proposed laws

PA Bill Number: HB2109

Title: In terms and courses of study, providing for student mental health supports.

Description: In terms and courses of study, providing for student mental health supports. ...

Last Action: Referred to EDUCATION

Last Action Date: Mar 14, 2024

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FOAC Action Alerts

PA Legislative ALERT: Pro-Gun Bills Coming Up in PA House Judiciary Committee Today

Date: 05/19/2021

FOAC has just been informed by Judiciary Committee Chairman Rob Kauffman’s office that the Chairmen will ‘sunshine’ both Pro-Gun Bills: HB 659 and HB 979 today thus making it public that he intends to run BOTH of these bills.

To recap:

HB 659Constitutional Carry – was first introduced by Rep. Saccone after working closely with FOAC on the language of this legislation, it remains largely identical to what we drafted except for a few minor tweaks.

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania.../State-Law/4595

HB 979Preemption Strengthening – was first introduced by Rep. Metcalfe after working closely FOAC on the language of this legislation, it remains largely identical to what we drafted except for a few minor tweaks.

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania.../State-Law/4409

The House Judiciary Committee Members can be found here: https://foac-pac.org/PA-House-Committees

We are asking ALL gun owners and 2A advocates to reach out to their House Representative ‘and’ the Judiciary Committee members and ask for their support for these bills WITHOUT AMENDMENT!

Then take a moment to reach out to House Leadership:

Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler

And

Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff

AND respectfully ask them to bring these bills to the floor for a vote once they pass the Judiciary Committee AND to put these bills on the ‘must have list’ with the PA Senate.

We CAN do this if we all work together!!

Thank you!

Kim Stolfer, President

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB979/State-Law/4409


Dr. Lott is Reporting that the Horrific Colorado Supermarket Mass Killing a Likely 'Gun Free Zone'

Date: 03/23/2021

The horrific mass murder at the Boulder Colorado supermarket is now looking like it was another Gun Free Zone tragedy.

Dr. Lott is reporting that early indications are that there is, what appears to be, a 'No Guns Sign' on the door entrance to this supermarket.  Efforts are being made to verify this as this is written.

More to come as details emerge.

At 12:30 today (3/23) Gov. Wolf and AG Shapiro are going to hold a press conference on the Atlanta and Colorado shootings.  With their track record they will likely talk about more Gun Control instead of real solutions.  Sources tell us that the collusion is complete and that PA anti-gun groups will be invited as well.

https://foac-pac.org/Was-The-Shooting-In-Boulder-Colorado-Yet-Another-Attack-In-A-Gun-free-Zone-It-Looks-Like-It-May-Be/News-Item/12131


HB 1747 Pro-2A Action in PA Senate Today

Date: 09/9/2020

The PA Senate Judiciary Committee is bringing up HB 1747 this morning (9/9).  This legislation is vitally important in that it will correct serious flaws in PA law, Title 18, Section 6107.

Currently, this law negatively (and in our view, unconstitutionally)  disenfranchises EVERY PA Citizen who does not have a Concealed Carry License (LTCF) in declared Emergencies.

It’s important understand what current law does and how much at risk individual citizens are.  The limiting of a citizen’s right to self-defense and to exercise their 2nd Amendment/Article 1, Section 21 rights, under the US and PA Constitutions, cannot and should not be condoned and HB 1747 addresses these issues!  The Governor’s issuance of his Opioid proclamation(s), as well as, a state of emergency regarding COVID-19; pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S § 6107, an individual is prohibited from carrying/possessing ANY firearm on “public streets or upon any public property” during the state of emergency, unless one has an LTCF.

Further, the public has been misled as to the consequences of a violation of 18 Pa.C.S § 6107 because pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 6119, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree – our highest grade misdemeanor.  As a result, if an individual would be convicted of a violation of Section 6107, it triggers the federal prohibition of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1); whereby, that individual will be prohibited for the remainder of his/her life from possessing (current firearms) and purchasing any firearms and ammunition.

We respectfully request that you reach out to the Senators on the Judiciary Committee - https://foac-pac.org/PA-Senate-Committees - and ask them to support this legislation as well as any amendments that deal with improving the ability of a citizen to more expeditiously obtain a License To Carry Concealed Firearms (LTCF).

(PS Sorry for the late notice but this decision on action only came up late yesterday)

Thank you!

Kim Stolfer


Metcalfe and FOAC Announce Postponement of June 8th Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally

Date: 06/3/2020

HARRISBURG — State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) issued the following statement today announcing the postponement of this year’s Rally to Protect Your Right to Keep and Bear Arms, which was originally scheduled for Monday, June 8 at the Capitol.

“Especially during times of unprecedented crisis and rampant chaos, all levels of government must be reminded that our God-given, Constitutionally-affirmed right to bear arms in defense of ourselves and our loved ones shall not be questioned.

“Just as importantly, law-abiding Pennsylvania firearm owners recognize that America has always been a nation of laws and unquestionably stand with President Donald Trump and law enforcement nationwide with respect to the restoration of law and order.

“Based on new information we received earlier today, and especially, in the best interest of the rally’s attendees, speakers and our men and women in blue who protect and serve, we must officially postpone this year’s Rally to Protect Your Right to Keep and Bear Arms.”


Governor Wolf Clarifies-Restores Legality of PA FFL's Selling Firearms

Date: 03/24/2020

Gov. Wolf has updated his list of essential businesses that can still function under this current declared pandemic emergency! FFL/gun dealers can now legally operate under specific limitations for social distancing and other concerns but the sale of firearms has been restored in Pennsylvania!

There has been an awful lot of wrangling behind the scenes in the legislature because of the earlier closure order of the Wolf administration for gun dealers and listing them as nonessential businesses.

Here is the list below of the newly updated essential and nonessential businesses as of today, March 24 at 2:30 PM this afternoon:

https://foac-pac.org/uploads/FOAC-Action%20Alerts/2020-03-19-Life-Sustaining-Business-Updated-03-24.pdf

If you know a gun dealer please let them know and share this list with them and feel free to repost it anywhere on the Internet and Facebook. Considering the concerns about safety and purchasing firearms in this critically concerning time we at least have a resolution for those who want to protect themselves and their families!
Many thanks to all of you who of provided input to legislators as it did make a huge difference!

God bless you all, yours in freedom!

Kim Stolfer, Pres.

https://www.scribd.com/document/452553026/UPDATED-2-30pm-March-24-2020-Industry-Operation-Guidance


Some PA Sheriff's Stopping Issuance of Licenses To Carry Concealed Firearms

Date: 03/19/2020

From Attorney Josh Prince: Recently, due to COVID-19, a number of Pennsylvania Sheriff Departments, in violation of the law and their oaths, have notified residents that they will no longer process license to carry firearm (LTCF) applications, including renewals; thereby, preventing individuals who do not have an LTCF from being able to defend themselves in a time of need and subjecting those who do have an LTCF, but whose LTCF lapses, to criminal prosecution.

See more on this at the link below:

https://blog.princelaw.com/2020/03/19/some-pennsylvania-sheriffs-violating-the-law-and-their-oath-by-refusing-to-process-license-to-carry-firearm-applications-and-subjecting-individuals-to-potential-prosecution/


Rally for the 2nd Amendment-November 2nd-Washington DC

Date: 11/2/2019

Gun owners, rights activists, and lovers of liberty will be gathering on the lawn of the Capitol in Washington DC on Saturday, November 2nd, 2019, at 1:00 in the afternoon.

If you live within 200 miles of DC, there is little excuse for missing this critical event, and many people who live much farther away will be doing whatever it takes to be there.

The currently listed speakers are:

  1. Eric Blandford (IV8888)
  2. Craig Deluz (FPC)
  3. Dianna Muller (DC Project)
  4. Jonathan Patton (TGC)
  5. Mike Sodini (WTTA)
  6. Chris Cheng (Topshot)
  7. Joshua Prince (Lawyer)
  8. Erich Pratt (GOA)
  9. Kevin Dixie (NOC)
  10. Kenn Blanchard (Black Man with a Gun)
  11. Gabby Franco (competitive shooter)
  12. Cheryl Todd (Gun Freedom Radio)
  13. Matt Larosiere (Firearms Policy Coalition)
  14. Maj Toure (Black Guns Matter)
  15. Rob Pincus (2nd Amendment Organization)
  16. Jeff Knox (Firearms Coalition)
  17. Anthony Colandro (Gun For Hire)

http://2ndamendmentrally.com/

This is a grassroots effort, and you are the grassroots. Without the active participation of you and other grassroots activists, this isn’t going to work. At the recent Gun Rights Policy Conference, activist Nicki Stallard characterized the difference between rights activists and gun control extremists, saying that we’re herding cats, while they are stampeding cattle. That’s pretty accurate, though I think sheep or lemmings would be more appropriate in describing anti-rights activists.

