NSSF in Pro-Hunting Coalition Response to HSUS Petition

NSSF is one of more than 30 organizations representing the nation's hunters, natural resources professionals and shooting sports groups that have jointly sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewel in response to a petition from the anti-hunting Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and other groups that seek a ruling to ban the use of traditional ammunition on much of the country's public lands.

The letter notes that the petition is not backed by legitimate science supporting any conclusion that traditional ammunition has resulted in negative wildlife population effects. NSSF again urges sportsmen to call the Interior Department and urge rejection of the petition. See the NSSF Grassroots Action Alert.

 

Firearms Retailers off 'Operation Choke Point' Watch List

In a matter closely watched by NSSF, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) this week reported that firearms retailers are no longer on a watch list of businesses deemed "high risk" after withdrawing the list it had compiled of businesses that could be considered at higher risk for fraud, without showing any actual violation of law, as part of the Department of Justice's "Operation Choke Point."

An FDIC spokesman publicly blamed "misunderstandings" and "misinterpretations" and said the agency never meant to prevent banks from conducting transactions or providing services to the types of businesses on its list. Importantly, the agency issued revised guidance that focused on third party payment processors but also noted more broadly that, "It is the FDIC's policy that insured institutions (banks) that properly manage customer relationships are neither prohibited nor discouraged from providing services to any customer operating in compliance with applicable law."

As previously reported, NSSF has been closely monitoring U.S. House of Representatives investigations into "Operation Choke Point" and its effects on industry members. Financial Services Oversight Committee staff told NSSF this week that they will seek to ensure the revised FDIC guidance is followed, noting the vast majority of the regulatory workforce is based around the country, not in Washington, so Congress must continue its ongoing oversight. NSSF will continue to report on developments.

 

Massachusetts Gun Legislation with FixNICS Heads to Governor's Desk

After weeks of debate in both chambers, the Massachusetts General Assembly very early this morning approved a package of firearms legislation, including NSSF-supported provisions to mandate reporting of all appropriate records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The action came as the official legislative session came to a close. H.4376 was released from the conference committee late Wednesday night after nearly a week and a half of negotiations. The bill was a negotiated version of both the House and Senate versions and now heads to Governor Deval Patrick's desk to await his signature.

NSSF had testified in favor of the FixNICS provisions and had worked closely with legislative leadership throughout the session. Massachusetts was a priority state in NSSF's FixNICS initiative. Many of the most onerous sections of the bill affecting the industry were not included in the final version that achieved passage. Read a news account.

 

Judge Temporarily Stays His Order Striking Down DC Gun Carry Ban

Two days after striking down the District of Columbia's long-standing total ban on carrying handguns in public, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia at the request of the city this week agreed to temporarily halt immediate implementation of its ruling. According to the court's order, the District now has 90 days, or until Oct. 22, in which to write new law that is consistent with the ruling. The court will decide in late August whether to grant the District's request to extend the stay even longer pending possible appeal of the decision.

 

Young Mother's Arrest Helps Illustrate Growing Gun Owner Diversity

After her Philadelphia home was robbed twice within one year, Shaneen Allen, a young mother of two, decided it was in her family's best interest that she buy a gun for protection. She did not, however, take the necessary notice of the disparity in laws between her home state and neighboring New Jersey, where she was arrested for having the firearm she owned legally in Pennsylvania. The number of women purchasing guns has been on the rise. More often than not, they are citing self-defense as their motivation. Read the NSSF's Larry Keane's blog post on the growing diversity of the gun-owning public.

 

New Mexico Appellate Court Dismisses Suit Against Savage Arms

A New Mexico state appellate court has dismissed a negligence and wrongful death lawsuit against Savage Arms on the grounds it is barred by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The suit was filed by the estate of a female college student fatally shot by her neighbor during a home invasion. The rifle used in the tragic shooting was made, distributed and packaged by Savage Arms with a gun lock. During the commission of the crime, the neighbor found the rifle in the student's apartment and pried open the lock. On appeal, the decedent's estate attempted to fight off a PLCAA dismissal by claiming the shooting resulted from Savage's actions in providing the gun lock, not the criminal acts of the neighbor. The court rejected the argument finding that while the complaint focused on the lock, the crime and resulting harm to the decedent was caused by the criminal misuse of the rifle. Further, the court found the lock did not constitute a "qualified product" under the PLCAA. The law firm of Pisciotti, Malsch & Buckley represented Savage Arms. Read the Court dismissal Order.

 

ATF Announces Appointments

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has announced that Denver Director of Industry Operations (DIO) Andy Graham has been selected as the second Deputy Assist Director (DAD) for Industry Operations (IO). DAD Graham and current DAD-IO Gilbert will be responsible for different regions of the country, dividing between the north and south. Also in ATF personnel news, Dallas DIO Megan Bennett will be named Chief, Field Management Staff, Office of Field Operations.

 

How to create an FCPA Compliance Program

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Violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) carry the prospect of significant prison sentences. Standards have been set for preventing and protecting non-compliant behavior. Can you answer a series of questions about what your organization does to limit the risk of non-compliance? Read the latest advisory for tips on answering those important questions. Orchid Advisors is an endorsed compliance information provider for NSSF members.

 

Visit GunVote for Information on the 2014 Elections

The 2014 mid-term elections are fast approaching. Visit NSSF.org/gunvote to stay up to date on races with daily updated stories from House, Senate and Governors races around the country, get the latest polling data, find out what all the potential 2016 presidential candidates are doing, and download the GUNVOTE (tm) button to display on your website.

 

 

Learn more about our industry's Political Action Committee: