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Setting the Record Straight on SB 1071 in West Virginia

In recent days, West Virginia Senate President Randy Smith released a public statement regarding SB 1071, the Public Defense and Provisioning Act. His comments have created confusion about the bill’s drafting, legality, and level of expert review.

It is essential that West Virginians have the full and accurate factual record. Many of the claims made about SB 1071 do not reflect the truth, and the following information provides a clear, fact-driven response based on verifiable legal authorities and documented expert analysis.

A Bill with Momentum — and an Unexpected Intervention

The fight for modern firearms equality began in early February. West Virginia made national history when it became the first state in America to introduce legislation authorizing the lawful sale of post-1986 machine guns under the federal carve-out in 18 U.S.C.922(o)(2)(A).

SB 1071 immediately ignited excitement among legislators, industry leaders, and grassroots supporters. Other states quickly took notice—several have already copied West Virginia’s language, and more are preparing to introduce their own versions.

A flash poll conducted by Gun Owners of America showed overwhelming enthusiasm among West Virginians, with 94 percent saying their out-of-state family and friends would be more likely to move to West Virginia if this bill became law. The momentum was real, and the nation was watching.

SB 1071 was introduced by Senator Chris Rose, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the committee advanced the bill with overwhelming support. But immediately after that vote, the bill seemed to vanish.

Chairman Tom Willis, who had reported the bill out of Judiciary, was himself confused about why it had not moved to the Finance Committee as expected. This unusual stallprompted West Virginians across the state to begin calling their Senators, demandingSen. Chris Rose (left), sponsor of SB 1071, stands with Senate PresidentRandy Smith.
answers about what had happened to a bill that had just passed committee with overwhelming support.

In response to the growing public concern, Senate President Randy Smith publicly stated that he personally made the decision to halt SB 1071, clarifying that the choice did not come from Chairman Willis or the Judiciary Committee. This admission dramatically shifted the understanding of events. What many initially believed to be procedural delay within Judiciary now appeared to be a direct intervention from Senate leadership.

Additionally, several advocates and legal experts have raised serious concerns that President Smith may have been relying on information provided by an outside individual who strongly opposed SB 1071 and may have misrepresented key legal facts about the bill.

According to these observers, this misinformation appears to have played a significant role in shaping the Senate President’s decision—ultimately stopping a bill that had strong public support, clear legislative interest, and validation from some of the most respected constitutional attorneys in the country.

This context is essential for understanding how SB 1071 was derailed and why an accurate factual record matters as West Virginians evaluate what happened and determine the path forward.

SB 1071 Was Carefully Drafted and Reviewed by Leading Constitutional Attorneys

Senate President Smith’s assertion that SB 1071 was “poorly drafted” or created without proper legal review is contradicted by the actual record. SB 1071 was reviewed, refined, and endorsed by some of the most accomplished constitutional litigators in the United States.

In addition to Gun Owners of America’s legal team, a number of well-respected Second Amendment attorneys around the country reviewed the theory behind SB 1071 in detail, and agreed that the legal theory—while untested—is sound.

These attorneys have argued and won cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, litigated major Second Amendment cases in the Second, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, and D.C. Circuits, and served as counsel in significant federal firearms law challenges involving the National Firearms Act and 18 U.S.C. 922(o).

These experts examined the statutory structure, the federal carveouts, and the administrative process contemplated in the bill and concluded that SB 1071 is fully consistent with federal law when implemented through the ATF Form 5 process. This is nota fringe interpretation; it is the position of attorneys who operate at the highest levels of federal constitutional litigation.

For example, Mark Smith is a constitutional attorney and member of the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. His Four Boxes Diner podcast has been twice voted as the “Top Voice of the Second Amendment,” and his legal scholarship on the Second Amendment has been cited in litigation and legal briefs, including the Bruen and Rahimi cases.

Mark Smith spent an entire episode of his podcast analyzing SB 1071 in very favorable terms and said, “This West Virginia proposal is very legitimate [and] could have a very real impact on the Second Amendment community.”

The claim that SB 1071 would face insurmountable legal challenges is also contradicted by existing federal case law. In a recent filing in a Maryland federal district court, the Bondi Department of Justice interpreted 18 U.S.C. 922(o)(2)(A) in the same way that SB 1071 does. A federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Judge Lawrence VanDyke, recently interpreted the statute in the same way. That interpretation recognizes a clear statutory carveout allowing the United States, along with state and local governments, to acquire, possess, and transfer machine guns through the National Firearms Act’s established procedures.

Under this carveout, the federal government and the states may lawfully conduct such transfers, provided they comply with the ATF Form 5 approval process. SB 1071 was drafted precisely to operate within this framework, requiring state acquisition, state possession, state-initiated transfer, and mandatory federal approval before any civilian receives a firearm. This is the exact process federal courts have already acknowledged as lawful.

Questions About a Lobbyist’s Claims

It is also important to address the claim that SB 1071 could not pass the House of Delegates. In the days following its introduction, House members publicly expressedinterest in advancing the bill, multiple Delegates requested that it be placed on committeeagendas, and the House Judiciary Committee received extensive public support andindustry engagement. The bill generated unprecedented national attention and significanteconomic interest. The assertion that the House would not seriously consider the bill is not supported by the documented response from Delegates or the public.

The suggestion that SB 1071 lacked support from established gun rights organizations is incomplete. While the Senate President referenced the NRA and WVCDL, those organizations have been reported to be either in favor of the bill or neutral.

Even more concerning, Second Amendment journalist John Crump has reported that a lobbyist, who claimed to represent the NRA during this legislative session, was not acting
on the organization’s behalf. In fact, the NRA leadership reports that this individual has not represented the group for at least two years.

This means that Senator Randy Smith may have been intentionally misled by a lobbyist who was misrepresenting himself to Senators—not only about his role with the NRA, but about that organization’s position on the bill.

Moreover, Crump reports this “pro gun” lobbyist stated at gun show—in front of several witnesses—that he would kill this machine gun bill in West Virginia and in Kentucky.

Jared Yanis, who is the host of Guns & Gadgets, has invited this lobbyist to come on his program and explain himself, but as of this writing, that lobbyist has yet to accept the offer.

The Full Record Shows SB 1071 was Legally Sound and Broadly Supported

Senator Smith also omitted the fact that Gun Owners of America, one of the largest and most active national Second Amendment organizations, strongly supported SB 1071.Numerous West Virginia manufacturers, FFLs, and industry leaders endorsed the bill, and national firearms law scholars and litigators provided written and verbal support. SB 1071 generated more public engagement than any other firearms related measure this session. The claim that the bill lacked credible support does not reflect the record.

Concern about online behavior by some individuals does not change the legal merits of the bill. While no one condones harassment or threats, these incidents are not attributable to the bill’s authors, supporters, or Gun Owners of America, nor do they bear on the bill’s constitutionality or legislative merit.

Senator Smith implied that GOA encouraged supporters to protest at legislators’ homes. But that allegation is categorically false. Anyone who reviews our website and member alerts will find no instance where GOA has ever promoted such conduct.

In the end, these fallacious claims were a mere distraction—an intent to justify the killing of the bill. And this is why for seasoned veterans of the political process, legislation should be evaluated on its legal foundation, economic impact, and public benefit, not on isolated online comments.

Finally, the timing of the bill’s introduction does not diminish its legality or viability. SB1071 was introduced in accordance with the rules and deadlines of the West VirginiaSenate. Many significant bills are introduced later in session, and the Legislature routinely processes complex legislation on compressed timelines. The timing does not change the bill’s legal validity, economic potential, or national significance, nor does it alter the fact that the bill rests on sound legal theory which has been endorsed by the Department of Justice and federal judges.

To summarize, the factual record shows that SB 1071 was:

• Reviewed and endorsed by nationally recognized constitutional attorneys
• Supported by federal case law and DOJ litigation positions
• Fully compliant with 18 U.S.C. 922(o)(2)(A) and the ATF Form 5 process
• Backed by substantial public, industrial, and legislative interest
• Legally defensible and economically transformative for West Virginia
• Met West Virginia Senate Deadlines

Any evaluation of SB 1071 should reflect these facts, the existing federal and state carveouts, and the well-supported legal scholarship confirming that states may lawfully acquire and transfer machine guns under federal law.

Make sure to stay informed on the latest efforts to pass the machine gun bill into law, by following GOA on Facebook at: Gun Owners of America-West Virginia.

SB 1071 Legal Fact Sheet:
Understanding the Federal Machine Gun Carveout in 18 U.S.C. § 922(o)

• Section 922(o)(1) generally makes it “unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machinegun.”
• However, Section 922(o)(2) contains three exceptions under which “[t]his subsection does not apply.” This means that, if any one of these three exceptions is met, the general prohibition on “transfer or possess[ion]” of a machinegun is lifted.[1]
  • The most well-known exception is the “lawful transfer or lawful possession of a machinegun that was lawfully possessed before” 1986 – these are “post-86 transferable” machineguns not at issue here. 18 U.S.C. § 922(o)(2)(B).

• • The law also exempts any “transfer to or by, or possession by or under the authority of, the United States or any department or agency thereof or a State, or a department, agency, or political subdivision thereof.” 18 U.S.C. § 922(o)(2)(A).  The key word is “or” – this means Section 922(o)(2)(A) provides two further exemptions to the machinegun ban.
• • • The first exemption is “possession by or under the authority of … a State.” ATF has interpreted this provision to involve a State authorizing a person to possess a machinegun for government purposes as part of their “official duties.”[2]
• • • The second exemption – the one at issue in SB 1071 – is for “transfer[s] to or by … a State.” If a State is receiving a machinegun (transfer to) or disposing of a machinegun (transfer by), Section 922(o)’s ban on post-86 machinegun possession simply “does not apply.”
• Importantly, the U.S. Department of Justice recently endorsed the legal theory on which SB 1071 rests. In a Maryland case, DOJ argued that it could return items known as “forced reset triggers” to their original owners, over Maryland’s objection that such items are machineguns.  As DOJ explained, “[e]ven if [forced-reset triggers (‘FRTs’)] were, in fact, machineguns … § 922(o) expressly does not apply to ‘a transfer to or by … the United States or any department or agency thereof.’ … [T]he § 922(o) prohibition has no application to ATF….”[3]
• Aside from DOJ’s position in the Maryland case, there does not appear to be any reported legal opinion involving the “transfer … by … a State” language. Rather, all other cases in this context deal with the entirely distinct exemption – “possession by or under the authority of … a State,” and none of those cases involves a State seeking to transfer machineguns to its residents.
• Moreover, the Eleventh Circuit has expressly left open the possibility of States doing precisely what SB 1071 does. That court explained that, in both Section 922(o)(2)(A) exemptions, “Congress intended to limit lawful transfer and possession of machine guns to instances authorized by the government….” Farmer v. Higgins, 907 F.2d 1041, 1045 (11th Cir. 1990).  See also United States v. Kittson, 161 F.4th 619, 635 (9th Cir. 2025) (VanDyke, J., dissenting) (explaining that, “while lawful ‘possession’ must be ‘under the authority of’ the government, the text applies no such requirement to the transfer exception”).
• Some have raised a question as to whether the initial “transfer … by … a State” would be lawful, but the recipient’s subsequent “possession” might be unlawful. The answer is that both transfer and possession must be lawful in order for either to be lawful.  Otherwise, the statute would both authorize and criminalize the same event – a legal impossibility whereby the government would be the entity creating criminal liability.  Thus, there could be no lawful “transfer” – “to pass or hand over from one to another”[4] – if the receipt of that transfer were a felony.  Indeed, DOJ would never have made the argument that ATF could transfer machineguns to persons whose possession would immediately be a felony.

[1] Of course, even if Section 922(o)’s general prohibition on post-86 machineguns is lifted, the transfer and possession of machineguns still must comply with the National Firearms Act.  For example, the machinegun still must be registered with ATF, registration paperwork still must be completed, and a background check still must be conducted by ATF.

[2] See 27 C.F.R. § 479.105(c).  Some cases likewise have narrowed the scope of “under the authority of” to law enforcement use, but only when governments have opposed the possession of a machinegun.  See Farmer v. Higgins, 907 F.2d 1041, 1045 (11th Cir. 1990) (“[P]ossession or transfer of those weapons would cease to enjoy the authorization of the State agency or subdivision when the officer was no longer on the police force.”).  However, other courts have left open the possibility for a different result if a State wanted people to possess machineguns “under the authority of” the State.  See United States v. Haney, 264 F.3d 1161, 1165 (10th Cir. 2001) (“Section 922(o)(2)(A) sets forth a specific exemption for possession of a machinegun ‘under the authority of’ a state; therefore, that section cannot impair the state’s ability to maintain a well-regulated militia.”).  But again, SB 1071 does not involve “possession by or under the authority of … a State,” but instead a different exemption entirely – a “transfer to or by … a State.”

[3] Defendants’ Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction at 19, New Jersey v. Bondi, No. 1:25-cv-01807-PX (D. Md. June 27, 2025), ECF No. 64.

[4] Transfer, Black’s Law Dictionary 1536 (8th ed. 1999).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/11/2026

GOA Announces Special Event Add-Ons Now Available for GOALS

Springfield, VA — Gun Owners of America (GOA) is excited to announce that special event add-ons for the 2026 Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS) are now officially available.

GOALS brings together thousands of Second Amendment supporters, grassroots activists, industry leaders, and policymakers for a weekend dedicated to defending and advancing the right to keep and bear arms. These newly released add-on experiences give attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow advocates and leaders through several exclusive gatherings throughout the weekend.

Available GOALS add-on events include:

• Activist Society Dinner
• Women’s Brunch
• Hunters Brunch
• Prayer Breakfast
• Student Lunch
• Fueza Breakfast

These special events are designed to foster deeper conversations, strengthen relationships within the Second Amendment movement, and provide unique opportunities for attendees to engage with leaders and fellow activists in a more personal setting.

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of GOA, issued the following statement:

“GOALS is about bringing together the grassroots activists who are fighting every day to defend the Second Amendment. These special events allow attendees to build relationships, share ideas, and strengthen the movement in a more personal and meaningful way.”

As GOA celebrates its 50th anniversary, the 2026 GOALS Summit is expected to be the largest yet, featuring prominent speakers, policy discussions, advocacy training, and a major exhibitor hall showcasing leading companies from across the firearms industry.

Attendees who have already registered for GOALS can log into their event registration to purchase these special event add-ons, while new registrants can select them during the ticket purchase process.

More information about GOALS and registration can be found at www.gunowners.org/GOALS.

GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center. 

-GOA- 

What: Attorneys for George Peterson have filed a petition for certiorari with the United States Supreme Court in Peterson v. United States, a Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC)-backed challenge to the federal government’s unconstitutional National Firearms Act (NFA) tax and registration requirements for suppressors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

3/10/2026 

Gun Owners of America Announces Brownells as Title Sponsor of GOALS 

Springfield, VA — Gun Owners of America (GOA) is proud to announce that Brownells will serve as the Title Sponsor of the Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS)—GOA’s premier national convention bringing together Second Amendment activists, industry leaders, and grassroots advocates from across the country. 

GOALS has quickly become one of the most important gatherings for the gun rights movement, uniting thousands of attendees for a weekend focused on defending the Second Amendment through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Brownells’ sponsorship helps ensure that this growing event continues to empower gun owners and strengthen the grassroots movement nationwide.  

Founded more than 80 years ago and headquartered in Iowa, Brownells has long been a trusted name in the firearms industry, supplying gunsmiths, builders, and shooting enthusiasts with firearms, parts, and accessories while supporting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.  

Pete Brownell, Chairman of the Board for Brownells, issued the following statement: 

“Brownells is proud to stand alongside Gun Owners of America and support the GOALS event. Organizations like GOA play a vital role in defending the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans, and we are honored to help bring together the activists, leaders, and innovators who are working to protect the Second Amendment.” 

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, added: 

“GOALS is about uniting the gun rights movement and equipping grassroots activists with the tools they need to defend the Second Amendment. We are grateful for Brownells’ continued partnership and their commitment to supporting GOA’s no-compromise mission.” 

The Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit will feature major industry exhibitors, policy briefings, advocacy training, panel discussions, and appearances from leading voices in the Second Amendment community. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with industry innovators, elected officials, and grassroots leaders working to advance the right to keep and bear arms. 

More information about GOALS, including registration and exhibitor opportunities, will be announced in the coming weeks. 

GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center. 

-GOA- 

 

Pennsylvanians NEED Senate Bill 822 to run now

Last October, Gun Owners of America testified before the Senate Local Government Committee that passing SB 822 was necessary to strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law. That has never been more true.

This bill has been languishing in the Senate Local Government Committee chaired by Senator Dawn Keefer (R-31). Now is the time to push SB 822! Join us in urging Senator Keefer in getting this bill up for a vote now!

You may ask: What is preemption? It is our state law that says that only the Pennsylvania General Assembly can enact laws related to the regulation of firearms:

No county, municipality or township may in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth. (18 PA.C.S. § 6120)

Rogue municipalities like Philadelphia continue to violate this law without any repercussion or accountability, due to the lack of teeth in the law. Meanwhile, they have the unlimited resources of Bloomberg front organizations to defend them in court. If law-abiding gun owners are ever going to turn the tide, we need the tools laid out in SB 822.

SB 822 provides law-abiding citizens with the ability to recover damages, reasonable attorney fees, and costs if a court finds that a local ordinance violates the state firearms preemption law. It also would award costs to an unsuspecting citizen charged with a crime under one of these illegal ordinances who is subsequently acquitted.

Not only that, but this bill would allow membership organizations, like GOA, to sue on your behalf. SB 822 also delivers long-overdue clarity on the scope of preemption, permanently ending any ability of local governments to pass illegal gun control ordinances without facing consequences

And don’t forget: Everytown USA promised free legal help to ANY city anywhere that wants to challenge their state’s firearms preemption law. Meanwhile, honest gun owners like you and me get stuck with paying for costly legal challenges to restore our gun rights.

Gun Owners, use the form above and let’s send a clear message to Senator Keefer and the rest of the Senate that we demand action on this vital piece of legislation. Join us by sending an email and making your voice heard.

SB 749 unfortunately passed the Senate today, and is now heading to the Governor’s desk.

The bill is a sweeping ban on commonly owned firearms and standard capacity magazines. It criminalizes the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, and transfer of so called “assault firearms” and bans magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds. These are not rare or unusual items. They are standard equipment for many of the most common firearms in the United States.

SB 749 is a blatant, unconstitutional attack on the people of Virginia and a direct violation of our God given right to keep and bear arms. It is the latest attempt by an anti gun Democrat legislature to strip citizens of their rights while pretending they are making anyone safer.

Instead of targeting criminals, it targets you. It punishes peaceful Virginians for exercising a constitutional right.

And make no mistake, this bill will trigger lawsuits resulting in years of expensive litigation for Virginia taxpayers, who will be forced to fund the Commonwealth’s legal defense of obviously infringing legislation.

Virginians should be furious that their own government is trying to criminalize them for exercising a fundamental right.

Governor Spanberger now has a choice. She can stand with the Constitution and the people of Virginia, or she can stand with the anti gun politicians who pushed this blatantly unconstitutional bill through the legislature.

Do not stay silent while politicians try to strip away your rights. Call and email the Governor today and demand that SB 749 be vetoed.

If citizens do not speak up now, the anti gun politicians pushing these unconstitutional bans will only go further. Give the Governor a piece of your mind, and demand nothing less than the utmost respect for our Second Amendment.

What: The Virginia General Assembly passed SB749, which would ban so-called “assault firearms” and “large capacity” magazines, despite both being protected by the Second Amendment. The bill is a major part of Governor Abigail Spanberger’s agenda, and she previously pledged to sign such a bill if it reaches her desk.

Please Call Wyoming Governor Gordon – Historic Gun Rights Bills Could Be Vetoed! Call 307-777-7434

Last week, 3 critical GOA-backed Second Amendment bills passed the Wyoming Legislature and were sent to Governor Gordon’s Desk.

These bills will lower the minimum age to 18 for concealed carry permits (HB096) and increase protections against Red Flag Gun Confiscation Orders by making state and local enforcement of these orders a crime in Wyoming (HB0098).

Finally, SF0101 adds a civil process to Wyoming’s existing Second Amendment Protection laws that GOA helped pass in 2022. The 2022 law made the state and local enforcement of federal gun control a crime under Wyoming criminal statutes.

Now, citizens will also have a clear path to take state and local agencies or departments to civil court for damages enforced against those entities. This is a huge deterrent to local cooperation with federal gun control because of the potential impact on budgets!

In their entirety, these bills would firmly establish Wyoming as an example for the entire Country when it comes to Second Amendment Rights.

HOWEVER, GOVERNOR GORDON HAS UNTIL TUESDAY, MARCH 10 TO VETO THESE BILLS, AND WE ARE ANTICIPATING THAT ONE OR MORE VETO IS HIGHLY POSSIBLE.

PLEASE CALL GOVERNOR GORDON IMMEDIDATELY AT 307-777-7434 AND TELL HIM NOT TO VETO ANY OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT BILLS THAT PASSED THE 2026 WYOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

Also, please click here and send a message to your Legislators asking them to override any potential vetoes if they occur.

We will update you in the coming days about the outcomes of this process.

P.S. Please immediately call Governor Mark Gordon at 307-777-7434 and please click here and send a message to your Legislators asking them to override any potential vetoes if they occur.

We are now entering the final hours of this legislative session, and this moment represents our last chance to advance the SB 1071 language this year. The window is narrow, but the path is real, and it requires immediate action from West Virginians who care about this issue.

Right now, there is an opportunity to have SB 1071 introduced as an amendment to SB 30 in the House Judiciary Committee. If this language is inserted, SB 30 can be called to the House floor for a vote, sent back to the Senate for concurrence, and placed on the Governor’s desk before the session ends. This is the only viable route left to move the machine gun bill forward this session.

But here is the truth that should inspire every one of us:

Even if this amendment does not make it across the finish line today—and this legislation dies—this movement is not ending, it’s growing.

Every call … every email … every conversation … is building the foundation for a stronger, more organized, more unstoppable effort next session. Momentum is not lost; it is earned. And we are earning it right now.

Having said that, SB 1071 still has a chance to pass this session—although the window of opportunity is closing rapidly. Given that there is still a chance, it is beneficial for the House leadership and the Judiciary Committee to hear from West Virginians today—because at a minimum, their hearing from you will create a stronger momentum for the future.

So please contact these House leaders today:

1) Call (304) 340-3210 to reach Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw

2) Call the Judiciary Committee at (304) 340-3252 to reach both:

• House Judiciary Chair JB Akers
• House Judiciary Vice Chair Jordan Maynor

Tell them clearly and directly:

“Insert the SB 1071 language into SB 30. Move it to the floor. Send it back to the Senate.”

You can also email the Judiciary Committee leadership at: judiciary@wvhouse.gov

We are down to hours, not days. If this amendment is not adopted today, the opportunity is gone for this session.

So please make your calls. Send your emails. Encourage others to join you.

Every action you take today strengthens this effort, not just for this session, but for the next one, and the next after that.

Movements are not built in a single day. They are built in moments like this, when citizens refuse to give up, refuse to slow down, and refuse to let momentum fade.

Thank you for standing strong and taking action at this critical moment. The fight continues, and together, we will prevail.

The Second Amendment does not stop at the shoreline.

That is why Gun Owners of America through Fuerza 2A, our Hispanic coalition, are fighting to restore gun rights in Puerto Rico and across America’s territories.

If the American flag flies there, the right to keep and bear arms applies there.

And so should your concealed carry permit apply there!

Alisabet Falu Valdes, GOA’s National Chair of Fuerza 2A, fighting for your Second Amendment rights.

Right now, that principle is being tested in Puerto Rico.

Two pro-Second Amendment bills — PC 1138 and PC 950 — are actively moving through the Puerto Rico House and Senate. The window to influence lawmakers is open — but it will not stay open for long.

GOA believes Puerto Rico should adopt constitutional carry — immediately.

But meaningful reform often happens step by step. These two bills represent a critical and immediate opportunity to restore constitutional rights for millions of Americans.

If we do not act now, that opportunity could slip away.

PC 1138 – Restoring Carry Rights

PC 1138 would move Puerto Rico closer to full Second Amendment recognition by:

• Allowing reciprocity so Americans with carry permits from their home state can lawfully carry while visiting Puerto Rico
• Clarifying that individuals may carry more than one handgun
• Requiring firearms held during criminal investigations to be returned immediately
• Eliminating redundant dealer inspections done by Puerto Rico Police Bureau since these inspections are already conducted by the Federal Government

Most importantly, this bill would allow Americans visiting the island to exercise their right to self-defense instead of being forced to leave it behind when they travel.

That is a historic shift — but only if lawmakers hear from you now.

Alisabet Falu Valdes, representing GOA & Fuerza 2A, registered to lobby in Puerto Rico.

PC 950 – Protecting Victims

PC 950 strengthens protections for victims of domestic violence.

Instead of forcing victims to rely on a temporary 90-day permit, this bill would grant an immediate five-year firearms carry permit — free of charge.

No victim should be left defenseless while navigating bureaucracy.

Delays cost lives. Action saves them.

Why This Fight Matters — Right Now

Today, law-abiding Americans cannot legally carry in Puerto Rico — even if licensed in their home state.

That means millions are forced to surrender their right to self-defense the moment they arrive. And that impacts American gun owners who travel from the mainland to Puerto Rico.

That is unacceptable.

And if we remain silent, nothing changes.

The Constitution must be respected everywhere the American flag flies — including Puerto Rico.

But lawmakers need to hear from GOA members immediately while these bills are under consideration.

Take Action – Contact Puerto Rico’s Lawmakers!

Fuerza 2A needs you to act today.

Contact lawmakers in the Puerto Rico House and Senate with just a couple of clicks from your mouse and tell them:

• Support PC 1138 and PC 950
• The Second Amendment applies in Puerto Rico
• Americans should be able to lawfully carry while visiting the island
• You will visit Puerto Rico if lawful carry is recognized — and that being unable to exercise your Second Amendment rights currently prevents you from traveling there

Time matters.

Silence helps the opposition.

Your message could be the difference between progress and stagnation.

Yes, Puerto Rico should ultimately recognize constitutional carry, just like many U.S. states.

But these bills are a major step forward, if we push them across the finish line.

Stand with Gun Owners of America.

Stand with Fuerza 2A.

Stand for the Constitution.

Act now.

In Liberty,

Alisabet Falu Valdes
Fuerza 2A National Chair
Gun Owners of America

To renew your GOA membership or to join for the first time, please click here.

Great Wyoming Gun Bills Pass – Contact Legislators to Override Any Vetoes!

Over the prior four Wyoming Legislative Sessions, GOA worked to pass some of America’s best Second Amendment legislation including a repeal of most gun-free zones and protections against state and local enforcement of federal gun control.

As promised, GOA continues to work to expand Rights even further in the 2026 Wyoming Legislative Session, and we have great news to report!

Last week, 3 critical GOA-backed Second Amendment bills passed the Wyoming Legislature and were sent to Governor Gordon’s Desk.

These bills will lower the minimum age to 18 for concealed carry permits (HB096) and increase protections against Red Flag Gun Confiscation Orders by making state and local enforcement of these orders a crime in Wyoming (HB0098).

Finally, SF0101 adds a civil process to Wyoming’s existing Second Amendment Protection laws that GOA helped pass in 2022. The 2022 law made the state and local enforcement of federal gun control a crime under Wyoming criminal statutes.

Now, citizens will also have a clear path to take state and local agencies or departments to civil court for damages enforced against those entities. This is a huge deterrent to local cooperation with federal gun control because of the potential impact on budgets!

In their entirety, these bills would firmly establish Wyoming as an example for the entire Country when it comes to Second Amendment Rights.

HOWEVER, GOVERNOR GORDON HAS UNTIL TUESDAY, MARCH 10 TO VETO THESE BILLS, AND WE ARE ANTICIPATING THAT ONE OR MORE VETO IS HIGHLY POSSIBLE.

If any veto occurs, the Legislature will vote on veto overrides on Wednesday, March 11, so we are asking you to take preemptive action and click on the attached links. Ask your legislators to VOTE TO OVERRIDE ANY VETOES BY THE WYOMING GOVERNOR.

Click here to contact your legislators.

Together, we can make Wyoming America’s #1 state for Second Amendment Rights if these bills become Wyoming law.

We will update you in the coming days about the outcome of these efforts.

 

P.S. Please immediately contact your legislators and encourage them to override any vetoes of HB0096, HB0098, and SF0101.

Click here to contact your legislators.

 

 

 

 

Earlier this week, Senate Bill 1071 was stopped in its tracks.

SB 1071, introduced by Sen. Chris Rose (R), would have created the Public Defense and Provisioning Act, allowing the State of West Virginia to transfer machine guns to qualified citizens through a state-run program.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Tom Willis (R) fought for gun owners by pushing this bill through his committee. And the Judiciary Committee passed the bill overwhelmingly. But according to the Senate President Randy Smith, he killed the bill himself and kept it from moving forward.

While this is disappointing, the fight is not over.

A Path Forward Still Exists

Even though the Senate did not advance the bill, its language can still be introduced in the House by amending it into another bill that is already moving through the legislative process.

This is a common legislative procedure, and pro-Second Amendment lawmakers need to hear from you so they will consider exploring this option.

In other words, SB 1071 is not necessarily dead yet.

Setting the Record Straight

Some criticism has been raised about the quality and legality of this legislation, and those criticisms are simply incorrect.

The bill was carefully reviewed by GOA staff and attorneys before introduction. The same language was used by attorney and State Representative T.J. Roberts for similar legislation in Kentucky.

Additionally, the bill passed through the standard review process required before legislation can be introduced in the West Virginia Legislature.

This was not by any means a rushed or poorly drafted bill, and it is in full compliance with the terms produced by the National Firearms Act and other governing federal law.

Questions About Behind-the-Scenes Pressure

Recent reporting by firearms journalist John Crump has raised additional concerns about what may have happened behind the scenes.

According to lawmakers who spoke with Crump, a lobbyist allegedly pressured legislators to oppose the bill while implying he was acting on behalf of the NRA.

Crump reports that the individual leveraged endorsements that could be pulled from lawmakers who supported the legislation.

However, when Crump contacted NRA leadership directly, they reportedly confirmed that the individual in question has not worked for the NRA for several years, and that NRA is not opposed to the bill.

These reports raise serious questions about whether legislators may have received inaccurate information while evaluating the bill.

Governor Morrisey Supports the Effort

It is also important to note that Governor Patrick Morrisey has expressed support for this legislation, and remains supportive of restoring the natural rights to keep and bear arms of law-abiding citizens.

First, contact members of the West Virginia House of Delegates and urge them to support introducing the language of SB 1071 into another bill so the legislature can properly debate and vote on it.

Also, contact members of the West Virginia Senate and respectfully express your disappointment that the bill did not move forward due to misunderstandings and unfortunate circumstances.

