Arizona…

• Arizona Republic: Bill to Allow Loaded Guns in Cars at School Parking Lots Advances in Arizona Legislature

Arizona law already allows gun owners to keep unloaded firearms in their cars when they park on school grounds. But some Second Amendment-loving state lawmakers say that doesn't go far enough: They're pushing a bill to allow parents to store loaded guns in vehicles parked on school property.

Idaho…

• KBOI-TV (CBS - Boise, Idaho): Bill Would Allow Concealed Carry at Idaho Schools

A hearing will be held for legislation allowing individuals age 21 and older to carry a concealed weapon into public schools without having to tell anyone, so long as they have obtained an Idaho enhanced permit. The sponsor of the proposal, Rep. Chad Christensen (R-Ammon), told the House State Affairs Committee the intent is to arm teachers and harden Idaho public schools against active shooters. "That's why I'm doing this bill," Christensen said. "I want children to be safe. I don't want them to be a soft target. Gun-free zones are a soft target. They're a sitting duck waiting for something to happen."

Indiana…

• WSCH (Radio - Aurora, Indiana): Indiana Lawmaker Still Hoping for Free Carry Law

Just because Indiana lawmakers haven't voted on the plan to allow people to carry a gun for free doesn't mean they won't vote on it. State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Aurburn), who wrote the plan to remove the fee for a concealed carry permit, said he expects the idea to be resurrected before the end of the session in April.

Missouri…

• KBIA (NPR - Columbia, Missouri): University Faculty and Staff Allowed to Carry Concealed Weapons Under Proposed Missouri House Bill

University faculty and staff could be allowed to carry concealed weapons in order to act as campus safety officers under a proposed bill from the Missouri House of Representatives. These faculty and staff members would need to show proof of a permit to carry a concealed weapon and would be required to complete a training program. Republican Rep. Dean Dohrman proposed the bill. He said it would quickly bring more order and safety to schools in the event of a shooting.

Oklahoma…

• The Daily Caller: Permit-Free Carry Coming to Oklahoma

Oklahoma residents will be able to carry a firearm without obtaining a permit after Nov. 1, according to a new law signed Wednesday by Oklahoma’s Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt. Stitt discussed the importance of his first legislation signed into law. In a ceremony held Wednesday after a Senate vote, he said: “As I traveled all over the state to all 77 counties, I heard from Oklahomans all over that they wanted us to protect their right to bear arms." Specifically, House Bill 2597 eliminates the concealed or unconcealed carry permit requirement for anyone older than age 21, or 18 for active duty, veteran or reserve military personnel.

Pennsylvania…

• The Washington Examiner: What’s the Point of Passing a Law That Everyone Knows Is Illegal?

The mayor of Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto, is likely to pass an anti-gun bill with the support of most of city council. It is a Democratic city in a Democratic county run overwhelmingly by Democratic machine politics, so that part is not noteworthy. What is noteworthy is that it is blatantly against the law. Peduto knows it, Councilman Corey O’Connor — who introduced the legislation — knows it, and they have bluntly told anyone within shouting distance that they don’t care. Why? Because they believe they have the moral authority to break the law. The council has been holding public hearings on the proposed ban on certain types of guns, bump stocks and ammunition used in mass shootings.

Friends:This post is the first in a series of weekly news updates and observations from the USCCA to help keep our members, and all responsibly armed Americans, up to date on important concealed carry developments. I also want to make sure I’m keeping you personally informed of my efforts to speak out in support of concealed carry and the Second Amendment.

On the Legislative Front

This past week was once again a study in contrasts between anti-gun politicians in Washington (who still don’t get it) and 2A supporters in state houses across the country — the ones who are working to support responsibly armed Americans like you and me. I hope you’ll take a moment to read this op-ed that I penned for The Hill, speaking out against more failed gun laws by Congress and in support of responsibly armed Americans. Here's a short snippet:Instead of restricting Americans’ Second Amendment rights, our government should be doing everything possible to protect our children, and that includes supporting and allowing trained, licensed teachers and administrators to arm themselves. In countless situations across this country, responsibly armed Americans have been the front lines of defense against evildoers because they have the necessary knowledge, training and experience to protect those around them. In an emergency situation, seconds matter, and a well-trained, responsible gun owner can save lives in an active-shooter situation.Although Pelosi and the anti-gun lobby rammed this bill through the House last week, the good news is that it’s not expected to go anywhere in the Republican-controlled Senate. President Trump promised to veto it if it does. Our government at the local, state and federal levels should be supporting responsibly armed Americans — not targeting them with more failed, feel-good gun laws that would restrict Second Amendment rights but ultimately do nothing to strengthen public safety.

Some States Are Getting It Right

Fortunately, just this last week at the state level, we saw some important progress on the concealed carry front. In West Virginia, for example, the State House passed a bill that would allow responsibly armed Americans to carry on college campuses. The debate now moves to the State Senate, where I hope they will pass it. I had the opportunity to speak out

publicly in support of this legislation as a guest on The Tom Roten Morning Show (WVHU-880) in Huntington, West Virginia. If you’re interested, check it out below. Click Here to Listen to My Interview on Campus Carry in West VirginiaAnd in Kentucky, the state Legislature passed constitutional carry legislation that now heads to the governor’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law this week. I was proud to speak in support of this legislation as a guest on the Kruser and Krew radio show (WVLK-590) in Lexington, Kentucky. Once again, if you’re interested, I hope you’ll check it out below. Click Here to Listen to My Interview on Constitutional Carry in KentuckyResponsibly armed Americans are among the most law-abiding citizens in the country. We have the necessary knowledge, training and experience to protect ourselves and those around us. The USCCA will continue to stand up for your God-given right to self-defense.

Quote of the Week

“I'm a conceal carry gun owner, and so are many in Kentucky now. You will not need to go through a process and get a license and permission in order to have your Second Amendment right.” — Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin

Data Point You Should Know

• When Senate Bill 150 is signed into law by Governor Bevin, Kentucky will become the 16th state where you can conceal carry your gun without a permit. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) signed similar legislation into law in January, and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed constitutional carry into law on Feb. 28, though the law will take effect Nov. 1.