Gun Owners of America

Daniel Defense to Exhibit at GOALS 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 16, 2025 

Washington, D.C. – Gun Owners of America (GOA) is proud to announce that Daniel Defense will be joining the lineup of exhibitors at the Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), taking place August 9–10, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Known for their premier firearms and support for the Second Amendment, Daniel Defense is a welcome addition to this year’s exhibitor floor. 

Attendees at GOALS 2025 will have the opportunity to engage directly with Daniel Defense representatives, explore their cutting-edge firearms, and preview exclusive new product launches. The summit brings together thousands of grassroots activists, industry innovators, policymakers, and digital influencers for a weekend dedicated to defending constitutional liberties and energizing America’s gun rights movement. 

GOA is proud to collaborate with companies like Daniel Defense, whose commitment to American freedom, quality manufacturing, and support for pro-gun advocacy strengthens the entire firearms community. Their presence at GOALS 2025 underscores the critical link between gun makers and the grassroots defenders of the Second Amendment. 

Daniel Defense issued the following statement: 

“We are excited to join GOA for the Second Annual GOALS event in Knoxville to unveil new products and collaborations! Last year’s event was an amazing celebration of the Second Amendment and we have no doubt that this year’s will be even better.” 

Kailey Nieman, Director of Development and Marketing for Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: 

“Daniel Defense is one of the most respected names in the firearms world, and their participation at GOALS 2025 is a huge win for our members. Their bold, unapologetic commitment to the Second Amendment aligns perfectly with what GOALS is all about—empowering citizens to protect and preserve their rights.” 

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: 

“GOALS isn’t just a conference—it’s a movement. Bringing Daniel Defense into the fold adds serious energy to our mission. They’re not just manufacturers—they’re patriots who back their principles with action. We’re honored to have them by our side in Knoxville.” 

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- 

Palmetto State Armory Returns to GOALS 2025 to Support Gun Owners of America’s Mission 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 11, 2025 

Washington, D.C. – Gun Owners of America (GOA) is proud to announce that Palmetto State Armory (PSA) will once again be featured as a vendor at the Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), taking place on August 9–10, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. PSA has been a cornerstone of the American firearms community and a strong ally to GOA in the ongoing fight to protect and preserve Second Amendment rights nationwide. 

 Attendees at GOALS 2025 will have the opportunity to connect directly with PSA representatives, explore their most popular product lines, and learn more about their long-standing support for pro-gun activism. The summit will once again bring together thousands of grassroots activists, industry leaders, legislators, and digital content creators for a weekend of education, advocacy training, and celebration of America’s constitutional freedoms.  

Gun Owners of America (GOA) is proud to have the continued support from Palmetto State Armory in our shared mission to defend the Second Amendment. Through generous donations, collaborative campaigns, and innovative product initiatives, PSA plays a vital role in helping to fund GOA’s grassroots activism and legislative efforts across the country. 

Jamin McCallum, PSA Founder and CEO, issued the following statement: 

“GOA is on the front lines protecting our rights. We’re honored to stand with them in defending the freedoms of law-abiding gun owners.” 

Kailey Nieman, Director of Development and Marketing for Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: 

“Palmetto State Armory has consistently proven to be more than just an industry leader—they’ve been a vital partner in the fight for gun rights. Their continued support for GOA and our mission means the world to us, and we can’t wait to welcome them back to Knoxville for GOALS 2025.” 

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: 

“GOALS is about energizing and equipping the grassroots to fight for their rights—and having Palmetto State Armory join us again is a tremendous boost. PSA not only makes high-quality firearms and gear, but they put their principles into action. They are an example of what it looks like when the firearms industry steps up to stand with gun owners.” 

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- 

Bersa to Join Vendor Lineup at GOA’s 2025 GOALS Conference in Knoxville 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 10, 2025 

Washington, D.C. – Gun Owners of America (GOA) is proud to announce that Bersa will be among the featured vendors at this year’s Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), taking place on August 9–10, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Argentine-American firearms manufacturer is a longtime favorite of shooters and self-defense advocates and will be showcasing its latest products, including its new U.S.-made line, to GOA members and fellow exhibitors throughout the event. 

