HB 937

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So Much For Pro-Gun Democrats In North Carolina

May 16, 2013 by 4 Comments

Last week, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed HB 937 by a margin of 78 to 42. This bill would amend various North Carolina gun laws. Included in this list of laws were provisions that clarified the General Assembly’s intentions with regard to park carry, that would permit concealed carry (but not alcohol consumption) in establishments that served alcohol, that would permit concealed carry at events that charged admission, and that would permit concealed carry holders to leave their firearms in a locked vehicle on university and community college campuses. Note on this last provision, a person would still be breaking the law if they carried on campus.

The margin of victory for this bill was provided by every single Republican and one lone Democrat voting to pass this bill. The lone Democrat was Rep. Paul Tine (D-Dare) who should be congratulated for breaking ranks with his fellow Democrats to vote for gun rights.

Strong efforts were made to derail this bill through amendments proposed by anti-gun Democrats. However, each and every amendment was tabled through the efforts of Speaker Tom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) and Rules Committee Chairman Tim Moore (R-Cleveland). This precluded debates that would delay passage of the bill.

As to the amendments themselves, they were, for the most part, the same sort of anti-gun legislation seen in states like Colorado, New York, Maryland, and Connecticut. Five of the 12 total were introduced before the Second Reading vote and the rest before the Third and final Reading of the bill. I have listed the amendments in order below along with their purpose.

  1. Would provide for universal background checks on all private transfers. Uses the Bloomberg language on transfers. Introduced by Rep. Paul Luebke (D-Durham)
  2. Would have deleted the provision concerning firearms in locked vehicles on university and community college campuses. Introduced by Rep. Alma Adams (D-Guilford)
  3. Would increase the penalty for consumption of alcohol while carrying concealed. Includes a $1,000 minimum fine and five year revocation of NC CHP. It also increases it to a Class 1 misdemeanor from a Class 2 misdemeanor.  Introduced by Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake)
  4. Would ban magazines with a greater than 10 round capacity as well as shotgun tubes or magazines holding more than eight rounds. Introduced by Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford)
  5. Would require the safe storage of firearms. Introduced by Rep. Verla Insko (D-Orange)
  6. Would require that a person adjudicated mental incompetent or involuntarily committed and whose rights have been restored under GS 122C-54.1 wait a minimum of seven years after restoration before being allowed to have a CHP. Introduced by Rep. Dennis Riddell (R-Alamance)
  7. Would give universities and community colleges the option to ban concealed handguns on campus. This would also negate storage of a firearm in a locked vehicle on campus by concealed carry permit holders. Introduced by Rep. Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland) Tabled by unrecorded voice vote.
  8. A repeat of Amendment 5 introduced by Rep. Verla Insko (D-Orange)
  9. A repeat of Amendment 4 introduced by Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford)
  10. A repeat of Amendment 3 introduced by Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake)
  11. A repeat of Amendment 1 introduced by Rep. Paul Luebke (D-Durham)
  12. A repeat of Amendment 2 introduced by Rep. Alma Adams (D-Guilford)

While it might be argued that a vote against tabling the bill was a vote to have a broader debate on the merits of the amendment, nonetheless the amendments themselves were anti-gun measures. With the exception of Amendments 6 and 11, not one Democrat voted in favor of tabling these anti-gun amendments. Rep. Michael Wray (D-Halifax) voted to table Amendment 6 and Rep. William Brisson (D-Bladen) voted to table Amendment 11. The only amendment to gather more than 3 Republicans against its tabling was Amendment 6 which garnered 11 Republican “Nay” votes. That amendment was sponsored by Republican Dennis Riddell who ultimately voted for the full bill.

With the exception of the provision concerning storage of firearms in locked vehicles by concealed carry holders on university and community college campuses, this bill was not filled with controversial provisions. It should be remembered that restaurant carry and parks carry both passed the State House in the 2011-2012 session of the General Assembly. Both of those bills had significant support from Democrats.

Given the relatively non-controversial nature of this bill, it is disturbing to see Democrats who claim to be pro-gun and pro-Second Amendment not only vote against this bill but essentially in a favor of the more draconian gun control measures passed in states like New York and Colorado. There are five Democrats below who got a B- or better from the NRA as well as five Democrats who received at least one star from GRNC who traditionally is a hard grader. Not a damn one of them voted for the passage of HB 937.

