminals, gang members, and kids no longer have such easy access to handgun ammunition. Bullets are ending up in guns and in the wrong hands across California and there are currently no regulations on sellers of handgun ammunition. The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

North Carolina (06/12/2008): Senate Committee Passes Bill to Close a Critical Loophole
The North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee passed today SB 2081 to close a loophole in North Carolina's gun laws. This life-saving legislation authorizes North Carolina to report individuals who have been adjudicated dangerously mentally ill, or who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The bill moves next will move to the full Senate.

California (05/28/2008): Assembly Passes "Owner Authorized" Handgun Bill!
A top priority bill, AB 2235, passed the Assembly by a vote of 43-33. This bill would require new handguns to have features like fingerprint or grip recognition so that only an authorized user can fire the gun. "Owner Authorized" handguns will help reduce injuries, homicides, suicides, school shootings, and accidental shootings in California. The bill now moves to the Senate Public Safety Committee.

New York (05/19/2008): Microstamping Demonstration a Huge Success!
Advocates conducted a successful "live-fire" microstamping demonstration at the State Police Academy in Albany, today. Microstamping technology will provide law enforcement with a vital tool to track down criminals by linking codes marked onto shell casings found at crime scenes to the individual semi-automatic handguns from which they were fired. The demonstration, held for legislators, law enforcement, and media, was another shining example of this proven technology. The New York State Chiefs of Police Association announced their endorsement of microstamping at a press conference following the demonstration. AB 9819, a bill to make microstamping a reality in New York, passed the Assembly and is pending in the State Senate.

(05/01/2008): Push For Sensible Gun Laws Growing At State Level
Tremendous progress is being made at the state level as more and more states are calling for more common sense gun laws to be enacted. A feature article in the New York Times focused how state legislatures are considering measures to reduce gun violence. Common sense gun laws work and now more states are working to pass such measures.

Arizona (04/29/2008): Two Bad Gun Bills Defeated!
Governor Janet Napolitano today vetoed a bill, HB 2630, that would have minimized the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a concealed carry permit to such a point that it would have made obtaining a permit almost irrelevant. The Governor should be lauded for making a common sense decision to veto this bill. After defeating a Guns on Campus bill, SB 1214, the Arizona legislature scuttled further attempts to attach similar language as amendments to other pieces of legislation. The legislature adjourned and the Guns on Campus measure in Arizona has been killed for the year.

Iowa (04/26/2008): State Maintains Police Discretion Status for CCW Permits
A bill to take away discretion from law enforcement when issuing concealed-carry permits was defeated when the Iowa legislature adjourned for the year. The bill, HF 2613, would have altered Iowa's status from a "may-issue" state to a "shall-issue" state. The bill would have forced law enforcement to award a concealed-carry permit to anyone who meets certain minimal criteria.

California (04/15/2008): "Owner Authorized" Handgun Bill Passes Assembly Committee!
A top priority bill, AB 2235, passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee by a vote of 4-2. This bill would require new handguns to have fingerprint or grip recognition so that only an authorized user can fire the gun. "Owner Authorized" handguns will help reduce injuries, homicides, suicides, school shootings, and accidental shootings in California.

New York (04/14/2008): State Assembly Passes Microstamping and Other Important Gun Bills
In action set to coincide with New Yorker's Against Gun Violence's 12th Annual Lobby Day, the New York State Assembly passed an impressive package of gun violence prevention legislation today. Included in the package was a bill that would require that all new semi-automatic handguns sold in the state feature microstamping technology, and a bill to make it easier for the state to crack down on corrupt gun dealers. The bills now move to the State Senate.

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