GOALS 2025 will once again bring together thousands of grassroots activists, industry leaders, and content creators for a weekend of training, policy briefings, and fellowship—all while celebrating the Second Amendment. The exhibition hall will span over 120,000 square feet, with vendors like Bersa offering attendees hands-on access to some of the best products in the firearms space. Attendees will be permitted to lawfully carry their personal firearms while on-site. 

Rafael Del Valle, Director of U.S. Sales & Marketing for Bersa, issued the following statement:
“Bersa is proud to support GOA and its fight to protect 2nd Amendment rights for Americans. We look forward to attending GOALS 2025 this summer, helping to expand their mission, and sharing Bersa products, especially our new USA-made line, with their members at the show.” 

Kailey Nieman, Director of Development and Marketing for Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement:
“We’re incredibly excited to have Bersa join our growing lineup of vendors at GOALS 2025. Their new American-made line reflects the spirit of innovation and commitment to freedom that this event is all about. Attendees will love having the chance to engage directly with a company that’s deeply rooted in supporting gun owners.” 

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Bersa to the GOALS 2025 vendor floor. Bersa has been a trusted name in personal protection for decades, and their commitment to American manufacturing and gun rights advocacy aligns perfectly with our mission. Their presence will be a major draw for attendees, and we’re excited for our members to connect with them in Knoxville this August.” 

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- 

This Monday, Maryland’s General Assembly adjourned ‘sine die’ for the year.

The good news for gun owners is that no new gun control measures were signed into law, including the following previously tracked bills:

HB 387 — Would have imposed an 11% tax on firearm sales by licensed dealers, both within and outside the state of Maryland.

HB 937 — Would have doubled the sales and use tax rate for sales of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition from 6% to 12%.

HB 1287 — Would have banned any semi-automatic pistol that COULD be converted into a machinegun. While this legislation specifically targeted “Glock switches,” it was worded ambiguously enough to potentially include ALL semi-automatic pistols.

SB 444 — Would have required all firearms turned in at gun buyback programs to be destroyed.

HB 1050, and its companion bill SB 943 — Would have required firearms to be surrendered to law enforcement when responding to domestic violence protection orders, prohibited possession of firearms for the duration of the order, and created additional “Task Forces” aimed at further justifying disarming of Maryland citizens.

While Maryland’s legislative battle remains on the defensive foot for the foreseeable future, there are emerging opportunities for victory under the DOJ’s new pro-2A initiatives. GOA will continue fighting to uphold Marylander’s Second Amendment rights, and we encourage you to stay up to date by following our latest news tab.

GOA Thanks Kash Patel for Pro-2A Leadership at ATF, Looks Forward to Engaging New Director 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 9, 2025 

Washington, D.C. — Gun Owners of America (GOA) today issued a statement thanking Kash Patel for his steadfast leadership and service during his tenure as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). During his time in office, Patel played a pivotal role in restoring constitutional integrity to the agency — including abolishing the Biden-era Zero Tolerance Policy, which had targeted lawful gun dealers over minor paperwork errors. 

The repeal of this policy marked a critical win for gun owners and firearms retailers across the country. Gun Owners of America worked tirelessly to challenge the Zero Tolerance framework through litigation and advocacy, and Kash Patel’s decisive action sent a clear message: bureaucratic harassment of gun owners and FFLs will no longer be tolerated. 

GOA remains committed to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens and will closely follow the direction of the new ATF leadership to ensure that heavy-handed enforcement policies do not return. 

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: 

“We’re incredibly grateful to Kash Patel for standing up for the Constitution and restoring accountability at the ATF. His decision to end the Zero Tolerance Policy was a long-overdue course correction, and we thank him for defending the rights of law-abiding gun owners and dealers. GOA will continue to be vigilant as new leadership steps in.” 

Tim Macy, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: 

“Kash Patel’s leadership proved that principled reform is possible. On behalf of millions of Second Amendment supporters nationwide, we thank him for his courage and clarity. Gun Owners of America looks forward to engaging with the new Director and continuing our work to ensure the rights of gun owners are protected against regulatory overreach.” 

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- 

GOA & GOF Respond to the Supreme Court’s Denial of Certiorari in Antonyuk v. James 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 9, 2025 

Washington, D.C. — Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), on behalf of Ivan Antonyuk and five other plaintiffs, are responding to the Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in Antonyuk v. James, a pivotal case that challenges New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA). This case seeks to rein in New York’s post-Bruen restrictions that continue to infringe on the rights of lawful gun owners—particularly its vague “good moral character” requirement and limitations on carrying in a host of nonsensitive public places. 

The Court’s denial on Monday is the latest development in our ongoing effort to ensure that states, including New York, fully comply with the Supreme Court’s clear mandate in NYSRPA v. Bruen. That ruling confirmed that the Second Amendment protects the right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense and that any restrictions must align with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. 

Our petition argued that New York’s law defies that standard by invoking outlier, post-Founding laws to justify sweeping limits on concealed carry. We also highlighted the widening circuit split over how courts are interpreting and applying Bruen, and we urged the Court to provide clarity and enforce its precedent. 

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

“While we are disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision not to take this case, we will never stop fighting to defend the rights of gun owners across the country. New York’s so-called ‘good moral character’ requirement is nothing more than a permission slip to violate constitutional rights. GOA and GOF will continue challenging laws that allow bureaucrats to decide who gets to exercise their Second Amendment freedoms.” 

Sam Paredes, on behalf of Gun Owners Foundation, added: 

“Make no mistake—this isn’t the end. The Second Circuit’s decision below is part of a broader campaign to resist Bruen and deny lawful Americans their rights. The Supreme Court may have passed on this case at this preliminary stage, but we are confident that the Justices will soon address the growing defiance of the lower courts. GOA and GOF are prepared to keep fighting, wherever this battle leads.” 

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 – 

On March 26th, Rhode Island’s Judiciary Committee met to hear a long list of gun bills. Thanks to continued pressure, we were able to hold the line and delay a vote on ALL gun related bills in the Judiciary Committee, including the following:

HB 5443 – Allows individuals to voluntarily add themselves to a watchlist that would restrict their right to purchase or possess a firearm.

HB 5651 – Allows access to juvenile criminal records in order to conduct firearm background checks.

HB 5654 – Prevents local licensing authorities from granting concealed carry permits to out-of-state residents based on permits issued by other states.

HB 5889 – Allows law enforcement agencies to consider expunged records when issuing a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.

HB 5890 – Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to possess a firearm.

HB 5436 – Imposes an “assault weapons” ban which would prohibit the future possession, purchase, sale, control, and manufacture of commonly owned firearms.

The official result of the Judiciary Committee’s March 26th meeting was that all bills would be held for further study. Simply put, the committee wants to delay making a decision on these bills. In this case, its due to Rhode Islanders’ massive grassroots support of the Second Amendment.

While there is a fair chance that these bills will die in committee, there is always a possibility they will be brought up again before the Legislature adjourns. We are asking that you remain vigilant and continue to show support for defending the Second Amendment in Rhode Island.

This week, we can score another victory by urging the House Finance Committee to pass HB 6014 on their April 10th meeting. This bill would create a sales and use tax exemption on the purchase of firearm safes and vaults and firearm safety equipment.

Reach out to your legislators using the form above to let them know we aren’t backing off about upholding the Second Amendment in Rhode Island.

As we told you earlier this year, Gun Owners of America has been working with pro-gun Tennessee State Senators and Representatives to update an important law which protects firearms manufacturers.

The Tennessee bill, titled the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act — and sponsored by Rep. Monty Fritts — is on notice for a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, April 9th.

Much like the federal law which was passed in 2005, Tennessee’s current PLCAA protects the firearm industry against the business-ending lawfare that anti-gun litigants had been waging against manufacturers and dealers alike.

This is a great law – but we believe it can be stronger, offering even better protections from anti-gun activists.

Here is what the update will do.

House Bill 873 would amend the Tennessee state version of the PLCAA by expanding protections to additional entities (like individuals who privately sell firearms) and add additional categories (like suppressors and firearm magazines) while also heavily restricting bad-faith “public nuisance” anti-gun litigants.

HB 873 will help not only protect the Second Amendment rights of manufacturers and citizens, but it will hold anti-gun lawfare activists accountable when they try to drag law-abiding companies and citizens through the court system in an effort to bankrupt them.

Again, this bill is on notice for a House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April, 9th!

So please use the form above to contact the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to move HB 873 forward!

DOJ and ATF Repeal Zero Tolerance Policy, Major Second Amendment Win for the Trump Administration 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 7, 2025 

Washington, D.C. – In a significant win for the Second Amendment, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced today the repeal of the controversial Federal Firearms Administrative Action Policy, also known as the Zero Tolerance Policy. First introduced under the Biden administration, the policy aggressively targeted gun dealers for minor paperwork errors—creating fear and uncertainty across the firearms community. 

The decision to roll back this anti-gun policy comes under the direction of the Trump administration and marks a key step toward restoring Americans’ access to firearms. The DOJ and ATF, now led by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting ATF and FBI Director Kash Patel, will also begin formal reviews of the tyrannical stabilizing brace rule and the unlawful “engaged in the business” rule used to target private gun sellers. 

The stabilizing brace rule, which attempted to reclassify braced pistols as short-barreled rifles under the National Firearms Act, and the “engaged in the business” rule, which was a backdoor attempt to create Universal Background Checks, were both the subject of national backlash and multiple court challenges. 

Gun Owners of America has long sounded the alarm on the weaponization of the ATF under the Biden administration, where bureaucratic overreach was used to harass law-abiding gun dealers and crush small businesses. The so-called “Zero Tolerance” Policy wasn’t about safety—it was about control. GOA and Gun Owners Foundation responded with force, filing two major federal lawsuits: Kiloton Tactical v. ATF and Morehouse Enterprises, LLC v. ATF (II). Today’s repeal is a direct result of sustained legal and grassroots pressure—and a clear sign that this administration is serious about restoring constitutional order. 

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: 

“For years, the Zero Tolerance Policy has been a tool of political retribution—targeting gun stores and Americans who were simply trying to exercise their rights. We applaud President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Kash Patel for listening to gun owners and taking action to repeal this abusive policy. This is what pro-gun leadership looks like.” 

Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs for Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: 

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re seeing a realignment toward the Constitution. This repeal and regulatory review of ATF’s “Zero Tolerance” Policy sends a clear message that the era of Biden gun control is over. GOA is grateful for the administration’s commitment to restoring Second Amendment rights and standing with law-abiding gun owners nationwide.” 

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- 

The SHORT Act would remove short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and other firearms from the draconian NFA.

GOA’s Erich Pratt with Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA)

Add your name now to support this legislation and help get it over the finish line!

SIGN TO SUPPORT THE SHORT ACT

Despite being protected under the Second Amendment, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and other firearms are being taxed. This is a clear violation of Americans’ right to keep and bear arms.

Rep. Andrew Clyde and Sen. Roger Marshall have recently introduced the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act to remove SBRs and SBSs from the draconian NFA. This would prevent anti-gun politicians from unconstitutional regulations, taxes, and registration requirements.

It would also prevent a future administration from using the NFA in a way that’s similar to what Joe Biden did. He used the NFA to sweep up to 40 million pistol-braced firearms under the umbrella of the National Firearms Act, decreeing that these lawfully purchased firearms were now illegal SBRs or SBSs.

Preventing this kind of abuse is why the SHORT Act is so important. And why the GOA team is already pounding the pavement on Capitol Hill, working to get these bills passed. We must immediately remove SBRs and SBSs from the NFA!