I am equally saddened by the number of African-American legislators who voted against this bill. Twenty out of the 42 who voted against this bill are African-American. Additionally, Rep. Charles Graham (D-Robeson) is an enrolled member of the Lumbee Nation. Both African-Americans and the Lumbee Indians were targets of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacists. Gun control laws in North Carolina were meant to keep blacks and other minorities disarmed in the face of these white supremacist groups such as the Klan. Indeed, the current pistol purchase permit requirement is a legacy of these Jim Crow laws.

I have listed below the Democrats who voted against HB 937 on the Third Reading. I have also included their email address and their 2012 ratings by both the NRA and GRNC. If one of these legislators is your representative, I’d write and express my displeasure at their vote.

Last
Name		 Email NRA GRNC
Adams Alma.Adams@ncleg.net F 0
Alexander Kelly.Alexander@ncleg.net B- 0
Baskerville Nathan.Baskerville@ncleg.net ? 0
Bell, L Larry.Bell@ncleg.net F 0
Brandon Marcus.Brandon@ncleg.net ? 0
Brisson William.Brisson@ncleg.net B+ 1*
Carney Becky.Carney@ncleg.net F 0
Cotham Tricia.Cotham@ncleg.net F 0
Cunningham Carla.Cunningham@ncleg.net ? 0
Farmer-Butterfield Jean.Farmer-Butterfield@ncleg.net D- 0
Fisher Susan.Fisher@ncleg.net F 0
Floyd Elmer.Floyd@ncleg.net D  0
Foushee Valerie.Foushee@ncleg.net ? 0
Gill Rosa.Gill@ncleg.net D 0
Glazier Rick.Glazier@ncleg.net D- 0
Goodman Ken.Goodman@ncleg.net D 0
Graham, C Charles.Graham@ncleg.net C 0
Hall, D Duane.Hall@ncleg.net ? 0
Hall, L Larry.Hall@ncleg.net F 0
Hamilton Susi.Hamilton@ncleg.net C- 0
Hanes Edward.Hanes@ncleg.net ? 0
Harrison Pricey.Harrison@ncleg.net F 0
Holley Yvonne.Holley@ncleg.net ? 0
Insko Verla.Insko@ncleg.net F 0
Jackson Darren.Jackson@ncleg.net D 0
Lucas Marvin.Lucas@ncleg.net B 2*
Luebke Paul.Luebke@ncleg.net F 0
McManus Deb.McManus@ncleg.net ? 0
Michaux Mickey.Michaux@ncleg.net F 0
Mobley Annie.Mobley@ncleg.net D- 0
Moore, R Rodney.Moore@ncleg.net D 0
Pierce Garland.Pierce@ncleg.net C- 0
Queen Joe.Queen@ncleg.net B 3*
Richardson Bobbie.Richardson@ncleg.net NR NR
Ross, D Deborah.Ross@ncleg.net F 0
Terry Evelyn.Terry@ncleg.net ? 0
Tolson Joe.Tolson@ncleg.net C+ 1*
Waddell Ken.Waddell@ncleg.net ? 0
Wilkens Winkie.Wilkins@ncleg.net C- 0
Wray Michael.Wray@ncleg.net B 1*
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North Carolina Democrats Seek To Use Passage Of Omnibus Gun Bill For Fundraising

May 10, 2013 by 2 Comments

The North Carolina House Democratic Caucus is trying to use passage of HB 937 which amended a number of North Carolina’s firearms law as a fundraising tool. Not surprisingly, they misstate much of what was in their amendments.

Those “common sense gun safety” amendments included background checks for all private sales – not just at gun shows. That amendment also used terminology straight out of Mayor Bloomberg’s playbook especially in how they defined transfers. The other amendments that they offered would have restricted magazines to 10 rounds, mandated a safe storage law,  banned the storage of firearms in locked cars on university and community college campuses, and increased the penalty for consuming alcohol while carrying concealed. It is already against the law to consume alcohol while carrying. The intent of this last amendment was clearly to give the Democrats a campaign tool.

I find it amusing that Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake) would say that the Republicans voted in lockstep on each and every amendment. There were 12 amendments proposed to HB 937. 11 of these amendments had a recorded vote. Examining the votes on each amendment, I see only two – Amendment 6 and Amendment 11 – where even one Democrat voted in the affirmative to the tabling motion. By contrast, on every amendment, you have one or more Republicans voting against tabling the amendment. Indeed, on Amendment 6, you have 11 Republicans voting the same way as the Democrats. Let me put it bluntly – Rep. Jackson is a hypocrite.