Encourage them to support efforts to move this legislation forward if another opportunity arises!

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

Second, join the GOA West Virginia Facebook group and follow the GOA WV Facebook page to stay informed and engaged as this fight continues.

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP FOLLOW THE FACEBOOK PAGE

SB 1071 represents an important step toward restoring the full scope of the right to keep and bear arms.

Although the Senate did not advance the bill this week, the opportunity to revive it still exists.

Gun Owners of America will continue working with lawmakers and grassroots activists to ensure this effort does not end here.

Stay engaged, stay informed, and stay in the fight.

Today, after six years of litigation, Chief Counsel Joshua Prince of the Firearms Industry Consulting Group (“FICG), a division of Civil Rights Defense Firm, P.C., secured a major victory against the Pennsylvania State Police ("PSP") in Landmark Firearms, LLC, et al. v. PSP Commissioner Evanchick, 694 MD 2019. As many of our readers will remember, in December of 2019, after … Continue reading MONUMENTAL VICTORY: PSP’s Policy on Partially Manufactured Frames and Receivers is Revoked! →

Gun Owners of America endorses Senator Lee’s National Constitutional Carry Act 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 5th, 2026 

Washington, D.C. – Gun Owners of America (GOA) is proud to endorse Senator Mike Lee of Utah’s bill, the National Constitutional Carry Act. Senator Lee’s bill restores the right to carry as the founding fathers had intended 250 years ago. This bill would ensure that law abiding American citizens are able to carry around the country without fear of antigun states arbitrarily restricting or criminalizing their chosen self-defense tool. Residents of antigun states would no longer have to endure second class Second Amendment treatment, whether through outright hardware bans or policies that indirectly discourage the exercise of one’s rights. 

Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:  

“In a time of war, Americans cannot afford to have the right to bear arms delayed by arbitrary state permitting processes. Public safety is threatened not only by ordinary criminals, but also bad actors working for foreign adversaries, and Americans need to be armed for the security of our free state. That’s why Gun Owners of America is proud to endorse Senator Mike Lee’s National Constitutional Carry Act. Under this GOA-backed legislation, the right to carry a firearm without a government permission slip will be fully restored, and unconstitutional states regulations on firearms, ammunition, and magazine size will be preempted.” 

You can read the bill text here. 

You can watch GOA’s Minuteman Moment breakdown of the bill here. 

GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center. 

-GOA- 

Last night was a strong night for the Second Amendment in Texas.

Freedom-minded Texans showed up, made their voices heard, and sent a clear message: Texans want leaders who will stand firmly for their constitutional rights.

GOA is proud to report an excellent performance from GOA-endorsed candidates across Texas.

One of the biggest results of the night came in Texas’ 2nd Congressional District, where State Representative Steve Toth defeated incumbent Dan Crenshaw.

Steve worked tirelessly throughout this campaign — knocking doors across CD-2, meeting voters face-to-face, and making the case for defending our constitutional rights. His victory is a testament to the power of grassroots engagement and Texans who refuse to compromise on the Second Amendment.

We also want to congratulate Nate Sheets on his successful primary bid for Texas Agriculture Commissioner and Don Huffines on his campaign win for Texas Comptroller. Both men crisscrossed Texas throughout this campaign working hard to fight for the future of Texas.

But the work is not finished.

Several critical races are now headed to the Texas Primary Runoff, and these next several weeks will determine the final outcome of several key races that will impact the future of the Second Amendment in Texas.

Runoff races where Second Amendment supporters will need to stay engaged include:

• Brandon Herrera for U.S House Congressional District 23
• Ken Paxton for Texas Senator
• Chip Roy for Texas Attorney General
• Briscoe Cain for U.S. House Congressional District 9

Important Runoff Election Dates

Early Voting: May 18 – May 22, 2026
Runoff Election Day: May 26, 2026

Your membership and donations make the work possible.

The support of committed gun owners allows GOA to identify, endorse, and help elect candidates who will stand firm in the defense of the Second Amendment.

If you are able, please consider renewing your membership or making a donation to support GOA’s efforts to defend the rights of Texans and protect our freedoms.

More updates and ways to get involved will be coming soon.

Please Contact the Wyoming Senate Now – Historic Gun Bills Hang in the Balance!

Over the prior four Wyoming Legislative Sessions, GOA worked to pass some of America’s best Second Amendment legislation, and we are just a few steps away from more major Gun Rights Wins this year!

Three GOA-backed pro-Second Amendment bills have passed the full Wyoming House and could pass the Senate this week. A fourth bill passed the Wyoming Senate and could pass the House this week.

These bills will lower the required age to 18 for concealed carry permits (HB096) and increase protections for citizens against Red Flag Gun Confiscation Orders (HB0098).

Additionally, two nearly identical bills, HB0130 and SF0101, add a civil process to Wyoming’s existing Second Amendment Protection laws that GOA helped pass in 2022. The 2022 law made the enforcement of unconstitutional federal gun control a crime under Wyoming criminal statutes.

If HB0130 and/or SF0101 pass, citizens will have a clear path to take agencies to Civil Court for damages, and this will serve as a major deterrent to local cooperation with federal gun control because of the potential impact on an agency’s budget!

A weakening amendment was added to HB0130 on the Senate Floor, but we will work to remove that Amendment on the third and final Senate Floor Vote. Furthermore, SF0101 remains strong as it moves through what we expect to be a friendly House.