This is why we recently met with Rep. Andrew Clyde, the sponsor of the SHORT Act, and cut a video with him in an effort to generate grassroots support for more cosponsors for his bill.

And it’s why we need your help to get this important legislation over the finish line. The Clyde bill (H.R. 2369) is most likely to get voted on first. So will you sign the petition in support of the SHORT Act in the House of Representatives?

Passing the SHORT Act is critical in protecting Americans’ right to keep and bear arms.

Please sign the petition now to join GOA in this fight.

You don’t need a permit to freely speak, pray, or assemble, so why is there a permit to own a firearm?

GOA’s Erich Pratt (right) with Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC)

You shouldn’t need a piece of paper from the government to exercise your God-given rights.

But until GOA wins the battle to make gun permits a thing of the past, we’re fighting to ensure that a concealed-carry permit issued in one state is recognized by every state in the nation.

And we just scored a massive win in the fight to protect your rights.

The House Judiciary Committee led by Chairman Jim Jordan just voted to advance Richard Hudson’s Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act for a full floor vote in the House.

This GOA-backed nationwide carry bill also protects Constitutional Carry. If you’re a resident of a Constitutional Carry state, then you can continue to carry without a permit nationwide.

President Trump already declared that he would sign this bill into law if it reaches his desk.

With such a historic opportunity before us, we need your help turning up the pressure on Speaker Johnson to hold the full floor vote ASAP.

Please add your name to our pre-written letter to tell your Representative to VOTE YES on the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act and to urge Speaker Johnson to hold the vote IMMEDIATELY.

Gun Owners of America has waged legal battles to force anti-gun states to recognize out-of-state permits.

We beat California into submission and forced them to recognize the rights of out-of-state permit holders.

And in New York, we filed a lawsuit on behalf of Newsmax’s Carl Higbie, which clearly struck a nerve, and encouraged NYC to start issuing permits to out-of-state residents, which are good throughout the entire state!

Of course, anti-gun states like New York still want you to jump through a million loopholes to exercise your right to concealed carry… That’s why it’s critical that Congress pass the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity and ensure that your rights are recognized nationwide – without burdensome hurdles and regulations.

Just as driver’s licenses are recognized nationwide, so too should your license to carry a firearm – especially since the Constitution explicitly protects gun rights, and doesn’t say a peep about driving a car!

Now that the House Judiciary Committee has advanced this critical 2A bill, we need all hands on deck to jump on this historic opportunity and ensure Speaker Johnson holds the vote ASAP!

So please, add your name to our pre-written letter to tell your Representative to VOTE YES on the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act and to urge Speaker Johnson to hold the vote IMMEDIATELY.

Maine’s Judiciary Committee is meeting today to hear 8 different gun bills. Given our limited time frame, it’s crucial that we reach out to the Judiciary Committee immediately and push for the rejection of the following bills:

LD 677 (SP 292) – Expands the definition of a machine gun and makes it a crime to own a “rapid-fire device” which the bill defines as a device, part, or combination of parts that increases the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm beyond its standard rate of fire. This ban specifically references binary-triggers, trigger cranks, forced reset triggers, and bump-stocks.

​LD 953, (SP 409) – Expands the definition of machine gun by including frames, receivers, and parts.

​LD 1109, (HP 728) – Bans the possession of “high capacity” magazines
​
LD 1126, (HP 745) – Requires all firearms to be serialized, bans certain 3-D printed firearms and “undetectable firearms.”

The 4 pro-gun bills being heard at the Committee meeting on the 26th can be seen here:

​LD 424, (HP 278) – Lowers the constitutional carry age to 18.

LD 829, (SP 356) – Removes the requirement that a person have a valid permit in order to carry a concealed handgun in state parks, Baxter State Park, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and Acadia National Park.

LD 998, (HP 645) – Prevents employers from prohibiting employees from storing firearms in their locked vehicles. This bill would remove the requirement that employees must have a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm.

LD 1049, (HP 678) – Eliminates the Duty to Inform a Law Enforcement Officer When Carrying a Concealed Handgun Without a Permit.