If Rep. Jackson wants to hold the Republicans responsible for their votes, I say fine but it works both ways. If you are a North Carolinian and you have a Democrat who says he or she is pro-gun as your state representative, call them out on it. Pro-gun representatives don’t vote for draconian magazine bans like each and every Democrat in the NC House did on Monday and Tuesday. A pro-gun representative would not have voted to criminalize private sales and transfers of firearms unless they had a NICS background check. A pro-gun representative would not have used the language provided by Mayor Bloomberg and his Illegal Mayors.

It is not enough to just vote against these hypocrites come 2014. They must be called out now in letters to the editors, posts on forums, and with calls and letters to their offices. Put them on notice that we have seen how they treat gun rights.

 
 
Dear Friend,
 
Do you want a person sitting next to you and your family in a restaurant to be drinking and handling a firearm?
 
I believe most people would agree the
common sense answer to that question is ‘no,’ but common sense was the
last thing on House Republicans’ minds last night when they pushed
through House Bill 937.  This bill will allow guns in bars and concealed
weapons on university and community college campuses.  Republicans
loosened our gun laws and endangered public safety.  Stand with the
House Democrats on gun legislation today by contributing $50, $25, $10
$5 or whatever you can afford.
 
While Republicans tout the Second
Amendment as justification for this bill, we know it is not a Second
Amendment bill but rather a policy issue.  I am not anti-gun and I am
not anti-Second Amendment.  I grew up with firearms and I own firearms,
but I know that alcohol and firearms don’t mix just as alcohol and
driving don’t mix.  
 
House Democrats tried to speak up for the
majority of our state and offer common sense gun safety legislation.
 We offered five amendments to the bill that would require background
checks for firearms at gun shows, disallow firearms on our college
campuses and strengthen the penalties for carrying a firearm while
consuming alcohol.  
 
Republicans voted in lockstep five
different times to have our common sense amendments lie upon the table,
cutting them off without debate.  This was nothing more than a cheap,
procedural trick on the part of House Republicans, but tricks will not
save their members from taking a position on these issues.  Their votes
last night made their positions clear and put them on the record.  House
Democrats will hold them responsible for those votes.  Help us show the
House Republicans that voters are smart enough to see through
procedural tricks by contributing $50, $25, $10, $5 or whatever you can
afford today. 
 
As my colleague Rep. Deborah Ross pointed
out last night, “This is not something that makes our state a better
place.”   While our efforts were foiled yesterday, we will continue to
hold Republicans accountable for their actions and stand up for
legislation that best represents the hard-working citizens of this
state.
 
Sincerely,
Representative Darren Jackson
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GRNC On Passage Of HB 937 By NC State House

May 8, 2013 by

The North Carolina House of Representatives passed HB 937 – Amend Various Firearms Laws – on the Third Reading. They also tabled a number of amendments which would not only have weakened the bill but would have added things like magazine restrictions, background checks, and safe storage laws. What the bill does do is clarify park carry, allow restaurant carry and carry in events that charge admission, and allows concealed carry holders to have firearms locked in their vehicles on university and community college campuses.

What was sad is that only one Democrat voted for the bill. That was Rep. Paul Tine (D-Dare) of Kitty Hawk. He is to be congratulated. The rest of the Democrats in the State House including some that ostensibly were “pro-gun” not only voted against the bill but for the weakening amendments. I’ll have a subsequent post up on those amendments and who voted for them later.

In the meantime, Grass Roots North Carolina is quite pleased that the Republicans stood firm “with those that brought them.” It goes on to the State Senate where it will face continued opposition from the leadership of the University of North Carolina System and a number of Democrats. GRNC is asking that people ask Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) to stand firm this time.

Standing Firm

In recent months, GRNC has spent plenty of time beating on Republican leaders for failing to “dance with the ones that brought them,” namely failure to move gun legislation after gun owners came out strong in the 2012 elections.

Perhaps that message got through: On Monday and Tuesday, Republicans stood firm in defending House Bill 937, “Amend Various Gun Laws,” against an onslaught of anti-gun amendments proposed by Reps. Darren Jackson (D-Wake, GRNC 0-star), Paul Leubke (D-Durham, 0-star), Verla Insko (D-Orange, 0-star), Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford, 0-star) and others. Thanks are due in particular to Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg, ****) and Rules Chair Tim Moore (R-Cleveland, ****).

As weakening amendment after weakening amendment was introduced, Rep. Tim (“The Hammer”) Moore and Rep. Justin Burr (R-Montgomery, Stanly, ****) shot them down with motions “lay the amendments on the table.” But for their efforts, North Carolina gun owners could have been saddled not only with weakening amendments to the original bill, but also to exactly the sort of universal gun registration and standard capacity magazine bans you just defeated at a federal level.

