NSSF Statement on White House
'Smart Gun' Announcement

The White House today released an update on President Obama's January announcement of "new actions to protect children and communities from gun violence." Among the Obama administration's newest proposals is "boosting the development of smart gun tecnhology." On Thusday, based on news reports that a federal report on so-called "smart gun" technology would be issued, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, as the trade association for the firearms industry, issued a statement to make our position clear on the issue. Read the NSSF statement.

 

Voters Favor PLCAA, Poll Finds

A national scientific poll of 1,000 registered voters conducted in mid-April by Harper Polling revealed that seven of 10 American voters do not support allowing crime victims to sue firearm manufacturers and retailers when firearms they made or sold lawfully after background checks are used illegally in crime. Instead, voters from across political parties and geographic regions back the defense that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) provides the firearms industry. More than 70 percent of voters disagree with a position one presidential candidate has made a centerpiece of her campaign. Like that candidate, others running for federal office have chosen to run against and misrepresent this decade-old law that prevents crime victims from suing firearm manufacturers and retailers who have not broken any laws. Read more.

 

Soto v. Bushmaster Motions to Strike

Last week Remington and Camfour, defendants in the suit filed by families of victims of the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, filed motions to strike the plaintiffs' complaint. These filings come on the heels of a ruling by the Superior Court Judge that Remington's earlier motion to dismiss was insufficient under Connecticut law to challenge what the court is empowered to adjudicate. The case has been set for trial in April 2018, but the new filings (see here and here) seek full dismissal of plaintiffs' complaint because this lawsuit is a qualified civil liability action under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. Additionally, the defendants argue that plaintiffs' Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act claims are similarly barred for failure to meet that statute's requirements. We will keep you updated as this case continues to develop.

 

CJS Bill Clears Senate Appropriations Committee, Includes Language for Firearm Safety Kit Grants

The FY17 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations (CJS) Bill cleared the full Senate Appropriations Committee last week. This legislation, which sets funding levels for the Department of Justice and the ATF, included language for a competitive grant program for firearm safety kits with gun locks. Project ChildSafe competed for and was awarded this competitive grant, which was first included in the FY15 version of the CJS Appropriations bill. The House is expected to begin consideration of its version of the bill when Congress reconvenes in May.

 

Urge Georgia Governor to Sign Firearms Industry Protection Legislation

Georgia House Bill 1060 still awaits action from Gov. Nathan Deal. The National Shooting Sports Foundation worked hard to get the Georgia Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act (FIND Act) passed through the Georgia General Assembly, attaching it to an omnibus pro-gun bill, HB 1060, late in the session. The Georgia FIND Act language included in HB 1060 would protect those involved in the lawful commerce of firearms or ammunition products against discrimination by those in the financial services industry. Please contact Gov. Deal today and respectfully urge him to sign HB 1060 into law.

 

Pennsylvania Sunday Hunting Bill Hearing

The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee has scheduled a hearing for May 18 to discuss Senate Bill 1070, legislation that would repeal the ban on Sunday hunting. NSSF is urging all retailers, sportsmen and gun-owners to contact members of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee and urge them to support SB 1070. NSSF will be attendance testifying in support of this important piece of legislation for all hunters and also future generations. The benefits of Sunday hunting, however, would not be limited to the sportsmen's community. An economic impact report found that the removal of Sunday hunting restrictions would result in an estimated 8,100 new Pennsylvania jobs, $245 million in wages and approximately $765 million in additional economic activity for the commonwealth.

 

Rhode Island Hearing on Magazine Capacity

On Tuesday, the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing to consider numerous anti-gun bills. This session's list of introduced bills constitutes an outright attack on manufacturers, federally licensed retailers and law-abiding gun owners in the state. The most far-reaching bill impacting the industry was Senate Bill 2835, sponsored by state Senators Goldin, Coyne, Miller, Goodwin and Nesselbush, which would outlaw magazines over 10 rounds and even supports the confiscation of magazines greater than 10 rounds within 120 days of the law's passage. These sponsors have been long-time supporters of stripping away the rights of law-abiding citizens instead of focusing on criminal activity and increasing public safety. NSSF, along with member company AT Wall, testified on the impact this legislation would have on manufacturers and retailers throughout the Ocean State. NSSF will keep everyone updated as the process moves forward.