Because we have such little time before today’s meeting, GOA is asking that you pick up the phone and call your Legislators about these gun bills!

Phone calls carry far more weight than emails do, and we need to make sure these members hear your message before today’s meeting. When speaking to a Representative or their staff, you can say something like this:

“Hello, my name is [NAME] and I’m from [TOWN/CITY]. I’m a member of Gun Owners of America and a Maine voter. In the upcoming Judiciary Committee meeting I encourage you to support pro-gun bills like LD 424, LD 829, LD 998, and LD 1049. I am also expecting that you oppose anti-gun bills like LD 677, LD 953, LD 1109, and LD 1126. Gun Owners of America will keep me informed of how you vote.”

The list of members on the Maine Judiciary Committee can be seen here:

Chair Anne Carney – (207) 287-1515
Senator David Haggan – (207) 287-1505
Senator Rachel Talbot Ross – (207) 287-1515
Rep. Amy D. Kuhn – (207) 939-690
Rep. Mark Michael Babin – (207) 227-0198
Rep. Elizabeth M. Caruso – (207) 399-9992
Rep. Aaron M. Dana – (207) 214-8345
Rep. Rachel A. Henderson – (207) 381-4237
Rep. Adam R. Lee – (207) 312-4057
Rep. Dani L. O’Halloran – (207) 745-4499
Rep. Jennifer L. Poirier – (207) 399-9784
Rep. Dylan R. Pugh – (509) 590-8505
Rep. Eleanor Y. Sato – (207) 370-2235
Rep. David A. Sinclair – (207) 807-1610

Again, these bills are being heard before the Judiciary Committee today. Send a message to your State Legislators immediately using the form above and tell them to vote PRO-GUN.

Yesterday, Senate Bill 25-003, a semi-auto ban which morphed into a permit-to-purchase FOID scheme passed through the Colorado House of Representatives. 

It advanced by a vote of 36-2. 

Because of the continuous markup throughout its journey in the House, it must go back to the Senate for a concurrence vote on the House amendments THIS WEEK.  

Some reports are that the Senate vote will happen by Friday, March 28th.  

As we have been alerting you, SB 25-003 is a nearly full-on semi-automatic firearms ban – legislation which destroys the Second Amendment rights of Coloradans.  

In a pathetic effort to “appease” their constituents, anti-gunners in the Colorado legislature provided a “loophole” for law-abiding gun owners to get their gun rights back. 

Their “solution” for owning banned guns? Pay fees, take state approved tests, and enter a registry and then you’ll get your rights back.  

This includes either taking Hunter Safety Education OR having a concealed handgun permit WHILE also taking an additional 4 hours of courses and entering the registry. If you have not done the above, then 12 hours of course work is required before entering the registry.  

So please call Governor Polis at: (303) 866-2471 

Tell the Governor that you oppose this firearm ban and registry of gun owners.  

Sadly, they’re pushing even further when it comes to eviscerating the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Coloradans. 

House Bill 25-1238 will heavily restrict gun shows and the participants of gun shows, while House Bill 25-1133 prohibits the sale of ammunition to those under the age of 21.  

Both bills are working their way through the Senate for a final vote.  

Governor Polis and State Senators in Colorado need to keep hearing from gun owners and voters in Colorado.  

Polis needs to know that NOT ONE WORD of gun control should be signed into law, and that these gun control bills directly spit in the face of the Second Amendment and the will of the people. 

So please call Governor Polis at: (303) 866-2471 and tell him to veto every single gun control bill. 

During the 2025 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly, anti-gunners wasted no time in passing over 20 radical and unconstitutional gun control bills.  

Thankfully, with the power of his pen, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed every piece of gun control which made it to his desk. 

And for that, we are thankful.  

Without Gov. Youngkin’s vetoes we’d be facing new gun controls such as: 

• A so-called “assault weapons” ban.  

• Extended waiting periods to purchase and possess a firearm. 

• Adults between the ages 18-20 having their gun rights stripped away. 