Rep. “Yellow Star” Jackson, who previously tried to brand gun owners by their drivers’ licenses much as Nazi’s put Yellow Stars on those bound for concentration camps, was particularly relentless, earning GRNC-PVF’s special attention in future elections.

Eloquent defense of gun owners was also given by Reps. John Blust (R-Guilford, ****), Bert Jones (R-Caswell, Rockingham, ****), Larry Pittman (R-Cabarrus, ****), John Faircloth (R-Guilford, ****) and others. It should be noted that Tillis ran a tight ship, ruling for early termination of “surprise” amendments not previously submitted to legislators for review.

What Next?

HB 937 now heads for the Senate, where it will undoubtedly find an equally rocky path. In addition to UNC opposition, campus carry is one thing Senate leadership has not signed off on. You input to Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Guilford, Rockingham. ****) will be necessary to move the bill.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

CONTACT SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM PHIL BERGER: Let him know that now that the House has gotten the ball rolling, you expect the Senate to pick it up THIS YEAR. We will not again stand by for “next year,” as in 2011-12, at which point the chamber said, “Well, we really can’t do this in an election year.” Email Berger at: Phil.Berger@ncleg.net

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Life In The Ivory Tower

May 6, 2013 by 7 Comments

The Faculty Senate at the university where I teach as an adjunct instructor is all bent out of shape by HB 937 which is being considered by the North Carolina House of Representatives. Section 2 of the bill would allow concealed carry holders and employees who live on campus to lock their handguns in their cars while on campus. Currently, North Carolina law makes it a felony to have a firearm on any university or community college campus.

The Faculty Senate wants to adopt a resolution supporting the continuance of the school as an official gun-free zone. Their resolution below makes it clear that they think it will make the university safer. As anyone who has attended any institution of higher learning will attest, professors live in their own (imaginary) world.

Resolution to Support the Prohibition against Possession of Firearms on Campus

Whereas, North Carolina State code § 14‑269.2, “Weapons on campus or other educational property” prohibits the possession of firearms on campus, and

Whereas, the North Carolina Legislature has introduced House Bill 937 that would allow individuals with concealed-carry permits to bring guns onto UNC and other college and university campuses, thus removing the prohibition against the possession of firearms on campus, and

Whereas, in 2010, the Western Carolina University (WCU) Faculty Senate passed a Resolution for Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus (April 7, 2010; passed by electronic vote: 26 Yes, 1 No, 0 Abstaining), and

Whereas, on April 29, 2013, UNC President Thomas Ross released a statement noting his concerns with HB 937 and encouraging the General Assembly “..to remove the provision that would allow guns to be brought onto UNC and other college and university campuses” (See President Ross’ statement* below.)

Therefore, the WCU Faculty Senate resolves to:

  1. Restate its support for the 2010 WCU Faculty Senate resolution against guns on campus, and
  2.  Show support for President Ross’ April 29, 2013 statement in opposition to House Bill 937 in which he expressed serious concerns as indicated below*, and
  3. Encourage the NC General Assembly to remove the provision in HB 937 that would allow firearms on campus.

*April 29, 2013 Statement Released by University of North Carolina President Ross:

“We have an obligation to provide a safe environment for our students and employees, and every UNC campus has a trained police force charged with promoting the safety of all people who come onto our campuses. All UNC Chancellors and Chiefs of Police believe allowing guns on campus would increase the risk to public safety and hamper our ability to protect not only our students, staff ,and faculty, but also campus visitors, including parents, siblings of students, and summer camp participants. Vehicle break-ins are one of the leading crimes on college campuses, and even guns brought lawfully onto campus, as contemplated by this bill, could fall into the wrong hands and result in serious injury or death.

“In addition, a number of UNC campuses house early college high schools, middle schools, or summer camps for younger children. The presence of these young people further heightens our concerns about the safety risks that come with guns getting into the wrong hands. Moreover, when responding to an armed robbery or active shooter incident, our officers would often be hard pressed to distinguish between a criminal suspect and well-intentioned bystanders with weapons drawn, particularly in the heat of the moment. The potential for tragedy far outweighs any potential benefit or convenience to concealed-carry permit holders. We encourage the General Assembly to remove the provision that would allow guns to be brought onto UNC and other college and university campuses.”

There is no word yet if my fellow faculty members will stomp their feet and hold their breath until blue in the face if the General Assembly just ignores this resolution and passes the bill intact.

