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NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 13, No. 13 03/31/06

States with updates this issue:  Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia.

NEBRASKA APPROVES "SHALL-ISSUE" RIGHT-TO-CARRY;
GOVERNOR HEINEMAN PLEDGES SIGNATURE

On March 30, the Nebraska legislature gave final approval to a measure granting law-abiding Nebraska citizens the right to carry a firearm for personal protection.  Legislative Bill 454 now heads to Governor Dave Heineman's (R) desk, where he is expected to sign it into law.  Last week, legislators in Kansas overrode Governor Sebelius' veto of the Right-to-Carry measure in that state.

"NRA has worked patiently and diligently with the state legislature for more than a decade to bring Right-to-Carry to Nebraska, and I want to thank Governor Heineman and the bill's chief sponsor, Senator Jeanne Combs (R-32-Milligan), for their steadfast support.  Their involvement was instrumental in the passage of this pro-Second Amendment legislation for all law-abiding citizens in their great state," NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox declared.

LB 454 met with overwhelming, bi-partisan support as Nebraska senators voted 33-12 in favor of the measure.  The bill allows law-abiding Nebraskans who undergo a background check to apply for a permit to carry a concealed firearm for self-protection.

When the Nebraska legislation becomes law, Wisconsin and Illinois will be the only states to categorically deny citizens the Right-to-Carry a concealed firearm for personal protection! 

"On behalf of all NRA members in Nebraska, I want to thank all the legislators who voted for LB 454," concluded Cox.  "And as always, we appreciate the commitment and participation of our members in Nebraska for encouraging their legislators to pass Right-to-Carry."

GOVERNOR BARBOUR SIGNS CASTLE DOCTRINE,
OTHER NRA-BACKED GUN PROVISIONS INTO LAW!

This week, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (R) signed two NRA-backed, high-priority bills into law.  SB 2426, a "Castle Doctrine" self-defense bill, and HB 1141, a bill containing two pro-gun, and one pro-hunting provision, for law-abiding gun owners and hunters in the state.

"I'd like to thank Governor Barbour for signing these bills and making them the law of the land in Mississippi," said ILA's Executive Director Chris W. Cox.  "Both are important pieces of legislation that will help preserve our fundamental right to self-defense, as well as the gun rights and hunting heritage of Mississippians for generations to come."

SB 2426 states that if a criminal breaks into your home, your occupied vehicle, or your place of business, you may presume he is there to do bodily harm and may therefore use such force as necessary against him.

Mississippi courts have consistently recognized the "stand your ground" principle--both inside and outside the home--since the late 1800s.  SB 2426 codifies such court precedent. 

Furthermore, the "Castle Doctrine" law provides protection from criminal prosecution and civil litigation for those who defend themselves from criminal attack.

HB 1141 enables hunters to continue hunting on certain-sized land tracts annexed by a city or county, even if that locality bans the discharge of firearms within its limits.  It also prohibits the seizure and confiscation of firearms by local officials in the unfortunate event of a future natural disaster in Mississippi, and permits employees to transport and store firearms in their locked, private vehicles while parked on their employer's property if the employer does not provide secure parking separate from the public.

"On behalf of all NRA members in Mississippi, I want to thank HB 1141's author, Representative Warner McBride (D-Courtland), and Senator Charlie Ross (R-Brandon), for their efforts in guiding this measure from concept to law," said Cox.  "I'd also like to thank Senator Ross and Senator Ralph Doxey (R-Holly Springs) for sponsoring the 'Castle Doctrine' bill, as well as the leadership in the Mississippi House of Representatives for keeping both bills on track for passage."

To view the full text of HB 1141, please visit www.mississippi.gov.

CONGRESSMAN JINDAL INTRODUCES
THE "DISASTER RECOVERY PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2006"

On March 28, U.S. Congressman Bobby Jindal (R-La.) introduced H.R. 5013, the "Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006."  This NRA-supported bill would amend federal emergency statute laws to prohibit local authorities from confiscating lawfully owned firearms during times of disaster.