WE are the Gun Lobby. We can no longer let someone else do it for us, or say “I gave at the office.” It’s up to You. You must communicate with your elected servants – whether they agree with you or not – and be sure that they know what you expect from them. You must help elect politicians that understand and respect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. You must be sure that your family, your friends, your coworkers, your church family, your kids’ friends and their parents, all know the importance of the Second Amendment and the fallacy of gun control laws.

You don’t have to be a scholar or an expert, but you do need to do what you can. Politicians don’t actually read your letters and emails, nor do they get detailed notes about your phone calls. The majority of the time, a low-level staffer looks at your correspondence and puts a check-mark in a “For” or “Against” column, which is then relayed to the politician in the form of a report: “362 constituent comments opposing Bill xyz, 48 supporting it.” That’s it. So find a couple of resources you trust to keep you up-to-date on what’s going on in Washington and your state capitol, and when they ask you to take action, take action – every time they ask. And call your elected servants once a week to make sure your check-mark is counted.

Anti-rights extremists think they have the upper hand right now because of the troubles at the NRA and the public’s emotional reaction to the horrific acts of a few murderous lunatics. Those anti-rights extremists are counting on you to shuffle around in circles wringing your hands and wondering what to do.

Even some in our own movement are more concerned about how it might look if only a few rights activists show up at the Capitol on November 2nd. What a self-defeating attitude. They’re not going to attend or encourage others to attend because there might not be enough people in attendance to make a good showing…? Get on-board or get out of the way. Call that defeatist attitude out for what it is.

Still others argue that they won’t attend because the laws of the District insist that they be disarmed, and they refuse to do that. I get that, I truly do. I well know the discomfort of “going naked,” especially in “enemy territory.” If such fears don’t deter Representative Steve Scalise, they shouldn’t deter you.

The core message of the 2nd Amendment Rally, is “We Are the Gun Lobby,” as in “We the People,” and we demand that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights be respected and adhered to. The speakers list is above, and President Trump, Vice President Pence, Representative Scalise, Representative Massie, Senator Paul, and other congressional leaders have been invited, to join with grassroots rights leaders and activists from around the country.

Are you going to be there, or are you going to come up with an excuse?

It all comes down to YOU and what you’re willing to do. Get three buddies and plan a road-trip, or better yet, get six buddies and borrow your wife’s minivan. Or even better, get forty or fifty buddies and charter a bus. Push your groups to be involved, and volunteer to help. You can make all the difference.

This could be the most important Second Amendment event of our lifetime. Only You can ensure that it’s a success. Go to www.2ndAmendmentRally.com to register and get more information.

Together we can shake up Washington and save the republic. Let’s roll.

https://www.ammoland.com/2019/09/2nd-amendment-rally-planned-nov-2-in-washington-d-c/#axzz62rIxwGJD


Another Monumental Win: FOAC and FPC Defeat Pittsburgh in Preemption Battle; Peduto Plans Revenge on Gun Owners

Date: 10/31/2019

On Tuesday (Oct. 29) FOAC, working with Firearms Policy Coalition and through the tremendous talents of our attorney Joshua Prince, defeated the City of Pittsburgh, in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, in their continuing attempts to pass 'illegal' gun laws in defiance of PA Preemption law.  Despite the chicanery of the Everytown anti-gun lawyers, Eric Tirschwell and his paid mercenaries, Judge James once again (24 years later) saw through the decipt of Mayor Peduto and ruled against ALL 3 anti-gun ordinances.

SO, for NOW gun owners are technically safe for the 'moment' BUT. . .

The one remaining action, at the Court of Common Pleas level, against the City of Pittsburgh is the Allegheny County Sportsmen's League action to hold Peduto and Pittsburgh accountable for violating the Consent Decree from 1995 wherein the City pledged, in the decree, that they would abide by state law (double pinky swear?).

Now word is leaking out that Pittsburgh Democrat politicos are FURIOUS and that behind the scenes, Mayor Peduto and Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald (another Democrat anti-gunner) are planning their revenge on Judge James through alledged ethics charges to remove him from the bench.  YES, you heard that right, they are planning to 'get even' for a sitting judge doing his job and following the law, something neither one seems capable of.

From the link to Joshua Prince's blog article below:

Apparently, Mayor Peduto and Chief Executive Fitzgerald will be filing a frivolous ethics complaint and taking other action against Judge James, in a disgusting attempt to unseat him, for upholding the Pennsylvania Constitution and binding precedent, even after Mayor Peduto, on December 14, 2018, acknowledged publicly that the City of Pittsburgh lacked the legal authority to enact Ordinances 2018-1218, 2018-1219, and 2018-1220. Likewise, on January 7, 2019, City Councilwoman Strassburger declared. . .

On TOP of this Peduto is publicly stating that the City already figured that they would lose and are planning to appeal this case all the way to the US Supreme Court. 

We are asking that you contact your state representatives, inform them of this despicable attempt at bullying the judiciary, and demand that they immediately enact HB 1066 - enhancing our state firearms and ammunition preemption statute to provide for attorney fees and costs, where a municipality violates the law - and support HR 426, the resolution calling for the impeachment of Mayor Peduto.  Make sure to contact House and Senate Leadership AND the Governor's office to insist upon accountability and enforcement of the Rule of Law!

IF any of your friends and fellow gun owners 'thought' that this action would end anti-gun efforts to undermine the Constitution then these developments should put an end to the illusion.  It is up to US to stop Peduto and Bloomberg's anti-gun minions and we will need 'YOUR' help 'MORE' than ever in the coming days, weeks and months!  We would NOT be here without all of YOUR sacrifice and commitment but this is ONLY round 1 of the fight of the decade!  Please try to help 'if' you can and THANK YOU!  Donate to the legal fight at this link: https://foac-pac.org/Donate

http://blog.princelaw.com/2019/10/31/pittsburgh-mayor-peduto-and-allegheny-co-chief-executive-officer-fitzgerald-disgustingly-conspiring-to-unseat-judge-james-for-pittsburgh-decision/


Monumental Decision: FOAC Defeats Harrisburg (and Anti-Gunners) in Preemption Battle

Date: 09/12/2019

As supporters of our Constitutional Right to Bear Arms you have every right to be happy that Commonwealth Court has upheld the FOAC position that Harrisburg is violating our Firearm Preemption laws!

This battle has taken 5 LONG years to navigate its' way in the courts with the first engagement starting in 2015.

None of this would be possible without the talents and passion of our attorney Joshua Prince leading the fight.

NOW it's on to deal with Peduto's Putz's in Pittsburgh!

IF you can help please try to donate to our legal defense fund as we need to replenish our funds to keep up the fight in Pittsburgh and stop these illegal acts by local governments BEFORE they come for 'your' rights! https://foac-pac.org/Donate

Thanks for your 'support' over the last 5 years!!!

Kim Stolfer, President

Articles Related to this legal action:

 

https://blog.princelaw.com/2019/09/12/monumental-decision-commonwealth-court-overrules-prior-decision-regarding-standing-to-bring-a-challenge-to-an-unlawful-firearm-ordinance/


Critically Important Update: PA Senate to Hold Hearings in September on Gun Control and the Constitution

Date: 08/25/2019

IF you believe in your/our Right to Keep and Bear Arms then please pay attention to this alert.  We need your help to get the word out, and please attend, these 2nd Amendment/Article 1, Section 21 PA Senate Judiciary Committee Hearings in Harrisburg, PA on Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 and Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 in the North Office Building, Hearing Room 1.

The 1st Day of Hearings: Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 ***9:00AM-12:0PM*** will focus on mental and behavioral health issues related to recent mass murders and violence.

The 2nd Day of Hearings: Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 ***1:00PM-4:00PM*** will focus on Gun Issues such as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO/Red Flag Laws-Gun Confiscation Without Due Process), Universal Gun Registration (Universal Background Checks), Gun & Magazine Bans, etc.

The paid Bloomberg red and yellow shirts WILL be there pushing their manufactured talking points. We all need to be there to counter their paid anti-gun presence, and to represent the pro 2A position of the silent majority of Pennsylvania. If you want to stop Pennsylvania from adopting New Jersey anti-gun laws please attend these hearings.

We are asking each of you to help in absolutely overwhelming the Capitol inside and outside with people recognizable as 2A supporters by filling the Capitol Building in Harrisburg beyond capacity for 2 days on Sept 24-25, 2019 and demonstrate to everyone, including the biased media, that citizens DO support our Constitutional Freedoms.

Remember what happened last year in how leadership rammed through HB 2060 and how the anti-gun community has crowed about that victory? IF we do NOT make this a maximum effort to stand strong then we will see the legislature capitulate on even worse laws that will affect virtually ‘every’ gun owner throughout Pennsylvania!

You know we would NOT ask if it wasn’t important and critical that every gun owner make every effort to go to Harrisburg to stand with us!

Details of the bills in question can be found here and here and here and an overview of 'ALL' of the anti-gun bills can be found here!

**IF you will be carrying your lawfully carried Concealed Firearm (Handgun ONLY) to Harrisburg, please use this form to expedite the securing of your firearm when going into the Capitol Building.

Firearm Receipt Form (Click this Link): https://foac-pac.org/uploads/Events/PA-Capitol-building-firearm-receipt-2015-Final.pdf

I will be there and hope to see you there as well!

Yours in Freedom,

Kim Stolfer, President

Below is a list of Hotels and Parking facilities we’ve used in the Harrisburg area in the past.

**Parking Garages Convenient to the Harrisburg Capitol: https://foac-pac.org/uploads/Events/Parking-Garages-in-Harrisburg-2019.pdf

**Directions & Map to Capitol Complex: https://foac-pac.org/uploads/Events/Parking-Directions-to-Capital-in-Harrisburg-2019.pdf

**Map of Interior of Capitol Bldg. (Hearing Room #1 is in the North Office Bldg.): https://foac-pac.org/uploads/Events/Main%20Capitol%20Map.pdf

  • Staybridge Suites-Harrisburg

(717) 233-3304

  • Sleep Inn Suites

(717) 564-8888

  • Quality Inn Riverview

(717) 732-0785

  • Holiday Inn Express- Harrisburg East

(717) 561-8100

https://www.senatorbaker.com/2019/08/14/senate-judiciary-committee-announces-fall-hearing-schedule/


Monumental Decision: PA Supreme Court - Hicks - Is Carrying a Firearm Reasonable Suspicion of a Crime

Date: 05/31/2019

Today the PA Supreme Court issued a MONUMENTAL Decision 'stopping' the Commonwealth from pushing the notion that a 'police officer' is JUSTIFIED to investigatively detain a citizen IF a firearm is just seen!
In Hicks vs. Commonwealth, YOUR right to carry openly or concealed was at risk because the element at heart was "whether the mere open carrying of a firearm constitutes reasonable suspicion of a crime." The PA Supreme Court said emphatically NO!

Attorney Josh Prince filed an Amicus Brief on behalf of Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC), Firearm Policy Coalition, and Firearm Policy Foundation in support of Mr. Hicks and arguing, after conducting a 50 state and federal survey that the mere open carrying of a firearm does not constitute reasonable suspicion.

Justice Wecht, writing for the majority, declared that the Superior Court has consistently applied the "inverse of the bedrock rule" that an officer must have reasonable suspicion to stop and frisk an individual by holding that "possession of a concealed firearm by an individual in public is sufficient to create a reasonable suspicion that the individual may be dangerous, such that an officer can approach the individual and briefly detain him in order to investigate whether the person is properly licensed." As Mr. Hicks was stopped solely because a city camera saw him carrying a firearm, the Court held that "there being no other lawful basis for the seizure at issue," the Superior Court's decision affirming his conviction for DUI had to be reversed.

https://blog.princelaw.com/2019/05/31/monumental-decision-from-the-pennsylvania-supreme-court-regarding-whether-the-open-carrying-of-a-firearm-is-reasonable-suspicion-of-a-crime/


Preemption Legislation UP in the Senate Local Government Committee - SB 531

Date: 04/29/2019

You have to keep your eyes on Harrisburg- the  Senate Local Government Committee is about to run a courageous  “Strengthen Preemption” SB 531  This bill will make cities and municipalities financially liable for assaulting the Rights and Liberties of Law Abiding Citizens. Mayors and City Councils that violate State Preemption Laws and disregard the Constitutions of PA and the United States HATE THIS BILL! We need to hold accountable the Elected Officials who feel they are above the law and who take their direction from anti-Liberty forces and gun grabbing special interests.

Rather than out-spend Law Abiding Citizens who are victimized by Illegal Ordinances with Bloomberg money and stolen tax dollars, this legislation will allow for the recovery of legal expenses that are incurred to stop these illegal laws in violation of PA Preemption Law, Title 18 §6120 Limitation on the regulation of firearms and ammunition. If a court of law finds that an ordinance violates Pennsylvania Preemption law (Title 18, §6120), the local government shall pay damages, reasonable attorney fees and costs. The anti-Liberty forces are working hard to undermine liberty and this legislation… we 'must' stop them!

Please ask your Senator to vote YES on this courageous bill, especially if he/she is on the Local Government Committee and on the floor of the Senate. We need your Senators to stand up for the Laws of the Commonwealth and the Law Abiding Citizens of PA. It is the RIGHT THING TO DO!

These are the Senators on the Local Government Committee:

John Blake D 22  
Michele Brooks R 50  
Patrick Browne R 16  
Scott Hutchinson R 21  
Timothy Kearney D 26 Minority Chair
Wayne Langerholc Jr R 35    "Bill Sponsor"
Scott Martin R 13 Majority Chair
Mike Regan R 31 Majority Vice Chair
Steven Santarsiero D 10  
Joseph Scarnati III R 25  
Judy Schwank D 11  

To find your PA Senators contact information  CLICK HERE

Please Ask your Senator to vote YES on  SB531.

Donate to the FOAC/ACSL Pittsburgh Litigation Fund. Enter FOAC/ACSL Pittsburgh Litigation Fund in the Reference Field.

https://foac-pac.org/FOAC-Raffles/23


City of Pittsburgh Signs Illegal Anti-Gun Bills - FOAC Files Lawsuits Against the City

Date: 04/9/2019

The Mayor of Pittsburgh has signed the illegal ordinances and is officially an accomplice in the City's criminal enterprise in violating State preemption laws and the Constitutions of the USA and PA. He also did this behind closed doors, where anti-liberty groups were welcomed and concerned Law Abiding Citizens and Veterans were turned away.  I commend FOAC members Dave Haid, Val Finnell and others for trying to personally witness the signing of these illegal ordinances, even though they were prevented from attending.

In the first action, Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League (“ACSL”) filed a contempt petition for numerous violations of a 1995 Court Order approving a Settlement Agreement between the City of Pittsburgh and ACSL, et al. The petition for contempt requests that the court fine and sanction the City of Pittsburgh, award attorney fees and costs, and hold the Mayor and Councilmembers severally and jointly liable for violating terms of a longstanding court order that required them to “abide by and adhere to Pennsylvania law.” As the City of Pittsburgh stipulated that the City’s Ordinance 30 of 1994 was preempted by 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120, as it regulated the use, possession, and transfer of what the City classified as "assault weapons," ammunition and firearm accessories, ACSL contends that the City’s new gun control laws clearly and unequivocally violate the Settlement Agreement and Court Order.

A second action, brought by Firearm Owners Against Crime, Firearms Policy Coalition, Firearms Policy Foundation, and several individuals, in a 94 page Complaint, seeks declaratory and injunctive relief against the City of Pittsburgh, Mayor Peduto and the individual City Councilmembers that voted in favor of the anti-gun enactments. The Complaint, spanning 16 counts, includes counts for numerous violations of everything from the Pennsylvania Constitution to the Crimes Code to failure to comply with the City Home Rule Charter and City Council Rules.

It is unfortunate that City’s taxpayers will be burdened by the City’s elected officials believing it is acceptable - and even gloating - that they are violating the Pennsylvania Constitution and Crimes Code. It is also unfathomable that an administration that has labeled itself as transparent, precluded interested individuals, including two veterans, from attending the “public” signing ceremony while permitting anti-gun groups to attend; thereby attempting to suppress the First Amendment and Article 1, Section 7 rights of those individuals who were denied admission solely on the basis that they were not members of CeaseFirePA or Moms Demand Action.

IF these lies and actions are allowed to stand then every Pittsburgh citizen and 'anyone' who crosses the City of Pittsburgh boundary is at risk of prosecution and incarceration for violating these illegal ordinances.  Even more so, the video shows the intent is to see ALL communities work on local laws throughout Pennsylvania so IF you think this doesn't affect you then you need to listen to the statements of the Mayor and the groups they are working with.

We will do everything in our power to protect our Constitution and the rights of ALL citizens to be free from government's unlawful acts and tyranny but NOW is the time to stand up and be counted!

https://www.wtae.com/article/mayor-peduto-signs-gun-safety-legislation-bill-pittsburgh/27086173


Stop the Assault on Liberty: Call to Action to Defend the Right to Bear Arms Campaign

Date: 01/14/2019

FOAC has spear headed a Coalition of Liberty minded organizations who are standing together to deliver a common message of unity and freedom. FOAC Board member and ACSL President, Klint Macro, has worked tirelessly to put together this campaign where “We The People” can remind our elected officials that they are in office to PROTECT our Liberties… NOT Assault them.

Please help us spread this message by printing copies of the “Stop The Assault” campaign letter and mail them to your local, state, and federal elected officials on February 1st, 2019; National Freedom Day.

E-Mail link to Freedom Campaign Letter:

 https://foac-pac.org/uploads/FOAC-Projects/Campaign-2019-02-Stop-the-Assault-FOAC-E-Mail-Blast-Complete.pdf

Elected officials MUST STOP THEIR ATTACK on the Liberties of law abiding American citizens. Whether it be a limitation or restriction of free speech, religion, due process, personal property rights, or the right to self-preservation and the right to protect those that we love; the incremental erosion of one right is an attack on them all.

Liberty is a “Yes or No” proposition. We either have Liberty or we do not.

If each of us invests a little effort and a few dollars in ink and stamps, we can remind those in office that we are watching and we will no longer stand by while they Assault our Rights, Liberties, and Freedom with the stroke of a pen.

Yours in Freedom,

Kim Stolfer, President

http://triggerpressersunion.com/uploads/3/5/2/5/35250514/stop_the_assault_letter.pdf


FICG Files Letter on Behalf of ACSL and FOAC in Response to Pittsburghs Proposed Illegal Firearm Ordinances

Date: 12/17/2018

Today, in advance of Pittsburgh City Council's December 18th meeting to formally announce its illegal firearm proposals, Firearms Industry Consulting Group® (FICG®), a division of Civil Rights Defense Firm, P.C., on behalf of its clients, Allegheny County Sportsmen's League and Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC), filed a letter in opposition to the proposals; wherein, Chief Counsel Joshua Prince explains the constitutional and statutory protections and case law precluding such regulation.

In the event Pittsburgh moves forward with the proposals, ACSL and FOAC will take legal action against the City and request that Allegheny County District Attorney Zappala file criminal charges against the Mayor and City Council for violations of 18 Pa.C.S. § 5301 (official oppression) and 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120 (preemption). A copy of the joint press release by ACSL and FOAC is available here.

If you are in a position to be able to support this matter, ACSL and FOAC would greatly appreciate donations, which can be made online through the Firm’s escrow account here – https://secure.lawpay.com/pages/civilrightsdefensefirm/trust. Simply place "ACSL/FOAC Pittsburgh Preemption Litigation" in the reference box.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of an unlawful municipal firearm or ammunition regulation or ordinance, contact FICG today to discuss your options.

https://blog.princelaw.com/2018/12/17/ficg-files-letter-on-behalf-of-acsl-and-foac-in-response-to-pittsburghs-proposed-illegal-firearm-ordinances/


Making Law-Abiding Americans Felons. One Pen Stroke At A Time

Date: 12/3/2018

President Trump has declared that he will bypass congress and ban production, sale, and possession of so called “bump stocks.”

In spite of the fact that ATF has always concluded that these devices are lawful and do not qualify as “machine guns” Trump intends, with the stroke of a pen, to render all who own them felons, if they don’t turn them into the police.

However you feel about these devices, it is truly chilling that a President can turn unknown numbers of good Americans into criminals for owning a device they purchased legally and Congress is silent on the bypassing of Federal Law.  If a piece of plastic that does nothing but simplify what you can achieve with no modifications to a firearm can be banned and confiscated, what prevents this, or any future president, from banning the firearms they are attached to?

“Bump” firing is a technique that can be done without a “bump stock" on ANY semi-automatic firearm. Is a plan to ban your fingers next?

See the a few of the examples below:

Trump promised to protect the Second Amendment. With this action we slide further down the slope.  This is an attack on an entire class of firearms (Semi-Automatic) because no matter the looks they ALL function the same.  Further, we do not even know for sure which weapons were used in the single criminal incident that they were, purportedly, used in!

Had Trump traded bump stocks for National Reciprocity and/or deregulation of suppressors, we would have still disagreed, but the master “deal maker” could  say we got "something." But we got nothing even though the Republicans controlled the Congress and the White House.

Remember, at the heart of ALL gun control is government saying to ALL law-abiding citizens that 'we can't trust YOU to exercise your rights responsibly' so we are taking this away from you!

Please send a message to your Congressman that this attack on a legal firearms accessory is nothing more than state sponsored theft and a dangerous and unconstitutional step towards tyranny.

https://www.ammoland.com/2018/11/pending-trump-bump-stock-ban-wont-satisfy-enemies-but-will-alienate-allies/#axzz5YOixOdmb


FOAC on the Radio This Evening on KDKA - 11/27/2018 (Mangino Show) - The Issue is the Auditor General's Report on Firearms

Date: 11/27/2018

FOAC is going to be on the Mangino Show (KDKA) today (THIS AFTERNOON – 11/27/2018) at 6:05 p.m.  We will be following up the statement of the Auditor General (at 5:30 p.m.) on his report.

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/station/newsradio-1020-kdka/

Call–In # 866-391-1020

The issues for this show:  The Pennsylvania Auditor General has put together a report on so-called ‘firearm safety’ that mixes issues of gun control and more intrusive government with outright lies. This is but the first of many shots across the bow that will be coming in the new, upcoming session that will focus on more regulation of firearms ownership.

Sorry for the late notice but KDKA just called.

The AG report in question can be found here.

More info: https://www.paauditor.gov/press-releases/auditor-general-depasquale-releases-firearm-safety-special-report-calls-for-community-approach-to-making-pennsylvania-safer

https://www.paauditor.gov/Media/Default/Print/RPT_Firearm_safety_112718_FINAL.pdf


Pittsburgh Pushing Illegal Gun Control/Gun Bans

Date: 11/12/2018

FOAC will be on the Southwestern TV stations: WTAE and KDKA today, 11/12/2018, on the evening news responding to Mayor Peduto and his push to enact criminal gun control in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published an article on Veteran's Day regarding Peduto's intent to violate the law AND the 1995 consent decree signed by Pittsburgh when they illegally tried to ban so-called Assault Weapons!

The TV stations are reaching out for a response which FOAC was all too happy to give.

The 4 Horsemen of the 2nd Amendment Apocalypse:

1. Corrupt politicians

2. Soul less Billionaires

3. Anti-Gun groups without compunction

4. Apathetic, Clueless Citizens

http://www.post-gazette.com/…/Pittsbur…/stories/201811110163

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/11/11/Pittsburgh-Tree-of-Life-shooting-Pennsylvania-gun-laws-control-Bill-Peduto/stories/201811110163


UPDATE - Pressure is Working - HB 2060: PA SENATE to Consider Sen. Eichelberger Amendment Tomorrow (10/3): Please Help!

Date: 10/2/2018

After days of gun owner pressure, along with the concerted pressure of Sen. Reschenthaler and other Senators like Sen. Bartolotta, the Pennsylvania Senate will be considering an amendment by Sen. Eichelberger to HB 2060.

This amendment will restore "friends" as a source to surrender or relinquish firearms after a PFA has been imposed.

Once again we need your help in the guise of phone calls and emails Senate in support of Sen. Eichelberger's amendment. It is still being drafted so I do not have an amendment number.

If this amendment is included in the bill and passed by the Senate then FOAC will take a neutral position on this legislation but only if, and I repeat, if this legislation is amended with Sen. Eichelberger's amendment!

We need your help tomorrow morning to put pressure on the Senators in support of Sen. Eichelberger and his amendment! This is a highly critical alert and we do not have much time to work on the Senate.

Please target all of the Republicans with your e-mails and phone calls in the Pennsylvania Senate and Sen. Brewster and Sen. Yudichak.  You can find them all at this link: https://foac-pac.org/PA-Legislator-Info .

If you are an active FOAC member you can sign into the FOAC website and go to your member's area for ALL of the Senate e-mails in one block.

You've all been wonderful and highly supportive and we deeply appreciate all your hard work!

Yours in Freedom,

Kim Stolfer, President


Extremely Critical Legislative Alert: Gun Control Tidal Wave About to Wreak Havoc on Pennsylvania Gun Owners - 9/24

Date: 09/22/2018

The gun control insanity that has gripped much of our nation has finally raised its’ ugly head here in PA. Next week (9/24-9/25) the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, spurred on by Speaker of the House Rep. Turzai, is slated to consider two bills that were tabled in June – HB 2060 & HB 2227.

Direct Links:

HB 2060: https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB2060/State-Law/3067

HB 2227: https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB2227/State-Law/3111

These are both an affront to our Constitution at the state and federal level. What’s worse is that Republican Leadership KNOWS this just as they know both expand the power of government at the expense of the Due Process rights of the accused with HB 2227 creating an entirely ‘new’ section of law involving suspension of ‘Due Process’.

Over the summer, FOAC has worked diligently to examine both bills with some great attorneys and have attempted to convey this to other groups, gun owners and PA House members. On Thursday (the 20th of Sept.) we were told that a September Surprise (meaning gun owners were being stabbed in the back) was coming and that both HB 2060 & HB 2227 would see floor action on Sept. 24th & 25th respectively.