 

California Fish and Game Commission Corruption Uncovered

The Los Angeles Times recently published a story exposing conflicts of interest, favoritism and scandal involving the California Fish and Game Commission. In recent history, the Commission has attacked our hunting heritage, and it's time for sportsmen and sportswomen to voice their strong objections. Wildlife should be managed based on sound science principles, not by emotion and opinion, which is how the Commission has operated over the past few years. Please take a look at this flyer and share with your friends, allies and customers. The flyer is formatted so it can be printed and disseminated.

 

Registration Now Open for 2016 Import/Export Conference

Registration is now open for this year's NSSF-FAIR Trade Import/Export Conference, taking place August 2-3 in Washington, D.C. In addition to presentations by key regulators, we will be once again offering roundtable sessions with ATF, including Imports Branch, National Firearms Act Branch, Firearms Technology Branch, Firearms Industry Programs Branch, eForms and Compliance, as well as with invited officials from Commerce Department BIS Munitions Control Licensing Division, State Department DDTC, Customs and Border Protection, Treasury's Tax and Trade Bureau, and Census Bureau's Automated Export System. This year we will also be offering two optional add-on sessions to run on August 1, "Firearms & Ammunition Excise Tax: The Basics" and "International Sales & Marketing and the Export Process." Register now for early-bird pricing.

 

Firearms Industry Compliance Conference Next Week

The third annual Firearms Industry Compliance Conference (FICC), May 2-4 in Atlanta, is expected to have a record attendance, but it's not too late to register. The event's agenda features three learning tracks and timely discussions of how the regulatory environment has evolved over the past two years. Pre-conference sessions will be held May 2 to provide FFLs concentrated discussions on firearms industry technology and federal firearm regulations. Learn more about the conference here.

 

#GUNVOTE in the Indiana Primary

The Presidential primary elections for both Republicans and Democrats are being held Tuesday, May 3 in Indiana, as the clock ticks down to the party conventions. To help you evaluate candidates' positions on Second Amendment and sportsmen's issues, NSSF provides #GUNVOTE. This voter education site is updated many times a week with news of interest. Newly added are delegate counts for the three Republican and two Democratic candidates. #GUNVOTE also provides election news and breaking updates on Facebook and on Twitter (@GUNVOTE).

 

Order #GUNVOTE Stickers--Help Spread the Word!

Show your support and order a batch of #GUNVOTE stickers. Display them on your vehicles, in your office, at events and anywhere else you see fit to get the word out. There is too much at stake this election year not to be 100 percent committed. Some races could determine whether more anti-gun laws are in our future and whether your rights will be infringed. Don't risk your rights. #GUNVOTE. If you are an NSSF Member, please order from the NSSF Member shopping cart to receive a member discount.

Stickers are priced $1 each and a minimum order of 15 stickers is required

 

Signing Up for NSSF PAC Made Easier for Member Companies

The NSSF Political Action Committee (NSSF PAC) works to support pro-firearms industry, pro-Second Amendment and pro-sportsmen candidates for federal office. Federal law requires a trade association PAC to obtain prior approval from its corporate members before it may send important PAC news, including current political news, election information and exclusive invitations to PAC events and updates, to corporate member executives.

Now, signing up for NSSF PAC has never been easier. Just click the link below, fill out the form, add contacts (or email us a list of names) and hit submit! What are you waiting for? Help ensure our industry is heard as we approach the crucial 2016 election year. Sign up today! Online PAC Prior Consent Form.

 

Thank You to Our Latest NSSF PAC Contributors

Congressional Club ($250 or more): Lawrence Keane, Patrick Rothwell

 

Learn more about our industry's Political Action Committee: