During an Oct. 31 press conference following the attempted rape of a woman walking her dog by a convicted felon, Spartanburg County, S.C., Sheriff Chuck Wright didn’t mince words. “It’s too bad someone with a concealed weapons permit didn’t walk by. That would fix it,” Wright said. Wright then repeatedly told his constituents “I want you to get a concealed weapons permit.” To hammer the point home he held up a fanny pack, saying, “They make this right here where you can conceal a small pistol in them.”

In a move that stunned members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the chief of the criminal division in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona has cited his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination and refused to testify.

Recently, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. issued a ruling upholding an Obama administration policy that requires federally licensed firearms retailers in states bordering Mexico to report multiple sales of semi-automatic rifles. The case was brought by two NRA-backed firearm retailers and by the National Shooting Sports Foundation acting on behalf of its affected members. Plaintiffs have already filed an appeal—but while we await the outcome, your help is urgently needed in seeking congressional action to end this illegal policy.

Recently, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. issued a ruling upholding an Obama administration policy that requires federally licensed firearms retailers in states bordering Mexico to report multiple sales of semi-automatic rifles. The case was brought by two NRA-backed firearm retailers and by the National Shooting Sports Foundation acting on behalf of its affected members. Plaintiffs have already filed an appeal—but while we await the outcome, your help is urgently needed in seeking congressional action to end this illegal policy.

This Monday, at 10:00 a.m. in room 436 of the State House, the Joint Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee is scheduled to hear two firearm-related bills of interest to Maine gun owners. The NRA will keep you updated on the status of these bills as they move through the legislature.

The 2012 Hawaii legislative season began on January 18, and with the January 25 bill introduction deadline having passed, the following gun-related measures are what remain from 2011 and what have been introduced for this year.

On Monday, January 30, the New Jersey Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee is scheduled to consider Assembly Bill 588 and Assembly Bill 1013. The hearing will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Committee Room 16, 4th Floor, State House Annex in Trenton.

On January 27, the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee passed five pro-gun bills: House Bill 20, House Bill 22, House Bill 26, House Bill 375 and House Bill 940. These bills will all now be sent to the floor of the House of Delegates for consideration.

Yesterday, state Senator Don Balfour (R-9) introduced NRA-backed legislation, Senate Bill 350. SB 350 would require local and state police authorities to return seized firearms, not currently being held as evidence in a criminal investigation, to the lawful owner if able.