Neighborhood News

1) Urgent action needed: Conceal Carry legislation

Tracy Zorpette from Moms Demand Action contacted the DC BIC Council who alerted us today about the License to Carry a Pistol Amendment Act of 2014 (Bill 20-930).

She encouraged us to make sure that our business owners and property owners know about this.

The bill allows concealed carry of firearms in private businesses unless those businesses post a conspicuous sign prohibiting such carry on their premises ("opt out").

The presumption is switched in the legislation for private homes ("opt-in").

Note: Concealed carry will be completely prohibited in places such as government buildings, arenas, public transportation, hospitals, schools, monuments, etc.

Tracy Zorpetta's group and others are trying to get the bill changed so that private businesses are able to  "opt-in" . This means they they will not be required to post signs if they don't want to allow people to carry concealed weapons on their premises.  If the law passes as is, they will be required to post signs.

The bill can be viewed online here:

http://lims.dccouncil.us/_layouts/15/uploader/Download.aspx?legislationid=32576&filename=B20-0930-Introduction.pdf See pp. 11-12 for the provision related to carry in private businesses.

The DC Council is receiving written testimony ONLY until TOMORROW October 30! Sorry we just learned about this today.

See: http://www.tommywellsward6.com/2014/10/dc-councilmembe-1.php

After that, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety will be considering whether to modify the current bill; comments should be directed to the committee members. Tommy Wells (Ward 6) chairs the committee. Other members include: Mary Cheh (3), Jack Evans (2), Muriel Bowser (4), Anita Bonds (at-large). Council Chair Phil Mendelson introduced the bill.

Written comments should be submitted to Nicole Goines, ngoines@dccouncil.us by 5 pm this Thursday, Oct. 30 to be part of the formal record. Of course, businesses can always contact and/or meet with their Council members after that. But the bill is moving quickly.

Tracy Zorpette's info if you'd like to learn more:

TRACY ZORPETTE | WASHINGTON, DC CHAPTER ADVOCACY LEAD

PHONE 202.750.1218 | tracyz.dc@gmail.com

MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA
MOMSDEMANDACTION.ORG |  @MOMSDEMAND