2A NEWSLETTER: WEEK OF MARCH 22nd

Image source: Shutterstock via Keith Homan

Supreme Court Leans Toward NRA in Key First Amendment Battle

the Supreme Court recently showed a potential alignment with the National Rifle Association (NRA) against New York State officials. This development follows a contentious episode where New York attempted to pressure companies into severing ties with the NRA after the tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018.

Maria Vullo, the then-superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services, allegedly used her position to influence companies against the NRA, thus sparking a fierce legal battle over the boundaries of free speech and government authority.

Legal experts and justices are now dissecting whether Vullo's actions constitute an overreach of power, potentially setting a precedent for how government officials can engage with organizations based on their political stance. The NRA, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, argues this is a clear case of governmental overreach, threatening the essence of advocacy and free speech.

This case raises pivotal questions about the extent of government influence and advocacy protection under the First Amendment. As the legal community watches, the implications of this decision could resonate far beyond the realm of gun rights, influencing how government officials across the U.S. interact with various advocacy groups on contentious issues. This turning point in the legal landscape serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between government authority and individual liberties, with the Supreme Court's decision poised to shape this balance.

Image source: Shutterstock via Allexxandar

Colorado's Assault Weapons Ban Advances

Colorado's journey toward tightening gun laws took a significant step forward as the House Judiciary Committee green-lit House Bill 1292 targeting a vast range of semi-automatic firearms. This move pushed this bill further than any of its predecessors, signaling a potential shift in the state's legislative tides regarding gun control.

This bill would categorize various firearms under the "assault weapons" umbrella based on specific features, aiming to halt their distribution within the state, which include:

• Semi-automatic rifles capable of accepting a detachable magazine or being modified to accept one, and also featuring any of the following:
  • A pistol grip
  • Muzzle brake
  • Functional grenade or flare launcher
  • Shroud attached to the barrel
  • Threaded barrel
  • Folding, telescoping, or detachable stock
• Semi-automatic pistols that can accept a detachable magazine or can be modified to accept one, and also have any of the following:
  • Threaded barrel
  • Second pistol grip
  • Shroud attached to the barrel that allows the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned
  • Muzzle brake
  • Arm brace
• Semi-automatic shotguns with any of the following features:
  • A pistol grip
  • Fixed large-capacity magazine
  • Folding, telescoping, or thumbhole stock
• Any .50-caliber rifle.

Additionally, the bill provides a specific list of makes and models of firearms that they classify as "assault weapons," which includes AK-47s, AR-15s, TEC-9s, Beretta Cx4 Storms, Sig Sauer SG550s, MAC-10s, and Derya MK-12s, among others.

This bill is an overreach that will infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. Such broad and sweeping definitions threaten the core of responsible gun ownership and the principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Colorado, it's time to stand up for your Second Amendment rights. Despite the bill making its way through the legislative process, it's yet to find a firm backer in the Senate, though a few senators are showing interest.

This is your call to action. Reach out to your state senator and share your stance on why this bill shouldn't pass. They need to hear from you—their voter—to genuinely represent your views. It's more than just making a call or sending an email; it's about taking a stand for your rights and engaging in the democratic process.

Speak out respectfully yet firmly, detailing your concerns about how this bill might impact responsible gun owners. Urge your senator to stand against House Bill 1292 and champion the rights enshrined in our Constitution. Your voice matters and can play a pivotal role in protecting our Second Amendment freedoms.

From Ghost Guns to 'Zombie' Guns, When Will the Fearmongering End?

Rep. Alexander Frost from Florida has introduced the "Destroy Zombie Guns Act," aimed at tackling what's being termed the "zombie gun" loophole. This legislation, supported by several lawmakers, seeks to prevent gun disposal companies from destroying the frame or receiver of a firearm and selling the rest of its parts as a kit. They are claiming that reintroducing parts into the community is fueling ‘gun violence’.

The term "zombie gun" itself sounds like fear-mongering, reminiscent of the UK's infamous "zombie knives" saga, creating a narrative that distracts from the real issues at hand. The bill suggests that these ‘undead firearms’ are contributing significantly to community violence, a claim that has no data and deserves scrutiny.

This is another example of how ghost guns were initially used to stoke public fear, now replaced by the even more sensational "zombie gun" narrative. This shift in terminology raises questions about the efficacy of such measures and whether they address the root causes of gun violence or merely play to the gallery with catchy, headline-grabbing names.

The legislation is backed by notable organizations like March for Our Lives, Everytown, and Giffords, which underscores the seriousness with which it's being pushed. However, for Second Amendment supporters, this act represents another layer of unnecessary regulation, targeting a symptom rather than the disease of gun violence.

It's crucial to dissect these proposals, challenging any overreach and ensuring that the focus remains on effective, constitutionally sound measures to combat violence, not on creating a bogeyman out of gun parts. The "Destroy Zombie Guns Act" is just another catchy term designed to scare and distract.

This bill targeting recycled gun parts opens the door to more invasive scrutiny of every single firearm component. Right now, the spotlight is on parts from guns slated for destruction. But what’s to prevent future laws from extending their reach to every gun part in existence? If today's legislators view recycled parts with suspicion, it's not far-fetched to imagine a future where any gun part could be under the microscope, potentially regulated or even outlawed.

This legislative strategy could pave the way for a time when buying, selling, or owning gun parts could face severe limitations. Such a scenario resonates with the growing concerns among Second Amendment supporters about the slow but steady chipping away at gun rights, all under the banner of public safety.