Together, these bills would firmly establish Wyoming as an example for the entire Country when it comes to Second Amendment Rights.

Our current challenge is in the Wyoming Senate, so we are asking you to click the take action button above. Please ask your Senators to support these Second Amendment expansions without any weakening Amendments.

Together, by the end of this Legislative Session, we can make Wyoming one of America’s best states for Second Amendment Rights if we pass GOA’s 2026 Wyoming Legislative Agenda.

Stay tuned for more information very soon.

P.S. Please immediately contact the Wyoming Senate and ask them to support House Bills 96 and 98 as written and 130 (with removal of the weakening Amendment).

What: Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced today that a reply brief in support of the cert petition has been filed with the Supreme Court of the United States in Schoenthal v. Raoul, an FPC-backed lawsuit asking the Court to overturn the Seventh Circuit’s dangerous decision upholding Illinois’s ban on carrying firearms on public transportation.

This is not great news, but we need immediate action.

Somehow, despite a live vote proving that SB 1071 had passed the Judiciary committee with overwhelming majority support, the bill has mysteriously “disappeared” and never arrived in the Finance committee.

There are numerous players in this game of lies and deceit, but our only chance to save the machine gun sales bill at this point is to contact the Senate President, Randy Smith, and DEMAND that he bring SB 1071 to an immediate floor vote.

Call Senate Pres. Randy Smith at (304) 357-7995 now! We have an extremely small window to get this done. Remind him that 93 percent of WV gun owners would be LESS LIKELY to support a legislator who works to kill this legislation.

After you have called Senator Randy Smith, PLEASE USE THE FORM ABOVE to email your own Senator asking them to also put pressure on the Senate President and SUPPORT this bill.

As a reminder to any Senator trying to secretly kill SB 1071, our polling shows:

• 96 percent of West Virginia gun owners would be MORE LIKELY to vote for a legislator who supports this legislation.
• And likewise, 93 percent would be LESS LIKELY to support a legislator who works to kill this legislation.

This is possibly our final chance. We truly need all hands on deck.

Tomorrow is an exciting day – it’s the Texas March 3 Primary Election!

Make sure to cast your vote between 7 AM and 7 PM and stand up for the leadership you believe in for our great state!

To find your local polling locations and hours, check out these helpful links:

https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/where.html  

https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/  

We are proud to announce our endorsed slate of strong, principled leaders running for office across Texas and at the federal level.

These candidates have demonstrated their commitment to defending Second Amendment constitutional rights and representing their communities with integrity and courage.

FEDERAL OFFICES

United States Senate – Ken Paxton

United States House of Representatives:

•    Brian Babin – CD 36

•    Bisco Cain – CD 9

•    Michael Cloud – CD 27

•    Pat Fallon – CD 4

•    Brandon Gill – CD 26

•    Lance Gooden – CD 5

•    Brandon Herrera – CD 23

•    Nathaniel Moran – CD 1

•    Keith Self – CD 3

•    Steve Toth – CD 2

•    Beth Van Duyne – CD 24

•    Randy Weber – CD 14

 

STATEWIDE OFFICES (TEXAS)

•    Dawn Buckingham — Texas Land Commissioner

•    Don Huffines — Texas Comptroller

•    Chip Roy — Texas Attorney General

•    Nate Sheets — Texas Agriculture Commissioner

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEXAS STATE SENATE

•    Trent Ashby — State Senator, SD 3

•    Brent Hagenbuch — State Senator, SD 30

•    Bob Hall — State Senator, SD 2

•    Leigh Wambsganss — State Senator, SD 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEXAS STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

•    Cheryl Bean — State Representative, HD 94

•    Melissa Beckett — State Representative, HD 7

•    Mark Dorazio — State Representative, HD 122

•    Brian Harrison — State Representative, HD 10

•    Richard Hayes — State Representative, HD 57

•    Jamie Haynes — State Representative, HD 86

•    Cole Hefner — State Representative, HD 5

•    Hillary Hickland — State Representative, HD 55

•    Janis Holt — State Representative, HD 18

•    Andy Hopper — State Representative, HD 64

 •    Todd Hunter — State Representative, HD 32

•    Carrie Isaac — State Representative, HD 73

•    Marc LaHood — State Representative, HD 121

•    Mitch Little — State Representative, HD 65

•    AJ Louderback — State Representative, HD 30

•    Shelley Luther — State Representative, HD 62

•    Mike Olcott — State Representative, HD 60

•    Katrina Pierson — State Representative, HD 33

•    Keresa Richardson — State Representative, HD 61

•    Chris Spencer — State Representative, HD 1

•    Cody Vasut — State Representative, HD 25

•    Wes Virdell — State Representative, HD 53

•    Terri Leo Wilson — State Representative, HD 23

 

LOCAL OFFICES

•    Andy Hsu – District Judge

•    Tim O’Hare – Tarrant County Judge

•    Jennifer Ott – Galveston County District Attorney

 

This election is a fantastic opportunity for Texans to shape our future and ensure our voices are heard in Austin and Washington.

If you’re interested in candidates endorsed by Gun Owners of America, visit: https://texas.gunowners.org/elections/

Thanks for being engaged in protecting your Rights! Your involvement really makes a difference!