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Update On HB 937 – Omnibus Gun Bill In North Carolina

May 1, 2013 by

The vote scheduled for yesterday in the North Carolina House of Representatives on HB 937 was pulled from the calendar. The gun prohibitionists are saying it was due to them but, in reality, it was due to the need for a fiscal note to be attached to the bill.

As Grass Roots North Carolina notes, we still need to keep up the pressure on the General Assembly to act on this bill soon and not to dilute it.



Keep pressure on: delay gives gun control extremists time to prepare opposition

At the last minute HB 937, “Amend Various Firearm Laws” was pulled from the House schedule and not voted on. The reason for this unexpected rescheduling is not, as North Carolinians “Against Gun Violence” would have you believe, due to gun control input. At least as stated by leadership, it was due to a delayed request for a fiscal note to be attached to the bill. There is, however, a chance that it was delayed due to UNC opposition listed below.

This bill is critical for NC gun owners and contains restaurant carry, provisions for guns in locked vehicles on college campuses, carry in assemblies for which admission is charged, and a “cleanup” of parks carry language.

It has already raised the hackles of citizen disarmament proponents, including UNC President Tom Ross, who apparently doesn’t trust our state’s brightest young men and women with the means to effectively defend themselves.

We need to increase the heat on the NC House to ensure that this bill is both voted on and passed without the weakening amendments that will be proposed by extremists who want North Carolinians disarmed. MAKE SURE to participate in this email effort – the stakes are high and we need full participation to drive our message home!

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

  • EMAIL HOUSE REPUBLICANS: Use the copy and paste list below to deliver a clear message that you expect them to pass HB 937 without delay.

  • CALL & EMAIL YOUR NC HOUSE REP: Let them know you expect them to vote against all weakening amendments and for final passage of HB 937. Find your rep HERE or by going to: http://www.ncleg.net/representation/WhoRepresentsMe.aspx

Contact Information

Copy and paste email addresses for House Republicans:

Dean.Arp@ncleg.net, Marilyn.Avila@ncleg.net, John.Bell@ncleg.net, Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net, Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net, Robert.Brawley@ncleg.net, Brian.Brown@ncleg.net, Rayne.Brown@ncleg.net, Rob.Bryan@ncleg.net, Dana.Bumgardner@ncleg.net, Justin.Burr@ncleg.net, Rick.Catlin@ncleg.net, George.Cleveland@ncleg.net, Jeff.Collins@ncleg.net, Debra.Conrad@ncleg.net, Leo.Daughtry@ncleg.net, Ted.Davis@ncleg.net, Jimmy.Dixon@ncleg.net, Josh.Dobson@ncleg.net, Jerry.Dockham@ncleg.net, Nelson.Dollar@ncleg.net, Jeffrey.Elmore@ncleg.net, John.Faircloth@ncleg.net, Jim.Fulghum@ncleg.net, Mike.Hager@ncleg.net, Jon.Hardister@ncleg.net, Kelly.Hastings@ncleg.net, Mark.Hollo@ncleg.net, Bryan.Holloway@ncleg.net, Craig.Horn@ncleg.net, Julia.Howard@ncleg.net, Pat.Hurley@ncleg.net, Frank.Iler@ncleg.net, Charles.Jeter@ncleg.net, Linda.Johnson2@ncleg.net, Bert.Jones@ncleg.net, Jonathan.Jordan@ncleg.net, Donny.Lambeth@ncleg.net, James.Langdon@ncleg.net, David.Lewis@ncleg.net, Chris.Malone@ncleg.net, Susan.Martin@ncleg.net, Pat.McElraft@ncleg.net, Chuck.McGrady@ncleg.net, Allen.McNeill@ncleg.net, Chris.Millis@ncleg.net, Tim.Moffitt@ncleg.net, Tim.Moore@ncleg.net, Tom.Murry@ncleg.net, Michele.Presnell@ncleg.net, Nathan.Ramsey@ncleg.net, Dennis.Riddell@ncleg.net, Stephen.Ross@ncleg.net, Jason.Saine@ncleg.net, Ruth.Samuelson@ncleg.net, Jacqueline.Schaffer@ncleg.net, Mitchell.Setzer@ncleg.net, Phil.Shepard@ncleg.net, Paul.Stam@ncleg.net, Edgar.Starnes@ncleg.net, Bob.Steinburg@ncleg.net, Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.net, Michael.Stone@ncleg.net, John.Szoka@ncleg.net, Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net, John.Torbett@ncleg.net, Rena.Turner@ncleg.net, Harry.Warren@ncleg.net, Andy.Wells@ncleg.net, Roger.West@ncleg.net, Chris.Whitmire@ncleg.net,

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Suggested Subject: “Pass HB 937, “Amend Various Firearm Laws” WITHOUT amendments!”

