News stories and press releases on the oral arguments before the Supreme Court in the McDonald v. City of Chicago case.

House Bill 631 has a hearing tomorrow in the House State Affairs Committee and needs your support. HB 631 is designed to create an Idaho state law that meets the requirements set in the Federal NICS Improvement Act of 2007 to grant relief from mental health disabilities that prevent firearms ownership. State Representative Raul Labrador (R-14) has recognized the need for this relief and has taken on the tremendous task of sponsoring this highly important yet complex legislative issue.

Two bills of importance to Kentucky’s gun owners and sportsmen are currently on the move in Frankfort.

A federal judge has ruled that Tarrant County College violated the First Amendment rights of two students when it prohibited their attempts to stage empty holster protests last fall.

Sometimes, the most civil response is no response at all. That was the option Starbucks wisely chose when the company recently found itself in the middle of a confrontation between handgun opponents and "open carry" advocates.

More and more people across Michigan are carrying weapons. Clerks are reporting a huge jump in concealed weapons applications across the state. In 2001, Michigan passed a law making it easier to carry a concealed weapon and the numbers have been rapidly growing. Between 2007 and 2008, 26,500 people applied for a concealed weapons permit, in 2009 that jumped to 66,500.

The Missouri House has endorsed legislation lowering the minimum age for carrying concealed weapons to 21. This legislation would also cap the fee that sheriffs charge to existing concealed weapon permits.

Senate Bill 358 (SD1), introduced last year by State Senator Sam Slom (R-8), has been revived in the House Public Safety Committee by Chair Faye Hanohano (D-4) and is slated for a hearing on Thursday, March 18th at 9:00 a.m. Though imperfect, it is a step in the right direction for Hawaii’s gun-owners.

Senate Bill 515, introduced by State Senator Jeff Kessler (D-2), successfully passed through the West Virginia legislature and has been sent to Governor Joe Manchin (D) for his consideration. If signed by the Governor, the bill would make it a crime to knowingly solicit illegal gun sales, which would prevent New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's illegal sting operations. In addition to these protections, SB 515 would also provide a number of technical clean-ups that align West Virginia law more closely with Federal law. These clean-ups would help establish needed protection for West Virginia firearms owners. It is important that you contact Governor Manchin and respectfully urge him to support SB 515. Governor Manchin’s contact information is listed below. Governor Joe Manchin III (D) Phone: 1- (888) 438- 2731 Email: Governor@WVGov.org

Today, March 16, House File 2528 was introduced by the Iowa House and Senate Leadership. This NRA-backed bill would change Iowa from a "May-Issue" state to a "Shall-Issue" state. This legislation would require law enforcement to issue a permit to carry a concealed weapon to all applicants who meet the necessary criteria, without limiting them to narrowly-drawn disqualifiers.

House Bill 2347 currently is awaiting action in the House Committee of the Whole (COW) before it is taken up on the house floor for a Third and final reading. This could happen at any time so it is imperative that you continue to contact your State Representative.

On Thursday, March 18 at 1pm, State Representative Michael Paymar’s “Pet Protective Order Bill”, House File 1396, is scheduled to be heard in the House Public Safety Committee. This unnecessary and anti-gun bill is another of Representative Paymar’s personal attacks on Minnesota’s gun-owners. Conviction of violating a protective order, based on unjustified interference with, for example a gerbil, would result in an automatic three-year ban on handgun possession. Please contact members of the House Public Safety Committee and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE this blatant attack on our Second Amendment rights. Contact information for committee members can be found here.

On Wednesday, March 17 as early as 1:30pm, Idaho’s Hunter Privacy Bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Resources and Environment Committee. House Bill 531aa, sponsored by Representative Judy Boyle (R-Midvale), would amend Idaho’s existing law to limit public access to Fish and Game records of issued tags. HB 531aa would also prohibit future harassment, intimidation and threats relating to the lawful taking and control of fish and wildlife. As the law currently stands, any person or organization can contact Fish and Game and request the names of all people who have been issued tags and what type of hunting tag they have been issued.

On Wednesday, March 17, the Belle Meade Board of Commissioners will consider a proposed ordinance (Ordinance 2010-2) that would forbid any person with a handgun carry permit to carry within the city limits.

HCR 2008, Arizona’s Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment is scheduled to be heard on the House floor tomorrow, Wednesday, March 17. If HCR2008 passes this third and final reading, it will then be sent to the Senate for assignment.

The Legislature passed a measure Saturday that targets anyone who tries to entice a firearms dealer or private seller under circumstances that the individual knows is unlawful. The bill addresses a tactic employed by New York during stings conducted last year at seven guns shows in Tennessee, Ohio and Nevada.

A bill that would give gun buyers a break on the state's 6 percent sales tax passed quietly on the final day of the legislative session. Known as "The Second Amendment Appreciation Act," it creates an annual sales tax holiday on firearm purchases during the second weekend in October.

A lawmaker on Monday agreed to rework a bill intended to protect Alaskans who use deadly force in defending themselves or their property. Neuman, R Big Lake, said he wants Alaskans to know they have a right to protect themselves, and he wants to keep law abiding citizens from ending up in court justifying acts of self defense.

State lawmakers approved two measures Monday designed to give more power to hunters to protect their rights. Without debate, the House gave preliminary approval to a measure that would provide constitutional protection to the right to hunt. The measure is being pushed by the National Rifle Association.