NSSF Represents Industry at
State Legislators Conference

This week, NSSF sent a team to the National Conference of State Legislators' (NCSL) annual legislative conference in Seattle. Throughout the event, Jake McGuigan, Director, Government Relations, State Affairs; Trevor Santos, Manager, Government Relations, State Affairs; and Natalie Oliver, PAC Manager, had the opportunity to speak with state legislators and staff members from across the country. The NSSF FixNICS campaign was again a top priority this year, as the NSSF team explained how states must ensure that all appropriate records, including adjudicated mental health records, are sent to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

NSSF also focused on two major issues that seem to be at the forefront of legislators' minds in the Pacific Northwest – "smart gun" technology and bans on traditional ammunition. The industry's positions on these topics resonated well during conversations with legislators from both parties and their key staffers. NCSL provides a good opportunity to work closely with legislators prior to legislative sessions starting in January.

 

Seattle a Vote Away from Adopting Guns, Ammo Tax

The NSSF's Trevor Santos

The Seattle City Council is just one vote away from passing an ill-advised ordinance disguised as a "Gun Violence Tax." The full Council is expected to take up the proposal on Monday, Aug. 10, and from there it will be sent to the mayor for his approval.  NSSF Manager of Government Relations, State Affairs Trevor Santos, testified at the Council's Education and Governance Committee hearing this week to express NSSF's strong opposition to the proposed ordinance. Sponsored by City Council President Tim Burgess, Council Bill 118437, or the so-called "Gun Violence Tax" ordinance, would require retailers pay a $25 tax on each firearm sold at retail, two cents on each .22-caliber round of ammunition and a nickel on all other rounds of ammunition sold in the city. Santos described this proposal as nothing but a burden on law-abiding firearms retailers and gun owners, while at the same time doing nothing to benefit public safety. 

Additionally, Council Bill 118436, billed as the "Stolen Firearms" ordinance, is expected to be placed on Monday's full Council agenda. This measure would require the reporting of lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours and provide for a $500 fine.

Seattle residents should contact the City Council and respectfully urge them to oppose these onerous and misguided proposals.

 

27 Senators Back NSSF in Effort to Halt ITAR Changes

On July 28, NSSF submitted a comment letter regarding the proposed International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Harmonization Rule definition changes. NSSF has urged that continued implementation of Export Control Reform take place before revising the definition for "public domain" and raised associated First Amendment concerns over the proposed definitional change.

This week, 28 U.S. Senators organized by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) backed this appeal, sending their own letter to the State Department. "We write to express our strong concerns regarding proposed changes to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the implications those changes hold for Americans' First and Second Amendment rights," the Senators wrote. "Conceivably, these new definitions could include information such as how to legally modify or assemble a generally available firearm, such as a hunting rifle or a self-defense handgun, or information on the development of new loading information for existing firearm ammunition. These types of activities are part and parcel of how many Americans exercise their Second Amendment rights."

 

LA Moving Forward with Gun Storage Law

The Los Angeles City Council Tuesday unanimously voted to proceed with the drafting of a new city ordinance imposing a fine for citizens found with unsecured guns in their residence. The proposal was first discussed last November. Those convicted of a violation could face six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The proposal will be drafted by City Attorney Mike Feuer, who co-chairs the anti-gun group Prosecutors Against Gun Violence. The proposed measure is based on a similar San Francisco ordinance. A final draft is set to be reviewed by the council in coming weeks. NSSF has registered its opposition to this measure.

 

Private Gun Sales Background Checks Become Law in Ore.

Oregon's state statute requiring background checks for private gun transactions takes effect Sunday. Many local sheriffs and county commissions say they don't intend to enforce the new law. Gov. Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 941 into law May 11 following intense debate in the legislature, making Oregon the 12th state to require so-called "universal background checks. "We don't really know" how many more background checks will be conducted, the state police firearms unit head told The Oregonian newspaper. "This is a big cultural change for Oregon."

 

Firearms Import/Export Conference Sets Records

NSSF and the FAIR Trade Group this week held our annual Import/Export Conference to bring members of the firearms industry together with key regulators for two days of presentations and small round-table sessions. The sold-out event provided the opportunity for attendees to hear updates on our industry's rules of the road and to ask questions directly to government officials. With a more than 20 percent increase in attendees, this year's conference broke records in terms of attendee participation, satisfaction, and sponsorships. Save the date for next year's conference: Aug. 2-3, 2016 at the Marriott Wardman Park, Washington DC.

 

Panama Ends Ban on Firearm Imports

The government of Panama has had an epiphany, according to the Panama Post. Faced with rising crime, violence gang activity and forged gun permits, Panamanian officials plan to end the nation's ban on firearm imports with the goal of promoting personal safety for its citizens. "Everything seems to indicate that there is no direct correlation in the aphorism that says more guns mean more crime," said Public Safety Minister Rodolfo Aguilera. The example he cited is the United States where the homicide rate has dropped dramatically over the last 20 years even as the number of firearms in the hands of law-abiding Americans has substantially increased. New regulations will include criminal and psychological background checks for future gun owners.

 

Invite your Congressman to Visit during August Recess

In August, Senators and Members of  the House of Representatives are back in their states and congressional districts and they want to interact with their constituents.  This provides the ideal opportunity for manufacturers and distributors to invite their Senators and Representatives to visit your manufacturing or warehouse distribution facility to see the economic contribution your business is making to the state and congressional district.  If you are a range operator or retailer you have the same opportunity to help educate our federal lawmakers as we are getting closer and closer to the 2016 elections.  If you would prefer, you can also seek out your Senator or Representative at one of the town hall style meetings they are likely to be holding.  NSSF Government Relations, Federal Affairs staff can tell you how to go about this process and will assist you.  Contact Patrick Rothwell, prothwell@nssf.org or Seth Waugh, swaugh@nssf.org for more information and to get started.

 

#GUNVOTE Early; #GUNVOTE Often

Voting in the 2016 election is a process that culminates in going to your polling place. It begins by making sure to register, then becoming educated about the candidates running for office and discussing choices with family and friends so that they understand the importance of voting to protect America's firearms freedoms and the lawful commerce in firearms. To assist eligible voters with registering and with evaluating candidates' positions on Second Amendment issues, NSSF provides #GUNVOTE, our voter education site, which we update regularly with news of interest. So, #GUNVOTE early and #GUNVOTE often.

 

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