• Dangerous expansion of “gun free” zones. 

• Bans on upgrading the trigger in your firearm(s). 

• A taxpayer funded state office to promote gun control. 

And much, much more.  

While our gun rights are safe for the remainer of 2025, our work in Virginia is far from over. 

That’s because Virginia is one of the few states which holds “off cycle” elections for our state offices. 

So, in the coming months the voters of Virginia will head to the polls in June and November to choose our elected officials.  

The entire House of Delegates is up for reelection with new candidates also running for election in 2025.  

Gov. Glenn Younkin and is termed out, so we will also bear the civic responsibility of electing a new Governor of Virginia and Lt. Governor of Virginia.  

The office of Attorney General will also be up for election.  

And anti-gunners are prepared to pour money, time, and resources into Virginia to make sure the House of Delegates stays in their control while also taking hold of the Governor’s Mansion.  

Just think about all the bills that Youngkin vetoed in 2024 and 2025.  

Without a pro-gun Virginia Governor, we’d be facing the stark reality of Virginia becoming one of the most anti-gun states in America. 

And that is the goal of the anti-gun Left in 2025 and 2026. 

They want to maintain control of the General Assembly, place one of their own in the Governorship, and ram through every single gun control which has been vetoed the last two years. 

Gun Owners of America will be working overtime during the next seven months to ensure that gun grabbers running for office in Virginia are exposed for their untenable beliefs and unconstitutional votes. 

Thank you for your membership and activism – and stay tuned for more election information concerning candidates running for office in Virginia in 2025.

Rhode Island’s House Judiciary Committee will hear a mix of gun related bills tomorrow, March 26th. It is extremely urgent that we contact the Judiciary Committee and urge them to strike down the following bills:

• HB 5443 – Allows individuals to voluntarily add themselves to a watchlist that would restrict their right to purchase or possess a firearm.
• HB 5651 – Allows access to juvenile criminal records in order to conduct firearm background checks.
• HB 5654 – Prevents local licensing authorities from granting concealed carry permits to out-of-state residents based on permits issued by other states.
• HB 5889 – Allows law enforcement agencies to consider expunged records when issuing a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.
• HB 5890 – Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.
• HB 5436 – Imposes an “assault weapons” ban which would prohibit the future possession, purchase, sale, control, and manufacture of commonly owned firearms.

As mentioned in our previous alerts, Governor McKee has orchestrated the push for an “assault weapons ban” to move forward since the introduction of his FY 2026 Budget proposal and State of the State address earlier this year in January. HB 5436 is currently the largest threat to the well-being of the Second Amendment in Rhode Island and must be stopped.

The Judiciary Committee will also hear a small number of pro-gun bills that can be seen here:

• HB 5653 – Prohibits Licensing authorities from imposing additional or stricter requirements than those set by the Department of Attorney General. They are also prohibited from charging any additional fees.
• HB 5935 – Expands firearm rights to recognize out of state carry permits, authorizes carrying of weapons during emergency evacuations, and establishes an appeal process for being denied a permit.
• HB 5936 – Establishes a process for individuals who are denied a permit to carry a handgun to request a review and appeal the decision.

Because there is such little time before tomorrow’s meeting, GOA is asking that you pick up the phone and call your Representatives about these gun bills!

Phone calls carry far more weight than emails do, and we need to make sure these members hear your message before tomorrow’s meeting. When speaking to a Representative or their staff, you can say something like this:

“Hello, my name is [NAME] and I’m from [TOWN/CITY]. I’m a member of Gun Owners of America and a Rhode Island voter and I encourage you to vote NO on HB 5436, and other gun control bills when they come up in Committee on March 26th. Gun Owners of America will keep me informed of how you vote.”