We have done EVERYTHING we can to stop this freight train but are told that UNLESS YOU (gun owners) speak out and DEMAND leadership pull these bills they WILL PASS. We as a group (gun owners) have been silent TOO DAMN LONG!! NOW we are faced with House Leadership and SE Republicans and a ‘Host’ of anti-gun Democrats who think they can ignore citizens’ rights along with the reality of all the major gun groups rallying around these two gun bills that will severely damage the short and long term rights of all citizens to be treated fairly in the halls of justice.

Below are just a FEW examples of the Flaws and Traps in these bills:

  1. PFA’s (Protection from Abuse Orders) are often “weaponized” or “tactical”. This means that a spouse decides to get a divorce and makes false accusations so as to kick their spouse out of the house and onto the street and take away their ability to have firearms for hunting, target shooting or protection. The kicked-out spouse is branded an abuser without trial and often discovers that bank accounts are drained and credit cards maxed out. The law is badly in need of reform to mandate investigation and prosecution of those who make false statements. This legislation does nothing to fix these abuses and encourages more abuses of the system.
  2. IF a PFA is issued on you and you don’t turn in ALL your firearms, other weapons ‘and’ ammunition within 24 hours you will go directly to jail for 6 months (HB 2060)
  3. Completely ELIMINATES your ability to go to court and use the 3rd Party process to ‘legally’ surrender your firearms to a ‘friend or family’ member to keep them for you until the PFA is terminated (HB 2060)
  4. Forces you to pay a storage fee on EACH gun kept at a gun dealer or ‘commercial armory’ for up to FIVE years (HB 2060)
  5. Buy a gun, get reported and have your gun seized without ‘due process’ THEN to challenge this you MUST spend thousands of dollars on an attorney to go to court and ‘prove’ your innocence (HB 2227)
  6. Lose your rights by being reported by even decades old acquaintances and your property seized ‘without due process’ and forced to spend thousands of dollars on an attorney to go to court and ‘prove’ your innocence (HB 2227)

The Talking Points on this legislation can be found below:

I am going to close with the fact that this legislation is an Existential Threat to our rights and is a TURNING POINT for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. We NEED and MUST HAVE your calls, e-mails and ‘presence’ in Harrisburg on Monday and Tuesday!

The straight forward message YOU MUST TELL PA HOUSE MEMBERS is to OPPOSE both bills!  No Compromise, no Deals, no Amending either one as their core structure is irredeemably flawed.

Go HERE to find the contact information for EVERY PA HOUSE MEMBER: https://foac-pac.org/PA-Legislator-Info and to find House Committee members you can go here: https://foac-pac.org/PA-House-Committees - we’ve given you the tools so now this is a no ‘excuses’ moment! The apathy of gun owners has put ALL OF US in this predicament and we are now faced with a put up or shut up moment! We have done all we can to stop these bills and NOW it is up to you to Stand Up and Be Counted or RUE THE DAY if these pass!!

Yours in Freedom,

Kim Stolfer, President

FOAC


Gun Control Coming to Pennsylvania Through House Judiciary Committee Meeting - June 19

Date: 06/17/2018

We live in a troubling and challenging time for our constitutional Freedoms! Never in the history of our nation and state has our Constitution and rights been under such an assault! Frankly, it is shocking to hear politicians openly disrespecting the Constitution as well as our fellow citizens. Ignorance, apathy, arrogant and insidious innuendo all seem to be part and parcel of today’s willingness to shed our Freedoms in favor of totalitarian and invasive concepts!

The recent exchange between two Republicans, Pennsylvania State Representative Rick Saccone and Representative Warren Kampf, illustrates the disregard far too many in office hold for the Constitution! During this exchange Representative Kampf chided Representative Saccone for bringing up the Pennsylvania Constitution by saying (I’m paraphrasing) get off that Constitution crap!

Into this backdrop of constitutional friction, we find ourselves thrust into the greatest gun-control Porsche we have faced in Pennsylvania in the last 15 years! After seven (7) lengthy Judiciary Committee hearings on the issue of gun control (the first six of which were focused on more regulation and restrictions) the committee is focused on advancing nine different gun - related bills on June 19, 2018!

In the first six hearings in the Judiciary Committee the anti-gun groups, wearing their trademark red shirts, prorated their socialist ideals for all to see and yet gunowners sat on their hands choosing to ignore the very real threat that they posed! There are 14 gun clubs within a 30-minute drive of the Pennsylvania State capital with a rough estimate of over 85,000 gun owners and yet no participation from them at these hearings.

You may be wondering why this information is just coming out now but the fact is that the agenda for the Pennsylvania house judiciary committee did not get released until late Friday as we have been working hard for the past week at trying to discern whether these bills would even run since the committee put off this legislation on June 12. If nothing else leaders in Harrisburg have learned that given enough time the average Pennsylvania citizen will reject gun control overwhelmingly so they run these things at the last minute hoping that you don’t care or don’t have the time to get involved.

The list of legislation is below that will be considered this coming Tuesday:

  • HB 2463 – Nelson – Makes 3 critically important changes to PA law and firearms ownership for individuals who have been involuntarily committed.
  1. Removes the prohibition for firearms ownership for individuals committed through the 302-examination process.
  2. Provides a pathway to reinstate the Right to Bear Arms
  3. Requires that the PSP Update NICS within 72 hours of any change to a RKBA disqualification.

FOAC Position: Support – dependent on language of 2 filed amendments A07403 and A07614

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB2463/State-Law/3145

  • HB 2275 – Grove/Briggs – Adds prohibiting category of attempt/solicitation to commit crimes in 6105 or ‘any’ crime with punishment greater than 2 years

FOAC Position: Neutral

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB2275/State-Law/3114

  • HB 2267 – Cruz – Shortens Mental Health Notifications to PSP from 7 days to 3 days-Title 18-UFA

FOAC Position: Neutral

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB2267/State-Law/3129

  • HB 2266 – Cruz – Shortens Mental Health Notifications to PSP from 7 days to 3 days-MHPA

FOAC Position: Neutral

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB2266/State-Law/3131

  • HB 2227 – Stephens – ERPO -Extreme Risk Protection Orders

FOAC Position: Opposed to original bill but could shift to ‘neutral’ depending on language of any amendments.

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB2227/State-Law/3111

  • HB 2060 – Quinn – 3rd Party Elimination – PFA’s – Original Version has Due process and surrender problems.  Similar to 1st version of SB 501 prior to amendments – ‘Must’ be amended!

FOAC Position: Oppose ‘unless’ amended with language from SB 501 then FOAC is ‘Neutral’

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB2060/State-Law/3067

  • HB 1872 – Dean / Costa – this legislation bans ‘any’ this bill would ban the possession ‘and’ sale of “Multiburst Trigger Activators”, and even their part or parts, that accelerate the rate of fire of any firearm. Notice that this grandfathers in previously possessed “Multiburst Trigger Activators” but would prohibit their transfer to any Pennsylvanian in the future ‘and’ that includes firearms so equipped ‘or’ replacement for wear and tear. Draconian Legislation!

FOAC Position: Opposed

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB1872/State-Law/3024

  • HB 1400 – Santora – This bill requires a background check for ‘all’ firearms sales or transfers in Pennsylvania. This would end the private transfer of all rifles and shotguns. HB1400 is deceptive in providing a supposed benefit of allowing a second purchase of a firearm (at a gun show) if previously approved within 72 hours.

“Universal background checks…. Effectiveness depends on … gun registration….” So says the

National Institute of Justice, part of the Obama Justice Department, in a 2013 study. Criminalizing

the transfer of firearms between law-abiding citizens – the only ones who would undergo background

checks – has nothing to do with preventing violence, but everything to do with registering gun

FOAC Position: Opposed

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB1400/State-Law/2942

  • HB 273 – Donatucci – Voluntary Self-Exclusion from Firearm possession, purchases or transfers.  Length of time on list – 1 year, 5 years or Lifetime.

FOAC Position: Oppose ‘unless’ amended by A07354 then FOAC is ‘Neutral’

https://foac-pac.org/Proposed-Pennsylvania-House-Legislation-HB273/State-Law/2772

After reading the above legislation, and knowing the forces allied behind pushing much of it, hopefully you will understand the gravity of this situation! Below you will find contact information for every member of the house judiciary committee:

The House Judiciary Members are:

  1. Chairman Ron Marsico – (717) 783-2014, Fax: (717) 705-2010

Perhaps our time has passed for respecting our Constitution and our Freedoms will be going the way of the dodo bird? Perhaps we are rooted in old world concepts and are no longer relevant? Standing up for our Constitution and Freedoms is neither easy nor convenient but it is our duty as citizens!

On June 19 we will see how many gun owners in the Commonwealth agree because one thing is certain the redshirted socialist simpletons will be parading around the halls of Harrisburg, as they have been for the last four months, working to take away your Freedoms.

I know I will be there and I’m hoping you’re willing to sacrifice your time and join me!

PS: Happy Father's Day!

