Every so often, a local news story about a victim of crime goes national. Most recently, it was Sarah McKinley, 18, home alone with her 3 month old son, a few days after Sarah’s husband had died of lung cancer. Two men apparently looking to steal pain medicine prescribed for the husband broke in. Sarah grabbed a shotgun and a pistol and killed Justin Martin as he forced entry into her home. How often do such incidents happen? While the results from studies vary, the numbers are large. The National Crime Victimization Survey, for various procedural reasons, is at the low end, showing 108,000 such cases a year (although this was some years back, when crime rates were higher than now). The widely reported Kleck/Gertz study, which has its own set of problems, showed a range of 830,000 to 2.45 million defensive gun uses per year. Other studies have fallen solidly in the middle, with hundreds of thousands of defensive gun uses per year.

The panel held its first hearing on House Bill 679 with witnesses for and against but did not vote. The measure by Rep. Jason Spencer, R Woodbine, would allow anyone who can legally own a gun to carry one without having to get a permit from a county probate judge.

The measure was approved last year by the House. Its passage by a 10-5 vote in the Senate Finance Committee sends it to the full Senate, where supporters predict it will pass. Gov. Mark Dayton said he hadn’t decided yet if he would sign or veto the bill. The provision, known as the castle doctrine, allows the use of deadly force with a weapon if people believe they are in imminent danger while defending a dwelling.

The debate over U.S. gun laws and Mexican drug violence brings to mind Mark Twain’s famous quip about lies, damned lies, and statistics. In a recent editorial, the Washington Post blamed American policies for exacerbating the bloodshed, pointing out that “70 to 80 percent of the traceable guns seized in Mexico can be tracked to the United States.” The key word there is “traceable.” While it’s true that most of the traceable guns originated north of the border, those weapons represent a very small portion of total Mexican gun seizures.

Legislation that would allow homeowners to use any degree of force, even lethal, against intruders without threat of criminal or civil charges has passed the House of Delegates.

For over a year now I have been investigating Fast and Furious, an operation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This has been a complicated investigation. It’s been made even more difficult because of the Justice Department’s lack of candor and transparency. The Justice Department is stonewalling, interfering with Congress’ constitutional responsibility of oversight.

House Majority Amy Stephens doesn’t know if the Rapture of 2012 is coming but she does know if an emergency happens she doesn’t want the government to be able to confiscate Coloradans’ firearms. The Monument Republican sponsored a bill that prohibits law enforcement from banning possession, transport or other uses of a firearm during an emergency unless a person is committing a crime.

House Bill 2457, sponsored by Brenda Barton (R-5), would allow an individual to carry an additional firearm for personal protection while hunting, as long as that firearm is not used for the taking of wildlife.  This bill simply allows hunters the ability to adequately defend themselves from a variety of potential outdoor crimes.  HB 2457 is expected to be heard by the state House Energy and Natural Resources Committee this Monday, February 13, and needs your support! 

Today, one of the NRA’s top legislative priorities, House File 1467, passed in the state Senate Finance Committee by a 10 to 5 vote. HF 1467 will now be considered and voted on by the full state Senate.  Last year, HF 1467 passed in the state House by a 79 to 50 vote and this state Senate vote is the final hurdle to get this important omnibus pro-gun bill to the Governor.  A floor consideration date has not been set, but the NRA will update you when action is imminent. In the meantime, please call AND email your state Senator and urge him to pass HF 1467 quickly and help send this important legislation to the Governor.  Contact information for your state Senator can be found here.

Yesterday, the New Hampshire Senate sent three pro-gun bills, House Bill 194, House Bill 330 and House Bill 334 to interim study, therefore New Hampshire gun owners now need to focus on NRA-backed House Bill 536.