The list of members on the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee can be seen here:

Chairman Robert Craven – (401) 294-2222
First Vice Chair Carol Hagan McEntee – (401) 222-4435
Second Vice Chair Jason Knight – (401) 903-9804
Representative Edith H. Ajello – (401) 222-2296
Representative José F. Batista – (401) 533-2226
Representative David A. Bennett – (401) 480-4647
Representative Justine A. Caldwell – (401) 212-7320
Representative Julie A. Casimiro – (401) 474-7961
Representative Arthur J. Corvese – (401) 353-8695
Representative Cherie L. Cruz – (401) 222-2447
Representative Matthew S. Dawson – (401) 258-3660
Representative Leonela Felix – (401) 369-5364
Representative Marie A. Hopkins – (401) 203-1517
Representative Thomas E. Noret – (401) 641-0813
Representative David J. Place – (401) 286-2088

Reach out to your legislators immediately using the form above and demand that they OPPOSE the anti-gun bills and SUPPORT the pro-gun bills!

GOA Opens Registration for Second Annual GOALS Conference in August 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 24, 2025 

Washington, D.C. – Gun Owners of America (GOA) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the second annual Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), taking place on August 9–10, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which drew thousands of attendees and featured high-profile speakers, GOALS 2025 promises to be even bigger—bringing together gun rights advocates from across the country for a weekend of advocacy training, grassroots networking, and exclusive industry access. 

Attendees will have the ability to lawfully carry their personal firearms and enjoy hands-on access to firearms and outdoor industry exhibitors, including exclusive previews of upcoming products from GOA’s partners. 

Registration is now open at: www.gunowners.org/GOALS 

Don’t wait—space is limited. Register now and join the nation’s leading grassroots 2A advocates in Knoxville this August. 

Tim Macy, Chairman of GOA’s Board of Directors, added: 

“GOALS isn’t just a conference; it’s a movement. We’re training and empowering gun owners to be effective leaders, building a nationwide community of active, knowledgeable, and passionate law-abiding gun owners. We expect the government to respect the Second Amendment—and if they don’t, our members will take action in state capitols, D.C., and at the ballot box. We’re thrilled to open registration for what will be a landmark event in the fight to protect our constitutionally protected rights.” 

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

“Our Second Amendment rights are under constant attack, and while recent political victories offer encouragement, the fight is far from over. GOALS is about energizing our grassroots, equipping activists with real tools for change, and uniting our community to push back harder than ever. Last year’s attendees left fired up—this year will be no different.” 

Kailey Neiman, Director of Development and Marketing for GOA, issued the following statement: 

“This isn’t just an event—it’s a rallying point for GOA members to connect, learn, and lead the charge on protecting and restoring the Second Amendment. With free admission for members and their families, a massive 120,000 square foot expo floor, and exclusive access to top-tier speakers and industry innovators, GOALS is our way of saying thank you to the backbone of our movement—our members—while equipping them to defend our rights like never before.” 

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 or register at https://events.goa.org/goals/. 

-GOA- 

As we told you earlier this year, Gun Owners of America has been working with pro-gun Tennessee State Senators and Representatives to update an important law which protects firearms manufacturers.

The Tennessee bill, titled the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act — and sponsored by Rep. Monty Fritts — is on notice for a House Civil Justice Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, March 26th.

Our Tennessee Gun Owners Lobby Day is also on the 26th, so please consider attending that. Click here for more info!

Much like the federal law which was passed in 2005, Tennessee’s current PLCAA protects the firearm industry against the business-ending lawfare that anti-gun litigants had been waging against manufacturers and dealers alike.

This is a great law – but we believe it can be stronger, offering even better protections from anti-gun activists.

Here is what the update will do.

House Bill 873 would amend the Tennessee state version of the PLCAA by expanding protections to additional entities (like individuals who privately sell firearms) and add additional categories (like suppressors and firearm magazines) while also heavily restricting bad-faith “public nuisance” anti-gun litigants.

HB 873 will help not only protect the Second Amendment rights of manufacturers and citizens, but it will hold anti-gun lawfare activists accountable when they try to drag law-abiding companies and citizens through the court system in an effort to bankrupt them.

Again, this bill is on notice for a House Civil Justice Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, March 26th.

So please use the form above to contact the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and urge them to move HB 873 forward!