Semper Fidelis,

Kim Stolfer, President

https://foac-pac.org/pdfs/Bill_List_Firearms_17-18_Top_Anti-GunBills-Synopsis-R4.pdf


Anti-Gun Protest TOMORROW (3-24-2018) at the Beaver County Courthouse

Date: 03/23/2018

PLEASE see the alert below from our Beaver County Partners:

Beaver County Sportsmen’s Conservation League 2nd Amendment Supporters,

On Saturday, March 24th, there will be an anti-gun protest at the Beaver County Court House. American Patriots, who understand the Constitution to be the law of the land, specifically the 2nd Amendment, will also be there to show our support for our constitutionally guaranteed Right To Keep and Bear Arms.

There’s a lot of anti-gun energy moving our way, and it’s up to us, the American Patriots and gun owners to defend what we believe in, if we want to keep it.

We will gather at 11:30am across the street from the court house. Pease join us. If you have a pro-gun sign, bring it along.

Thank you for your help.

Bob Oles,

Secretary, BCSCL=


U.S. House Judiciary Passes Nationwide CCW Legis (HR 38) - 19-11

Date: 11/29/2017

Thank you for all your hard work in reaching out to Congressmen regarding National Concealed Carry Reciprocity (HR 38)!! There is great news to report in that the House Judiciary Committee today passed, by a 19-11 vote, the National Reciprocity, Constitutional Carry-friendly, legislation – HR 38 (by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) – was voted out of the House committee and is now on its way to passage by the full House.  

Overview: This legislation would allow anyone with a License To Carry Firearms, and anyone from a Constitutional Carry state, to carry in ANY state in the country -- thereby countering the unconstitutional, socialist laws of anti-gun states.  This legislation also provides legal protections for citizens who are arrested by ignorant anti-gun local officials who ignore the law.

The legislation includes the legal definition of "handgun" to include "any magazine for use in a handgun and any ammunition loaded into a handgun or its magazine."  

This would circumvent efforts by states like Massachusetts and California to effectively ban guns by banning and/or registering magazines and ammo. 

Suffice it to say that pushing the GOOD version of reciprocity to the verge of House passage and enactment is a huge accomplishment which should not be underestimated. 

As we all expected, anti-gun Democrats tried to water down the inclusion of protections for Constitutional Carry and by a 17-8 vote, Republicans defeated an anti-gun amendment offered by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) that would have limited concealed carry reciprocity to permit holders only.  

The House Judiciary Committee also passed a "Fix NICS" bill which we are watching closely. 

Both bills now advance to the floor of the House.

https://www.nraila.org/articles/20171129/house-judiciary-committee-green-lights-reciprocity-bill


U.S. House to Act on Nationwide Concealed Carry Recognition - Nov. 29th

Date: 11/28/2017

The time we have ALL been waiting for has come and NOW is the time we need YOUR help!

The U.S. House of Representatives, Judiciary Committee, has scheduled a full committee vote on H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, this Wednesday! It’s now more important than ever to contact Pennsylvania members of Congress to support this crucial legislation. Click on this link to find ALL of the PA Congressmen’s contact info: https://foac-pac.org/Federal-Legislator-Info
 
Mandatory nationwide recognition of Concealed Carry [reciprocity] is FOAC’s highest legislative priority in Congress. In accordance with the Constitutional concept of ‘Full Faith and Credit’, H.R. 38 would ensure that states recognize the concealed carry credentials of all other states. This would end abuses in anti-gun states like New York and New Jersey and allow law-abiding concealed carriers to exercise their rights nationwide with peace of mind. It would also provide legal recourse if state or local government tries to deny you the carrying of firearms and/or arrests and prosecutes you in violation of federal law!
 
H.R. 38 does NOT, as some critics claim, change how states issue their own concealed carry permits. It would also require concealed carriers in other states to obey the laws for concealed carry in each state in which they travel.

https://bearingarms.com/tom-k/2017/11/27/house-advance-two-gun-bills-including-national-reciprocity/


Federal gun control hearing is next week!

Date: 11/9/2017

    If you think Republicans will prevent gun control from passing through Congress, you are wrong. On Monday, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) told “The Hill” that he is acceding to demands by Democrat (and perennial gun banner) Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to hold hearings on “firearms accessories.”

   Unfortunately, the NRA strategy of kicking this over to the BATFE in the (flawed) hope that they would institute a regulatory solution to so-called “bump stocks” has backfired as the BATFE kicked the can back to Congress.

This isn’t just about ‘bump stocks’

   And if you think this is about banning the “bump stocks” nobody likes, you are equally wrong.

   With anti-gun Democrats and the media still at full-throated roar, roughly two dozen gun control bills have been introduced in the weeks since Las Vegas. While most of those won’t see the light of a committee hearing, the so-called “bump stock” bans in the House and Senate will.

            And what can you expect from the bills to see hearings in Grassley’s committee? By covering anything which “accelerates the rate of fire of a semi-automatic rifle,” banned items would include:

  • Optical sights, particularly non-magnifying reflex optics designed to get the shooter on target more quickly;
  • Trigger jobs or systems which allow the shooter to fire more quickly;
  • Muzzle compensators which reduce recoil to get the gun back to the target quickly; and
  • What else? Frankly, it’s impossible to know.

   And yes, the “slippery slope” which House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi “certainly hopes” will lead to further gun control will almost certainly lead to debate over “high” capacity magazines, as in the ban introduced by Representative Elizabeth Esty (D-CT).

‘Good guy’ with an AR-15? They don’t care

   The ostensibly “mainstream” media is doing its best to gloss over the fact that in the horrific church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, it was not only a “good guy with a gun,” but a good guy with an AR-15 who stopped the killer by shooting him at least twice. Stephen Willeford is an American hero.

     But they don’t care.

     Yes, this is the third time in recent years in which an armed private citizen has stopped a mass homicide in a church.

     But they don’t care.

     Yes, gun control failed again as, for the second time in recent weeks, the killer underwent a NICS check to get his firearms.

     But they don’t care.

     Nope, the gun ban advocates care about one thing and one thing only: That they have an opportunity to ban your guns in order to better control you.

What will stop gun control?

     It’s been said that, “The only thing that will stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” Well, I’m here to tell you that the only thing that will stop a gun ban organization with clout is a no-compromise gun rights group with clout.

   FOAC is exactly that no-compromise gun group, not only at a state level, but also in fighting federal gun control.

Right now, we can’t do what we need to…

   The problem is that right now, the problem our side faces is that we just want to be left alone. So when we win an election, we go back to our lives.

   But the left doesn’t think that way. They want control – control over YOU. Consequently, they never go away, they never stop, they never sleep. They just keep coming back again and again until they get what they want which is, in this case, the end of the Second Amendment.

I need you to do three things

   YOU must immediately take three actions to defend our liberty:

   Immediately make three phone calls to Sen. Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania and your Congressman (contact info here) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley and let them know that NO GUN CONTROL IS ACCEPTABLE. Call Toomey at (717-782-3951), and call Grassley at (515) 288-1145. (Yes, these are their district offices, not their Washington offices).

   With your help, we will once again prevail.

Armatissimi e liberissimi,

(Most armed and most free)

Kim Stolfer, President

FOAC

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/08/report-republican-senator-grassley-agrees-hearing-bump-stock-gun-control/


Pittsburgh City Councilman Dan Gilman Moves to 'Illegally' Ban Guns in City Parks

Date: 09/26/2017

Pittsburgh City Council will vote on banning firearms in City Parks in 'direct' violation of Pennsyvania Court precedent (FOAC v. Lower Merion) and Pennsylvania law as well as a 1994 court order where the City of Pittsburgh agreed to abide by ALL Pennsylvania Law regarding firearms.  Pennsylvania law (Title 18, Section 6120) removes ALL authority from municipalities and cities regarding banning or restricting firearms.

Please make your voice heard about this clear violation of Pennsylvania Law that is even a Misdemeanor 1 criminal offense (Title 18, Section 6119).

Councilman Gilman's office can be reached through this link: http://pittsburghpa.gov/council/district8/index.html

Since this will be 'another' costly preemption fight we would very much appreciate your dedicated contribution to help us fund the upcoming legal action to stop this in the courts.  Please consider donating through our website donation portal here: https://foac-pac.org/Donate

Thank you for all your interest and support!

Kim Stolfer, President

http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/12773533-74/pittsburgh-councilman-moves-to-ban-guns-in-city-parks-despite-opposition


Problems with SB 383 - Arming Teachers Legislation

Date: 06/28/2017

We strongly support giving teachers the Choice AND Right to be armed to defend themselves!  Twenty-four states now allow teachers and staff to carry, though the rules vary across states. Alabama, Utah, New Hampshire, and parts of Oregon leave it up to the teachers and staff to carry. For example, in neighboring Ohio, at least 40 school districts allow teachers to carry.