Representative Jindal stated: "The Second Amendment is a cornerstone of our country's freedom and independence.  Particularly during emergencies like those surrounding Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, when incidences of looting, violence and lawlessness were broadcast around the country, we must ensure that law-abiding gun owners are not deprived of their Constitutionally protected right to bear arms.  I am proud to offer this legislation to protect law-abiding citizens' Constitutional right to bear arms and to defend their lives, families and property against lawless criminals."

ILA's Executive Director Chris W. Cox said, "Hurricane Katrina taught us that lawful citizens need the Second Amendment most during disaster and crisis.  New Orleans residents legally armed themselves to protect their lives and property from civil disorder."

Thirty three states have "emergency powers" laws that give the government permission to suspend or limit gun sales, and to prohibit or restrict citizens from transporting or carrying firearms--something NRA-ILA is working to change.  In some states, authorities can seize guns outright from citizens who have committed no crime--and who would then be defenseless against disorder.

Cox added, "This bill to amend the federal disaster laws is vital for the future of America.  Legislative bodies can, and should, act to protect the self-defense rights of citizens at the times when those rights are most important.

"We would like to thank Representative Jindal for introducing this bill, and we look forward to the time when the government will never have the power to confiscate firearms from law-abiding citizens," he concluded.

Please be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, and urge him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 5013, the "Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006!"

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SKY VALLEY EMERGENCY SERVICES OPEN HOUSE
The Sky Valley Emergency Team will be hosting the annual emergency services open house at Sky Valley Fire Station #56, 72-985 Dillon Road, Sky Valley on Saturday, March 18, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. The event is open to the public. Attendees will be able to tour the fire station, view the equipment including antique fire apparatus, and meet the men and women who respond to emergencies and serve the community. This is an opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness, and to meet the men and women who are there to protect and serve the community. Come and join the fun and enjoy a free hot dog and soda.

Participating in the event in addition to Fire Station #56 are Riverside Fire Department Stations #36 and 37, Desert Hot Springs Fire Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Mounted Search and Rescue, Canine-Narcotic Unit, Hazmat Unit Team, Riverside County Bomb Squad, Riverside County Disaster Coordinator, CHP Patrol Unit, CHP or Mercy Air Helicopter, AMR Ambulance, SATERN and R.A.C.E.S. Emergency Radio Groups, Sky Valley Emergency Team, Citizens on Patrol, Homeowners, Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, Aldelphia Cable Co., Hot Springs Community Council, INCA members, Salvation Army, Waste Management of the Desert, Vons Market, and Vince Maxwell.

Sky Valley Emergency Services is a team of men and women whose collective purpose is to inform and education the community on how to protect themselves from an unexpected disaster. They encourage groups such as mobile home parks to take courses in CPR and acquire their own emergency equipment which includes stretchers, defibrillators, and radio links with the outside community. Sky Valley Emergency Services has a strong amateur (Ham) radio section that is trained and ready to serve as a radio link when needed.

For additional information on the open house and to participate in the affiliated swap meet, please call 329-9249.

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Guide Dogs of the Desert Seeks "Puppy Raisers"!

Guide Dogs of the Desert has devoted the last 30 plus years to providing independence and mobility to the blind, elderly blind and the blind with special needs.

Guide Dogs of the Desert needs approximately 80 puppy raisers per year to graduate 20 student/dog teams per year.   The job of puppy raiser is vital to our program. 

Puppies are given to volunteer puppy raisers at the age of 8 weeks.  They remain with their puppy raisers until they are 16-24 months of age.  During this time, puppy raisers are required to love, socialize and teach basic obedience to their puppy.  With help from our training, kennel and puppy raising departments, puppy raisers are taught the skills needed to train their dog and expose their dog to the many elements that a blind person will encounter during its travels.  Our puppies wear a blue jacket that identifies them as a puppy in training. 

The culmination of all your hard work and sleepless nights is then honored in graduation.  Graduation is an emotional event we call a “celebration of independence and mobility”.  At this time, you will hand over the puppy that you raised, who is now a mature dog that welcomes the responsibility of safely guiding the person with whom it graduates.  

If you are interested in being part of an organization that gives the gift of independence and mobility to the blind, please contact Carol Moon, Manager of Breeding and Puppy Raising at
760-329-6257.

 Pati Van Dusan

Volunteer Coordinator Ambassador

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