The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that a legislation enacted by Congress recently will change the rules governing possession of firearms on National Wildlife Refuges.  In effect as of last week, the new law allows an individual to lawfully posses a firearm within the boundaries of a National Wildlife Refuge in accordance with federal, state and local firearms laws.  As directed by this new law, the Service said it will look to the laws of the state and locality in which the refuge or refuge unit is located to govern possession of firearms on the refuge.

 

According to USFW, the law will change the application of rules regarding possession of firearms, but has no impact on the authorized use of firearms on National Wildlife Refuges. The law does not allow visitors to fire or discharge the firearms in any way, brandish the weapon in the view of others, or any other use of the firearm.  The law does not differentiate between concealed handguns under state permit and long guns and applies to all firearms, which are defined as a weapon designed to fire a projectile by the use of an explosive charge.  All Federal firearms statutes remain unchanged.

 

 

In other news, a release by the Second Amendment Foundation said the Washington State Supreme Court has issued a precedent-setting opinion in the case of the State v. Christopher William Sieyes, which holds that the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitutions Bill of Rights applies to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment. The opinion, issued Feb. 18, in effect puts on notice anti-gun groups in Washington, and, according to the group, …clears a path for other state supreme courts to follow.

 

Also of note, the New York Times published an article last week citing several recent victories by gun rights advocates suggests that gun advocates are gaining ground despite President Obamas perceived anti-firearms position-which hasnt yet produced any significant results. 

 

The Times article referenced a recent bill approved by Virginias General Assembly that allows patrons to carry concealed weapons in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. Additionally, the House of Delegates voted to repeal a 17-year-old ban on buying more than one handgun a month, the Times reported. Likewise, Arizona and Wyoming lawmakers are reportedly considering several pro-gun measures, including one that would allow residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

 

The Times also pointed out that lawmakers in Montana and Tennessee passed measures last year to exempt their respective states from federal regulation of firearms and ammunition that are made, sold and used in state, further cementing the idea that the Obama Administration may not be conforming to the original expectations of gun-control advocates.