2A Newsletter Week of May 31st

Photo Source: Shutterstock via Allexxandar

Vermont's Republican governor allows ghost gun bill to become law without his signature

Vermont's Republican Governor Phil Scott has allowed a bill banning ghost guns and facilitating public sector union organization to become law without his signature. Bill S.209, passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature, bans the possession and transfer of unserialized firearms and components, and establishes a process for dealers to print serial numbers on guns. Although Scott expressed concerns about the bill's practicality and enforceability, he allowed it to become law.

Governor Scott, while generally aligned with Republican values, has raised significant concerns about this law's practicality and impact. In his letter to lawmakers, he emphasized that violent crime in Vermont has increased due to anti-policing policies and decreased criminal accountability over the past decade. He argued that measures like this bill, which he believes will not have a measurable impact on reducing violent crime, divert attention from more effective solutions.

It's disappointing that Governor Scott allowed these bills to become law without his signature, especially given his concerns about their practicality and effectiveness. By not taking a firm stand, he undermines his own stated beliefs about addressing the root causes of violent crime and places an unnecessary burden on law-abiding gun owners. This move also signals a lack of strong leadership and accountability, leaving many to question his commitment to protecting Second Amendment rights. Leaders should be decisive, especially on issues that impact citizens' freedoms.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature insists that regulating ghost guns is necessary to keep firearms out of the hands of those prohibited from owning them. However, this law places an undue burden on responsible gun owners, forcing them to serialize their firearms and undergo background checks, effectively imposing a tax on our constitutional rights.

Under the new law, severe penalties are imposed for non-compliance. Carrying a firearm without a serial number while committing a violent crime could result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Moreover, the Secretary of State’s office must report to the Legislature on options for prohibiting firearms in municipal and state buildings, including the Statehouse. This could lead to further encroachments on our rights.

Chris Bradley, president of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, rightly criticizes this legislation as a direct attack on law-abiding gun owners. It’s essential to remember that Vermont, a state with a strong tradition of gun ownership and hunting, is now the 14th state to regulate ghost guns, following pressure from groups like Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action.

We must stay vigilant and continue to fight against policies that infringe upon our rights. The focus should be on addressing the root causes of crime and supporting effective law enforcement, rather than imposing restrictive measures on responsible citizens.

Photo Source: Shutterstock via Andrea Izzotti

House Democrats propose ban on .50-caliber rifles

In a blatant attack on our constitutional rights, House Democrats have introduced the Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2024, aiming to ban the manufacture, sale, possession, importation, or transfer of .50-caliber rifles by civilians in the United States. This draconian bill, spearheaded by Democratic U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Veronica Escobar of Texas, and Maxwell Frost of Florida, also requires current owners to register their rifles in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

The proposed legislation doesn't stop there. It opens the door for victims of gun violence to sue manufacturers and dealers who violate the federal Kingpin Act, creating a dangerous exemption to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which currently shields gunmakers from most lawsuits. Furthermore, it mandates that gun dealers report multiple rifle sales to state and local law enforcement, adding another layer of unnecessary bureaucracy.

They claim this bill is necessary to curb drug cartel violence in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, where .50-caliber rifles have been misused by criminals. Rep. Castro argues that these weapons fundamentally alter the balance of power between criminal organizations and the government south of the border. Rep. Escobar adds that the lax gun laws in the U.S. endanger not just Americans but also our neighbors in Latin America.

However, this legislation is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to strip law-abiding American citizens of their rights. The majority of .50-caliber rifles are owned responsibly by enthusiasts and used for sporting purposes, with some businesses deriving income from sales and shooting camps. By targeting these firearms, the bill punishes lawful owners and businesses for the actions of criminals.

This overreach sets a dangerous precedent and erodes our Second Amendment rights. It's essential to remember that the real issue lies in enforcing existing laws and targeting illegal activities, not infringing upon the freedoms of responsible gun owners.

We must stand united against this unjust legislation and ensure our voices are heard. Our constitutional rights are at stake, and we cannot allow misguided policies to undermine our freedoms. Here’s how you can help:

Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to your local and state representatives to express your opposition to the Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2024. Let them know that this bill is an infringement on our Second Amendment rights.

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments on this issue. Follow pro-Second Amendment organizations and news sources to stay informed about ongoing legislative actions.

Join Advocacy Groups: Consider joining organizations that advocate for gun rights, such as the NRA or local Second Amendment groups. Your membership and support can help amplify our collective voice.

Spread the Word: Share this information with friends, family, and fellow gun enthusiasts. Use social media platforms to raise awareness and mobilize support against this legislation.

Attend Public Meetings: Participate in town halls, public forums, and community meetings where this issue might be discussed. Your presence and voice can make a significant impact.

Together, we can defend our rights and ensure that responsible gun ownership remains protected. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and continue to fight for our Second Amendment rights.

Photo Source: Shutterstock via Bennian

York City Leaders Unanimously Pass 'Ghost Guns' Ban

In a disappointing and concerning move, York City leaders have unanimously passed Bill No. 14, which aims to curb the presence of unregulated firearms, also known as "ghost guns," within the city. This legislation places new restrictions on the possession, use, transfer, and manufacturing of these firearms, which are often made with 3-D printers or assembled from kits bought online, without a license or background check.

City Council President Edquina Washington claims that this bill is a necessary step to enhance safety, stating, "Any individual can have one in their hands, and we cannot track it and we cannot trace it." However, this approach unfairly targets law-abiding citizens who responsibly build and own firearms.

Brandon Flood, Deputy Director of Government Affairs for CeaseFirePA, has noted that the presence of ghost guns is increasing nationwide and among youth. Yet, instead of addressing the root causes of crime, this bill punishes responsible gun owners by imposing unnecessary regulations and penalties.

Violators of this bill could face fines up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. This bill places undue burdens on those who can lawfully possess and privately make firearms. Mayor Michael Helfrich has 10 days from the bill's passage to sign it into law, which would then take effect 20 days later. If the mayor signs it, the ordinance will go into effect in 20 days later, prohibiting the possession, use, transfer or manufacturing of lower receivers and establishing penalties.

Currently, Philadelphia is the only other city in Pennsylvania with a similar ban, upheld by the State Supreme Court. However, this growing trend of local ordinances against private firearm manufacturing threatens our Second Amendment rights and sets a dangerous precedent.