Dear Representative:

I strongly urge you to support House Bill 937, “Amend Various Firearms Laws” by passing the bill without weakening amendments. Provision for concealed handgun permit-holders to carry in restaurants is already law in surrounding states like TN, VA, GA and OH. The “Chicken Little” predictions of gun control extremists in those states have not been realized. Are not North Carolinians as trustworthy as citizens of surrounding states?

It is past time that we are able to defend ourselves and our families while eating at dinner restaurants. It is past time that law-abiding faculty and staff are able to adequately defend themselves while traveling to and from work.

Your constituents have a fundamental right to bear arms for defense. It is your responsibility to help remove infringements on this right. This is why NC gun owners elected pro-Second Amendment legislators in an election that went liberal in other states.

We worked hard for you. Now it is your turn to return the favor.

I will be monitoring your actions via Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts, and rest assured I will hold legislators accountable for their votes.

Respectfully,

As I write this, I am in Texas. On the morning news here, there was a report that the Texas legislature is considering a bill that would allow concealed carry holders to store their firearms in a locked vehicle while on campus. This is the same as HB 937 would allow. Just like in North Carolina, the usual suspects are objecting.

Uncategorized

NC House Votes On HB 937 – Restaurant Carry – On Tuesday

April 28, 2013 by 2 Comments

The North Carolina House of Representatives has placed HB 937 on the calendar for a vote on Tueday. This bill would allow restaurant carry, has provisions for firearms in locked vehicles on university and community college campuses, would allow carry in assemblies where admission is charged, and clarifies park carry definitions.

From Grass Roots North Carolina:

Help Fight-off Weakening Amendments!

On Wednesday, HB 937, “Amend Various Firearm Laws” which contains; restaurant carry, provisions for guns in locked vehicles on college campuses, carry in assemblies for which admission is charged, and a “cleanup” of parks carry language, passed from the House Judiciary A Subcommittee. It is now calendared for a vote on the House floor on Tuesday, April 30. Attacks by anti-gun leftists, narrowly fended off in the committee, will likely be tried again when the bill hits the floor.

Anti-gun treachery you can expect

Numerous anti-gun amendments were attempted in committee, principally by Reps. Deborah Ross (D-Wake, 0-star) and Darren Jackson (D-Wake , GRNC 0-star) . Although all anti-gun amendments failed in committee, they will try again when the bill hits the floor, so here they are:

Protecting rapists instead of students: Both UNC lobbyist Andrew Moretz and NCSU police chief Jack Moorman testified to the committee in opposition to allowing concealed handgun permit-holders to keep guns on college campuses, but neglected mentioning the high rate of violent crime on those campuses. In fact, Moorman apparently prefers to protect rapists rather than students, since the morning after he testified against self-protection on campuses, a student was dragged into bushes and raped outside the “Free Expression Tunnel.” Lest you assume Rep. Bob Steinburg (R-Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, ****) supports the bill, he introduced an amendment which would have undermined the deterrent effect of guns on campus by requiring guns be kept in locked compartments within vehicles.

“Poison pill” amendments to restaurant carry: Although at least 43 states have some type of restaurant carry (including laws recently passed in Georgia, Arizona, Tennessee, Virginia, and Ohio) Reps. Ross and Jackson remain committed to stopping you from protecting your family in restaurants. If they can’t remove it entirely, they will use “poison pill” amendments to induce the NC Restaurant & Lodging Assoc., which is currently neutral on the bill, to oppose it.

In committee, Jackson first tried to require restaurants to post signs saying they either allow or prohibit concealed carry, claiming this would “allow restaurants to choose” while actually denying restaurant owners the choice of simply not getting involved in the debate at all by posting nothing. When restaurant association representative Frank Gray stated his opposition, the amendment failed. Next, Jackson tried requiring servers to act as cops by asking patrons whether they were “packing,” and demanding permit-holders to qualify to law-enforcement marksmanship standards.

“Yellow Star” Jackson: Reminiscent of Nazi’s use of the yellow star inscribed with “Jude,” Jackson then introduced an amendment to brand permit-holders by requiring their status to be displayed on drivers’ licenses, so that every time you have to present an ID, you would be “outted.” This amendment also failed.

Lies about concealed handgun permit-holders: North Carolinians “Against Gun Violence” director Gail Neely stood before the committee to slander permit-holders, citing long-since discredited claims from “New York Times” reporter Michael Luo that permit-holders are criminals. But most telling, Neely perjured herself to the committee by regurgitating a study which she claimed dealt with concealed handgun permit-holders, despite the fact that GRNC President Paul Valone had two weeks prior produced a copy of the study for her (and the audience of an ACLU forum) demonstrating that her claims were clearly false.

