The Texas Legislature is in session, and open carry is an issue that many gun rights activists hoped would pass. However, on January 14th, the Texas house approved rules to allow representatives to remove citizens from their offices and provided the possibility for the installation of panic buttons in the offices. This comes on the heels of two individuals within the guns rights movement acting in what many have deemed an unprofessional, unproductive manner within the capitol building. It may be a while yet before gun rights activists reach their goal.
The ATF issued an open letter this week stating that while pistol braces secured to the wrist or forearm were legal, any modifications or appropriations that secures a pistol in any way to or against the shoulder is a modification that the ATF considers illegal. This letter seems to be a reversal of some of their past positions, and the legality and accuracy of the statement are still being hashed out. We will keep you updated on this development.
Pennsylvania got some great legal news this week – their state preemption law now has some teeth. Citizens or individuals that are found breaking city or county law that contradicts state law now have the power to sue their local government. Such suits could result in monetary relief for the plaintiffs. In essence this will force misbehaving cities to comply with state laws, whether or not they agree with said state laws or not. This also puts more power in the citizens’ hands, which is always a good development.
Elsewhere in the U.S., Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has vetoed the bill that would’ve made Michigan a true “Shall Issue” permit state. He did so after significant pushback from women’s groups in the state. The main issue these groups took with the bill was that it would have made permits attainable for persons subject to personal protections orders for domestic violence or stalking. Michigan came close, but we feel sure that more efforts to make the state of Michigan issue CCL’s are on their way.
Finally this week, we have a defensive shooting from a Papa John’s driver. Yes, you heard me, a pizza delivery woman was on the job when she used her natural rights to defend herself. According to reports from Decatur, Georgia, the unnamed driver was on a delivery when she was forced to the ground by gunpoint. Though it was and still is against Papa John’s policy to carry or use firearms while on the job, the driver was carrying and fired her weapon at the assailant. She hit the man in the face, and he was apprehended soon after. The driver is alive, though she now has no car, as a second robber is still at large. Papa John’s is doing the right thing by not firing the driver and offering her counseling. We also want to congratulate the woman for her bravery in what was a very tough situation.