nssf.org

August 15, 2014

NSSF Responding to ATF Proposed Rule Change on Guns Lost in Shipping

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) this week requested comments on a proposed rule change to require federally licensed firearms retailers (FFLs) to notify ATF and local law enforcement when guns they ship become lost in transit.

This rule change was first proposed in 2000. NSSF opposed it then and opposes it now. First, ATF lacks statutory authority to impose this requirement since Congress only mandated reporting of lost or stolen guns when "in inventory" of the FFL. Further, it makes little practical sense to impose this burden on the shipping FFL since the receiving FFL is in better position to know that a firearm ordered was not received. NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Larry Keane explained the industry's position to CNN Money.

NSSF will, of course, be responding to the proposal rule change on behalf of the industry and urges individual members to do the same. Instructions on how to do so can be found at the end of the Federal Register posting of the new proposed rule. NSSF will continue to keep you informed during this process.

 

NSSF Cautions on Calif. Department of Fish & Wildlife Outreach

NSSF is urging California retailers not to respond at this time to requests from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to discuss their views on the availability of non-lead alternative ammunition for hunting. NSSF is now finalizing a study that will include an analysis of supply of alternative ammunition, the impact of increased demand for its use in hunting and the economic impact of implementing AB 711, which bans the use of lead ammunition for hunting. The results will be presented to the Fish and Game Commission at its Wildlife Resources Committee meeting on Sept. 17.

NSSF also has serious concerns about the apparent conflict of interest of Fish and Game Commission President Michael Sutton. Last week, NSSF delivered a formal letter to Mr. Sutton asking that he remove himself from involvement in the drafting of regulations to implement AB 711, as well as any other issue related to lead ammunition or matters lobbied by Audubon California or Pacific Flyway. Because of Mr. Sutton's positions as Executive Director of Audubon California and Vice President of Pacific Flyway, his involvement in the implementation of AB 711 regulations appears to violate state statutes.

Until the matter of Mr. Sutton's involvement in the alternative ammunition issue is resolved, NSSF does not have confidence that manufacturers, dealers or sportsmen can receive fair and impartial treatment in this subject area from the commission or, in turn, from its subordinate, the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

 

Federal Judge Upholds Maryland Gun Law

A U.S. District Court judge this week upheld Maryland's 2013 highly restrictive law outlawing modern sporting rifles and limiting magazine capacity to 10 rounds. NSSF was a plaintiff in the lawsuit seeking to overturn this state law. Judge Catherine Blake concluded in her 47-page ruling that the law serves the government's interest in protecting public safety without burdening the Second Amendment right of "law abiding, responsible citizens to use arms in defense of hearth and home." Read a news account of the decision. The NSSF is currently reviewing the decision and considering its legal options, including possible appeal.

 

Brady Center Loses Appeal in Suit Against Armslist.com

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently upheld the dismissal of a wrongful death lawsuit backed by the Brady Center against the owner of Armslist.com arising from the fatal shooting of a Chicago woman by a stalker. The handgun used in the tragic incident was advertised on Armslist and later illegally sold to the stalker by a private party. The Seventh Circuit rejected the claim that Armslist was negligent in allowing the handgun used in the crime to be posted on its online firearms marketplace or enabling consumers to use this legal service. The gun control movement is expanding its "gun show loophole" argument in an effort to force a shutdown of online firearms marketplaces.

 

Hunting Works For Colorado is Newest State Chapter

Hunting Works For America this week added a state chapter in Colorado. Hunting Works For Colorado joins Arizona, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wisconsin as the ninth state to be included in the award-winning Hunting Works For America program. The newly formed Colorado partnership already has more than 70 partner organizations.

Hunting Works For America, through its state organizations, is an initiative that brings a broad range of stakeholders together in order to educate the public and elected officials about the importance of hunting. Shooting sports organizations, conservation groups, businesses, and other non-traditional hunting entities such as chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus and other trade associations, have come together to form Hunting Works For Colorado and share their interest in the economic impact of hunting. Becoming a member of HWFCO is free of charge. Visit www.HuntingWorksforCO.com 

 

NSSF Supports Suppressors for Hunting in Florida

As many other states have done, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering adopting regulations to allow the use of suppressors in hunting, a proposal strongly supported by the NSSF in a letter sent to the commission this week. NSSF has long supported efforts to promote the use of these hearing-saving devices. Read the NSSF Florida letter. Read the NSSF Fast Facts, Benefits of Using Suppressors for Hunting and Shooting.

 

Visit GunVote for Information on the 2014 Elections

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

 

PAC Note: Corporate Members Should Return Prior Approval Forms

The upcoming mid-term elections will determine which party will control the U.S. Senate.  Now is the time to make sure you are informed about those candidates who will protect our rights and support our industry. If you are an NSSF corporate member, the only way the NSSF PAC can keep you abreast on political developments is if you complete and return your prior approval form.  Without it, we can't send you the latest political news and information you need to know. So please return your prior approval form.

 

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