Remind legislators: Not only restaurant patrons are disarmed under current law, but also employees. In February, a Charlotte-area Red Lobster employee was shot during an armed robbery, adding yet another to the long list of restaurant victims like Danielle Watson, the Flying Biscuit Cafe manager brutally stabbed to death and left behind a dumpster.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

THANK LEADERSHIP & REMIND THEM YOU WILL ACCEPT NO WEAKENING AMENDMENTS: Call AND email Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg, ****) at Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net 919-733-3451 and House Majority Whip Ruth Samuelson (R-Mecklenburg, ****) at Ruth.Samuelson@ncleg.net and 919-715-3009.

EMAIL FENCE-SITTING HOUSE REPS: Use the copy and paste list below to bury anti-gun and fence-sitting representatives in an avalanche of input which clearly demonstrates you will not tolerate attempts to undermine the interests of gun owners.

CALL & EMAIL YOUR NC HOUSE REP: Let them know you expect them to vote against all weakening amendments and for final passage of HB 937. Find your rep HERE or by going to: http://www.ncleg.net/representation/WhoRepresentsMe.aspx

CONTACT INFORMATION

Use the ‘copy and paste’ email list below:

Alma.Adams@ncleg.net, Kelly.Alexander@ncleg.net, Nathan.Baskerville@ncleg.net, Larry.Bell@ncleg.net, Marcus.Brandon@ncleg.net, Becky.Carney@ncleg.net, Tricia.Cotham@ncleg.net, Carla.Cunningham@ncleg.net, Beverly.Earle@ncleg.net, Jean.Farmer-Butterfield@ncleg.net, Susan.Fisher@ncleg.net, Elmer.Floyd@ncleg.net, Valerie.Foushee@ncleg.net, Rosa.Gill@ncleg.net, Rick.Glazier@ncleg.net, Ken.Goodman@ncleg.net, Charles.Graham@ncleg.net, George.Graham@ncleg.net, Duane.Hall@ncleg.net, Larry.Hall@ncleg.net, Susi.Hamilton@ncleg.net, Edward.Hanes@ncleg.net, Pricey.Harrison@ncleg.net, Yvonne.Holley@ncleg.net, Verla.Insko@ncleg.net, Darren.Jackson@ncleg.net, Paul.Luebke@ncleg.net, Deb.McManus@ncleg.net, Mickey.Michaux@ncleg.net, Annie.Mobley@ncleg.net, Rodney.Moore@ncleg.net, Garland.Pierce@ncleg.net, Bobbie.Richardson@ncleg.net, Deborah.Ross@ncleg.net, Evelyn.Terry@ncleg.net, Paul.Tine@ncleg.net, Ken.Waddell@ncleg.net, Winkie.Wilkins@ncleg.net, William.Brisson@ncleg.net, Joe.Tolson@ncleg.net, Michael.Wray@ncleg.net, Marvin.Lucas@ncleg.net, Jim.Fulghum@ncleg.net, Paul.Stam@ncleg.net, Chris.Whitmire@ncleg.net, Joe.Queen@ncleg.net, Bob.Steinburg@ncleg.net

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Suggested Subject: “Pass HB 937, “Amend Various Firearm Laws” WITHOUT amendments!”

Dear Representative:

I strongly urge you to support House Bill 937, “Amend Various Firearms Laws” by passing the bill without weakening amendments. Provisions for concealed handgun permit-holders to carry in restaurants are by no means untested. Among the forty-three states with some type of restaurant carry, in the last five years, it has passed in Georgia, Arizona, Tennessee, Virginia, and Ohio. In the twelve months after Virginia passed restaurant carry, violent crime in restaurants dropped by 5.2%. Moreover, the NC Restaurant & Lodging Association does not oppose the bill (although it does oppose “poison pill” amendments proposed by Representatives Darren Jackson and Deborah Ross.)

With respect to the limited measure for firearms in locked motor vehicles on college campuses, I am stunned by the hypocrisy of UNC and NCSU officials who testified against the measure in the House Judiciary A Subcommittee…just hours before yet another NCSU student was raped outside the NCSU “Free Expression Tunnel.” To deter violent sociopaths, it is time to deliver a message that campuses will no longer be “victim disarmament zones.”

I will be monitoring your actions via Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts, and rest assured I will hold legislators accountable for their votes.

