Spotlight
In recent legislative news, states like Indiana and Utah have taken significant steps to protect Second Amendment rights and privacy for firearm and ammunition purchasers.
Governors Eric Holcomb of Indiana and Spencer Cox of Utah signed the Second Amendment Privacy Acts, prohibiting the use of a firearm-retailer-specific Merchant Category Code (MCC) by financial institutions to track lawful firearm transactions. This move, supported by the NSSF, aims to safeguard against political exploitation and unlawful government surveillance.
Meanwhile, legal challenges against firearm bans continue, as seen in Maryland’s case, Bianchi v. Brown, where law enforcement trainers filed an amicus brief against the state’s semiautomatic rifle ban, arguing such firearms are commonly used for lawful defense.
Similarly, in Colorado, House Bill 1292 faces criticism for its unconstitutional ‘assault weapon’ ban, which critics claim is littered with factual inaccuracies.
The Number:
New Jersey’s Carry Permit Surge: 19,933 Approved in 2022
In 2022, New Jersey approved 19,933 carry permits, a significant rise from the 631 issued in 2021.
This surge followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, which overturned stringent gun control laws. Since then, 33,264 total applications have been filed, with only 217 denials.
In-Depth
A Shift in Gun Advertising Strategy: Focus on A New Segment
A recent study by Oregon State University highlights a shift in gun advertising in Guns & Ammo Magazine, moving from portraying women in a “sexy” light to depicting them as responsible, well-trained, and capable of using firearms for serious purposes like self-defense. The study also reveals a significant uptick in female gun ownership in the United States, with women’s ownership increasing from 16% to 22% between 2019 and 2021. This surge contrasts with the stable male ownership rate of approximately 43%.
Read More – Vermont Community Newspaper Group
Delaware Moves Forward with “Permit to Purchase” Handgun Legislation
The Delaware Senate has passed a “permit to purchase” handgun bill, requiring individuals to obtain a permit and undergo gun safety training before purchasing a handgun. This decision, divided along party lines with a 15-6 vote, follows extensive debate and the proposal of 15 amendments by Republican lawmakers aimed at ensuring no delays in permit issuance and preventing the creation of a gun registry.
CDC and NIH Funding Targets Second Amendment Rights Under “Public Health” Research
The Gun Owners of America has raised concerns about federal grants from the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health being used to undermine Second Amendment rights through “public health” research on gun violence. This approach to gun control, likened to the public health campaign against smoking, has been contested by the GOA since the 1990s. Despite the Dickey Amendment, which prohibits CDC funds from being used to advocate for gun control, recent years have seen an increase in government-funded gun control research.
Read More – Gun Owners of America
Landmark Ruling in Louisville: Convicted Felons’ Second Amendment Rights Upheld
In a groundbreaking decision, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Melissa Logan Bellows declared it unconstitutional to prosecute Jecory Lamont Frazier under a state law that prohibits felons from owning guns, asserting that the Second Amendment right to bear arms extends to “all Americans.” This ruling challenges the longstanding restrictions placed on convicted felons.
Highlights
- 300 New Gun Ranges In Finland: Finland is constructing over 300 new shooting ranges to enhance the capabilities of its citizen soldiers and strengthen national defense.
- California’s Gun Purchase Limit Struck Down: A San Diego federal judge has declared California’s law restricting residents from buying more than one firearm within a 30-day period unconstitutional, lacking historical precedent.
- Illegal Immigrants and Guns: A federal court ruled the prohibition on illegal immigrants owning guns unconstitutional, challenging the long-standing official stance.
- The DOJ on Cannabis Use: An ATF agent halted a gun sale due to the buyer’s alleged marijuana odor.
- New Gun Laws in Prague: The Czech Republic amended its charter to allow firearm ownership for self-defense, showcasing a unique stance within Europe’s strict gun control landscape.
- Firearms In The Statehouse: Governor Eric Holcomb signed a law allowing most statewide elected officials to carry firearms at the Indiana Statehouse.
- Texas AG Sues Businesses: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed lawsuits against five businesses for prohibiting off-duty police officers from carrying their service weapons on the premises.
The Patriot is brought to you by Trident 1, the best-in-class, all-in-one, cloud-based FFL-compliant POS software for the firearm/outdoor industry.
We handle everything from POS to distributor integrations, eCommerce, range management, gunsmithing, and compliance. All in one convenient, real-time cloud-based platform.