However there are significant issues with SB 383 regarding the requirement for a teacher to disclose, and provide proof, of possession of a License to Carry Firearms.  In 1995 access to License To Carry Firearm information was made confidential due to concerns that disclosure could put citizens at risk.  These concerns have been borne out in other states that do not have these controls.  Security of this information, and accountability for its' release is 'not' an insignificant concern!

Yesterday in the PA Senate, Senator Street added an amendment that teachers who wish to carry would be required to be psychologically evaluated!  This raises a host of issues not the least of which is the anti-gun mantra of requiring psychological testing to even 'own' a firearm.

Certain aspects of this legislation is deeply troubling and we cannot support it at this time.  SB 383 is up for final (3rd) consideration today and the PA Senate convenes at 1 p.m.  Please keep in mind that Senator White is a 'very good' Senator and I don't think that he has been made aware of all of these concerns properly!!

https://blog.princelaw.com/2017/06/26/absent-additional-amendments-oppose-senate-bill-383-permitting-teachers-to-carry-firearms-in-pennsylvania/


Breaking News: PA Game Commission Commissioners REFUSE to Authorize Semi's for Big Game

Date: 03/28/2017

The PA Game Commission Commissioners are meeting right now for their quarterly meeting and the Commissioners have stabbed gun owners and hunters in the back by REFUSING to authorize Semi-Auto firearms for hunting big game!

No matter how you slice this betrayal of trust, this is a huge victory for anti-gun groups which will spin this as a gun safety issue despite the record across the nation of success!

It is clear the Commissioners do not value rights the way you and I do!  I suggest everyone consider reaching out and communicating your displeasure with this gift to the foes of Freedom to the PA Game Commission by visiting this link and using whichever method you prefer: http://www.pgc.pa.gov/InformationResources/AboutUs/ContactInformation/Pages/default.aspx

More developments to come. . . . .


Governor Wolf Signs Semi-Auto's in Hunting Legislation - HB 263

Date: 11/21/2016

Today Pennsylvania moved out of the dark ages when Governor Wolf signed HB 263 into law providing for the lawful use of Semi-Auto firearms and air rifles in hunting.  This legislation will end a decades long unfounded prejudice against these types of firearms.  Please take a moment to reach out and thank your state Representative, your state Senator and Governor Wolf for supporting this important legislation!

Also, PLEASE reach out and let your friends and fellow hunters know that these changes on the use of these firearms will NOT take effect until the 2017 hunting season as the PA Game Commission will have to craft the regulations governing the suitable ammunition calibers and magazine capacities as well as the game animals where these firearms will be permitted.  The focus now, for all of us, should be on contacting the PA Game Commission (PGC) Commissioners and insisting that the use of these firearms should encompass Big Game hunting (i.e. Deer & Bear) and 'not' be limited to a small number of game animals.  In the hearings before the House Game & Fish Committee this year PA Game Commission Exec. Director Matt Hough' testimony indicated a reluctance to allow the widespread use of these firearms, which is an unsupported and unfounded bias and prejudice based in political speak.

Interestingly, Germany (known for their tough gun control) has recently authorized the use of these firearms for hunting in that country.

These firearms help women and youth engage in the hunting sports more effectively due to the diminished recoil and adaptability of these firearms.  In addition, they provide for faster follow up shots so that wounded game can be more humanely harvested.

The PA Game Commission has a working group meeting coming up on December 5th and we encourage all interested hunters who would like to use these types of firearms to reach out and communicate your support to the PGC Commissioners.

https://foac-pac.org/Germany-Hunting-with-semi-autos-with-interchangeable-magazine-allowed-again/News-Item/5837


Harrisburg Legislative Update - HB 263 & HB 869

Date: 10/27/2016

This morning there will be a final voting session prior to the election (the legislature 'may' come back in November-Sine Die) and there has been furious wrangling over two bills that you should know about.

HB 263 (as amended in the Senate) will legalize the use of 'air rifles' and 'semi-auto rifles' in hunting.  This bill is on the 'marked' calendar for voting today.

HB 869 is a bill that has been amended 4 times distorting it all out of shape and the animal rights extremists have added dangerous language that could lead to limitations and lawsuits for bird hunting and things like pigeon shoots.  See the language from the bill below:

"DOMESTIC FOWL." ANY AVIS RAISED FOR FOOD, HOBBY OR SPORT.

This language was added in the Senate and is not used anywhere else in the bill.  This bill was supposed to protect 'dogs and cats' from abuse, a laudable goal.  However, it appears the 'animal rights extremists' have manipulated the language to provide them an advantage in court against hunting and training dogs with live birds.  This bill is scheduled to be amended in the Rules Committee and if you have time this morning please contact the Rules Committee members and ask them to correct the language above as well as the language in the 'Torture' sections of HB 869.

Thank you for your attention to this last minute request!

Your FOAC Freedom Team

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=44&CteeBody=H


Important End of Session Vote Coming in Senate and House - HB 263 - Please Help!

Date: 10/25/2016

Tomorrow the PA Senate and House will consider HB 263 which has been amended with legislative language to authorize the use of semi-automatic firearms for hunting as is legal in 'ALL' other states.

We are asking for your help in reaching out to your State Senator 'and' your State House member, as well as the Senate and House Leadership, to ask them to pass HB 263, as amended today in the Senate.  There were 11 Senators who voted against this legislation but 39 voted for it.

FOAC members will find all the Senate and House legislators contact information in their Member's section of the FOAC website.  If you are not a member 'yet' please go to the PA Legislator FOAC page for the listing of every PA Senate and House member along with their contact information.

I also want to thank all of you for your continued patience and persistence in keeping up the pressure on the legislature.  Your frustration at the lack of action by the leadership in Harrisburg on critical Pro-Gun legislation is not lost on all of us and we share it.  Much of this is directly connected to the flood of Millions of Dollars of anti-gun billionnaires donating to anti-gun groups to advance gun control at the expense of the truth.  Your involvement is the ONLY thing stopping the anti-gun groups and I cannot thank YOU enough!

Your FOAC Freedom Team!

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2015&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=263


Preemption Legislation (SB 1330) Sweeps Through PA Senate-NOW on to PA House

Date: 10/17/2016

In a clear sign of rejecting the lies of the anti-gun groups such as cease-fire PA and mom’s demand action, today the Pennsylvania Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of SB 1330, strengthening of Pennsylvania firearms preemption law, by a vote of 30 – 19 the legislation passed.

It is important to remember that we have dozens if not hundreds of communities throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which are arrogantly thumbing their nose at Pennsylvania criminal law and passing their own local laws in defiance of not only the crimes code but also the “equal protections clause” of the Constitution!

We ask that you take two actions now. First reach out to your House of Representatives member and ask them to support SB 1330. Then also reach out and contact your Senator to thank him/her ‘if’ they supported SB 1330. Also please share your dissatisfaction with the 19 Senators who violated their oath to uphold Commonwealth law and ‘not’ put citizen safety and well-being at risk, which each of these Senators did by opposing this common sense bill!

Contact information for the 19 infamous crime supporting Senators is below:

  1. Patricia Vance pvance@pasen.gov; (717) 787-8524
  2. John Blake blake@pasenate.com; (717) 787-6481
  3. Art Haywood ahaywood@pasenate.com; (717) 787-1427
  4. Rob Teplitz rteplitz@pasenate.com; (717) 787-6801
  5. Jay Costa costa@pasenate.com; (717) 787-7683
  6. Andrew Dinniman andy@pasenate.com; (717) 787-5709
  7. Lawrence Farnese farnese@pasenate.com; (717) 787-5662
  8. Wayne Fontana fontana@pasenate.com; (717) 787-5300
  9. Vincent Hughes hughes@pasenate.com; (717) 787-7112
  10. Shirley Kitchen kitchen@pasenate.com; (717) 787-6735
  11. Daylin Leach dleach@pasenate.com; (717) 787-5544
  12. John Sabatina jsabatina@pasenate.com; (717) 787-9608
  13. Judy Schwank jschwank@pasenate.com; (717) 787-8925
  14. Christine Tartaglione tartaglione@pasenate.com; (717) 787-1141
  15. Sean Wiley swiley@pasenate.com; (717) 787-8927
  16. Anthony Williams williams@pasenate.com; (717) 787-5970
  17. Stewart Greenleaf sgreenleaf@pasen.gov; (717) 787-6599
  18. Thomas McGarrigle tmcgarrigle@pasen.gov; (717) 787-1350
  19. Thomas Killion tkillion@pasen.gov; (717) 787-4712

You can find PA House of Representatives contact information at this link:

https://foac-pac.org/PA-Legislator-Info

Time is short and there is very little opportunity to see this bill through the legislative process and put SB 1330 on the desk of the governor so we need all of you to focus and put as much energy as you can into passing this legislation!

Thank you for paying attention to this important update and for being so passionate about defending the freedom so many in this nation have sacrificed for!