Respectfully,

Uncategorized

GRNC On Passage Of HB 937 Out Of Committee

April 25, 2013 by

As I noted in the previous post, the North Carolina State House Judiciary A Committee passed an omnibus gun rights bill out of committee today. From the report below from Grass Roots North Carolina, the gun prohibitionists tried very hard to neuter the bill but ultimately failed.

From GRNC:

Restaurant Carry Passes Committee

After lengthy debate and after rejecting numerous anti-gun amendments, the NC House Judiciary A Committee today passed House Bill 937. The bill will now head to the House floor for a vote, likely next week.

  • In its present form, HB 937 would expand concealed carry into:


  • Restaurants;

  • Assemblies of people for which admission is charged;

  • College campuses (provided firearms are kept in locked vehicles); and

  • Parking lots of state office buildings.

HB 937 would also clean up flaws in the parks carry language passed in HB 650 under which municipalities continue to flout the law by banning guns in entire parks.

During sometimes rancorous debate, Representatives Darren Jackson (D-Wake , GRNC 0-star), Deborah Ross (D-Wake, 0-star) and others proposed amendments designed to be “poison pills” for the bill. All failed. Most surprising was an amendment by Rep. Bob Steinburg (R-Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, ****) who supported the bill, but objected to provisions allowing concealed handgun permit-holders to keep firearms in locked vehicles on college campuses.

Sponsors Jacqueline Schaffer (R-Mecklenburg, ****), Justin Burr (R-Montgomery, Stanly, ****), John Faircloth (R-Guilford, ****), and George Cleveland (R-Onslow, ****) did an outstanding job of defending the bill. Addressing the committee in favor of the bill were GRNC president Paul Valone, Director of Development Josette Chmiel, and representatives for the NRA and NCRPA.

In testifying against the bill, North Carolinians “Against Gun Violence” director Gail Neely perjured herself to the committee by regurgitating a study which she claimed dealt with concealed handgun permit-holders, despite the fact that Valone had two weeks ago produced a copy of the study for her (and audience of an ACLU forum) demonstrating clearly that her claims were false.

Rep. Jackson introduced anti-gun amendment after anti-gun amendment in an attempt to “run the clock” on the bill until he was shut down by Committee Chair Rep. John Blust (R-Guilford, ****), who brought the bill to a vote.

Stay tuned for a detailed accounting of the committee action, including video.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

CONTACT YOUR HOUSE REP: Tell him to pass HB 937 as is, without weakening amendments. Find your rep Here or copy and paste: http://www.ncleg.net/representation/WhoRepresentsMe.aspx

SUPPORT GRNC: Please help by joining or contributing at: http://www.grnc.org/join-grnc/join-grnc-online

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Suggested Subject: “Pass HB937 As Is!”

Dear Representative:

I strongly urge you to not only vote for House Bill 937 (“Amend Various Gun Laws”), but to oppose any floor amendments intended to weaken the bill. The restaurant carry provisions of the bill are being practiced in forty-three states without serious problems. Virginia implemented restaurant carry two years ago, after which restaurant crime dropped by 5.2%.

Provisions for firearms in locked vehicles on campuses of higher learning is a modest first step aimed at reducing campus violence, deterring tragedies such as Virginia Tech and keeping thousands of lawful North Carolinians from becoming accidental felons.

I look forward to hearing of your support and will monitor this issue via Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.

Respectfully,

Uncategorized

Great News Out Of Raleigh

April 24, 2013 by 3 Comments

The NC State House’s Judiciary A Committee approved a measure this afternoon that would significantly expand gun rights in North Carolina. HB 937 would allow (among other things) concealed carry holders to have firearms on university and community college campuses so long as they were locked in their vehicles.

Representatives of the National Rifle Association, Grass Roots North Carolina and other gun owner rights groups endorsed the bill during the committee hearing, saying it granted changes long sought by gun owners.

“With respect to the campus provisions on this bill, frankly, it’s more limited than we wanted,” said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina, adding that his group still supported the bill. “The entire purpose of this is deterrence. We are looking at deterring violent sociopaths from crimes on campuses.”

The campus provision applies to all public community college and university campuses in the state. Independent colleges and universities would have the choice of whether to allow firearms on campus but would have to post a prohibition.

This is great news. Current law makes it a felony to have a firearm on university and community college campuses regardless of whether you hold a NC Concealed Handgun Permit or not.

The bill would also allow carry in restaurant and eating establishments that serve alcohol as well as clarify the General Assembly’s intent on park carry.

I have more on this bill later this evening as I’m heading out to an appointment now.