In deepest gratitude,

Kim Stolfer, Pres.


Arrogant Anti-Gun Legislators Derailing PA Legislative Process

Date: 09/27/2016

I try not to burden you with a lot of e-mails but this one is significant.  As you may know we have been working to advance pro-gun legislation in Harrisburg and are on the cusp of two of our issues being addressed, finally!

These bills involve preemption (HB 2258 & SB 1330) and semi-auto firearms for hunting (SB 737) and are all keyed up and ready to go EXCEPT we are being held hostage by anti-gunners and money and ‘apathy’ among our ranks!

We are being blocked by a concerted effort from anti-gun groups through their minions of evil (anti-gun legislators) in a historic show of abuse of the political process.  HB 2258 has had 242 amendments filed AGAINST it and this is a record.  SB 737 has had 19 amendments filed against it.  The end goal is to force leadership to pull the bills from consideration.

We are being "terrorized by a small group of misfits" in and outside of the legislature who are abusing the process to stymie legislation that has overwhelming support. Republican Leadership AND Democrat Leadership need to be united in opposition to these tactics! Contact information, including phone ‘and’ e-mail address, for Republican and Democrat leadership is available at the links below:

Republican & Democrat Leadership Contact Info (from the FOAC website):

  • Speaker of the House – Rep. Michael Turzai

https://foac-pac.org/PA-Legislator-Details/451

  • House Majority Leader – Rep. Dave Reed

https://foac-pac.org/PA-Legislator-Details/415

  • House Majority Whip – Bryan Cutler

https://foac-pac.org/PA-Legislator-Details/289

  • House Minority Leader – Frank Dermody

https://foac-pac.org/PA-Legislator-Details/301

  • House Minority Whip – Michael Hanna

https://foac-pac.org/PA-Legislator-Details/336

Also, PLEASE contact your PA State House Member today as well!! If you don’t know who that is then click the link below to search using your address for your legislators.

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/

I’m laying this in your laps because gun owners are faced with an ugly reality!  IF we do not get more of our friends and family involved and calling their legislators and leadership of BOTH parties then I fear our ability to get ANYTHING passed will be impossible.

What is even more critical is that the NEXT step for them is to force anti-gun legislation to be passed or these political whores will shut down work on other bills.

I’m sorry but I have done everything I can think of and have been warning you of this coming evolution of the political process for a while.  Well it is HERE now.  Either get involved now or plan on PA becoming New Jersey in the not too distant future and prepare to surrender your firearms because what is going on now is ONLY going to get worse!

Sorry for the bad news but I’m NOT going to sugar coat the dire situation we are faced with!

Thank you for considering this important message!

Yours in Freedom,

Kim Stolfer

FOAC, President

www.foac-pac.org

www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0737


Critical Firearms Preemption Legislation - HB 2258 - Coming Up in PA Judiciary Committee

Date: 09/19/2016

The PA House of Representatives Judiciary Committee has scheduled a voting meeting for tomorrow, 9/20 – 10 a.m., to vote on four (4) bills one of which is HB 2258, Rep. Mark Keller’s Firearm Preemption legislation. This would strengthen Pennsylvania's preemption statute, as was passed in 2014, and help to discourage PA municipalities from enacting ‘illegal local’ gun laws.

We are asking you to call and/or e-mail Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Marsico and respectfully request that he bring House Bill 2258 to a vote and that he support the bill. In addition, please also contact all the members of the Judiciary Committee, as well as your Representative, and ask that they support House Bill 2258.

You can find all the Judiciary Committee Representatives e-mail addresses compiled in your Members Area of the FOAC website once you are signed in to the site.  The section of the members area you will see will look like the picture below:

This legislation, HB 2258, provides for the recovery of legal expenses incurred, by gun owners or organizations, when local municipalities are sued for enacting local ordinances, or continue to maintain them, in violation of PA Preemption Law, Title 18 §6120 Limitation on the regulation of firearms and ammunition.

Points for to consider using with Legislators:

Are YOU aware that:

  • Communities that enact their own ordinances/laws are in direct violation of, not only, PA law but also the Ortiz Supreme Court decision (1996) and Dillon’s Rule?
  • The Home Rule Charter also prohibits the enactment of ‘any’ law regarding firearms by ‘any’ community covered by this charter?
  • These community officials are engaging in outright criminal (Title 18, §6119) and civil disobedience with the intent to flaunt and violate state law believing they have immunity from liability and prosecution?
  • That citizens and private volunteer organizations have, and are, spending their own money trying to reinstate the rule of law?
  • These violations are occurring with the tacit approval of the state District Attorneys who have the authority to act and are refusing to hold these local officials accountable?

 What this law will do:

  • Provide a legal means for individuals and organizations who successfully sue these local municipalities to hold them financially accountable thus preserving and protecting the rule of law and empowering citizens with the ability to fight city hall and be compensated fairly for expenses incurred.
  • Adds a specific option for damages IF local government enacts a law contrary to the Preemption section §6120 Limitation on the regulation of firearms and ammunition or 53 Pa.C.S. § 2962(g) (relating to limitation on municipal powers).

If a court of law finds that it was an ordinance that violates Pennsylvania Preemption law (Title 18, §6120), the local government shall pay the actual damages and reasonable attorney fees and costs to the party who successfully challenges the regulation.

This is critically important legislation to halt the spread of anti-gun groups, and their minions in local government, who act in violation of PA Laws.

Thank you, in advance, for your attention to this important Alert!

Yours in Freedom,

Kim Stolfer, President

FOAC


Breaking News: Obama ATF Announces Backdoor Ammo Ban!

Date: 08/30/2016

This is not a drill. The Obama administration just implemented a new regulatory change that has sent the entire firearms industry into a tailspin overnight.

A key ingredient necessary for making gunpowder has been re-classified as a high explosive, making it illegal for any company within the industry to transport or store it as they have for decades.

It all stems from how the ATF regulates a chemical compound known as nitrocellulose. For decades, the firearm industry has been allowed to store and transport wetted nitrocellulose without having to treat it as a high explosive. Manufacturers deliberately mix the chemical compound with water to make it less volatile.

Overnight, the ATF just completely changed its regulations, turning everyone in the ammunition industry into felons if they do business the way they have for decades.

The entire industry is now at a standstill. Without nitrocellulose, you can’t make smokeless gunpowder. Without smokeless powder, there’s no ammunition.

Contact your Congressman please!

Go here to find PA Congressmen: http://foac-pac.org/Federal-Legislator-Info

http://conservative-daily.com/2016/08/31/breaking-news-obama-atf-announces-backdoor-ammo-ban/


Urgent Congress Still Pursuing Gun Control - Newest Bill - HR 5611

Date: 07/5/2016

This is a fast developing situation on expanding the denial of owning a firearm because you or I are on some kind of list.  The latest version of the attack on our 2nd Amendment Rights is embodied in HR 5611 (HB 5611 on FOAC Site) and it contains many flaws.  Some of the worst problems are identified below for your review and consideration.

Problems identified in this proposal:

  • Guilty until proven innocent
  • Secret lists still determine one's rights
  • Denied individual still fronts legal fees
  • No provision for discover making a legal defense difficult at best
  • No right for defense team to discovery
  • No right for defense to file emergency/expedited petition
  • Language connects 922 g & n thus expanding the scope of the reasons for expedited denial
  • Nothing in this bill would change what happened in Orlando and is a solution in search of a problem

Unless these problems are corrected we cannot support this legislation.

Please contact your Congressman and tell them to oppose this legislation until these issues are addressed and 'no' American is put through the requirement to 'Prove' their innocence to the government.

Your FOAC Freedom Team!

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/5611?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22hr5611%22%5D%7D&resultIndex=1


Important Firearm Law Preemption Bill - SB 1330 - Moving - YOUR Support Needed

Date: 06/28/2016

SB 1330 is critically important Preemption Legislation that would restore what the PA Supreme Court took away when they struck down ACT 192 last week. Preemption of firearms laws is important in maintaining one set of rules and laws that is uniform across Pennsylvania.  In 2014 the legislature signed HB 80 into law, as ACT 192, and this legislation simply provided for standing and recovery of legal fees if local communities enacted or maintained illegal firearms laws.  Over 100 communities have these illegal laws in defiance of Title 18, Section 6120 (crimes codes) and District Attorneys are 'not' stopping these laws as they should.  Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown are a few of the main violators of this law.

Yesterday SB 1330 passed out of committee, PA Senate Local Government, by an 8-3 vote and will now be considered by the 'full' Senate on the floor.

Please contact your PA State Senator and ask for his/her support when this bill comes to the full floor for a vote. Information on PA State Senators can be found here: https://foac-pac.org/PA-Legislator-Info

Also, please thank Sen. Alloway for introducing SB 1330 and Sen. Hutchinson, Chairman of the Local Government Committee, for moving SB 1330 out of committee.

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1330