Great work by Sen. Jim Tomes on authoring SB 176, which passed in the Senate and is now headed to the governor’s desk for signing.
SB 176 protects shooting ranges across Indiana from random new zoning and noise ordinances and is being hailed as the best gun range law in the nation according to several 2A groups.
Fantastic job getting this done.
West Virginia is a constitutional carry (permitless concealed carry) state, meaning eligible individuals can carry a concealed handgun without a permit or license, as long as they are not prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law.
However, in the 2026 legislative session:
These bills repeal prior restrictions (e.g., parts of WV Code §61-7-3 and related sections) and extend permitless concealed carry to adults 18 and older, provided they are not otherwise prohibited (e.g., no felony convictions, no certain mental health adjudications, etc.).
Current status as of February 2026: The House has passed HB 4106, and similar legislation (SB 30) has passed the Senate. It appears the change to allow constitutional carry at 18 is either enacted or very close to becoming law (bills often move quickly in WV’s session). Official sources like the WV Attorney General’s office and county sheriff sites still reference the old 21+ rule with provisional options for 18-20, but news from the legislature and advocacy groups (e.g., GOA) confirm the expansion.
Note: Federal law still restricts handgun purchases from licensed dealers to those 21+, so 18-20 year olds typically acquire handguns via gift, inheritance, or other means. Ammo sales may also have age restrictions in practice. Always verify prohibitions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).
For the most up-to-date official confirmation, check the WV Legislature’s bill tracking (e.g., for HB 4106 or SB 30) or the WV State Police/Attorney General’s firearms resources, as laws can finalize quickly. If this is for personal carry, consulting a local sheriff or attorney is recommended.
New Mexico Senate Bill 17, titled the “Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act,” is a comprehensive measure introduced in the 2026 legislative session to address firearm trafficking, enhance oversight of licensed gun dealers, and restrict certain weapons and accessories. The bill targets issues like straw purchases—where individuals buy firearms legally on behalf of prohibited persons—and aims to reduce guns used in crimes that originate from local retailers.
A major focus is on regulating firearm dealers. It requires dealers to implement enhanced security measures to prevent theft and loss, including monitored alarm systems, hardened doors and windows, video surveillance at key points (with recordings retained for at least two years), and other reasonable safeguards. The Department of Public Safety must promulgate rules for these by specified dates, with potential exemptions or tailoring for smaller or home-based operations.
The bill sets employment standards for dealers: employees who handle, sell, or deliver firearms must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks (using systems like NICS where federally allowed), and complete mandatory training. Training, developed by the state, covers topics such as recognizing and preventing straw purchases, firearm laws, theft prevention, gun safety, and suicide awareness. Dealers must complete this training themselves and provide it to new hires within 30 days and to all employees annually.
Dealers face new recordkeeping and reporting obligations. They must maintain thorough records of transactions and inventory, report crime gun traces, multiple sales, thefts, and losses promptly (with tight deadlines like 24 hours in some cases), and cooperate with inspections. The bill also requires posting prominent notices in stores informing customers about safe storage, background check rules, and the illegality of straw purchases.
The most controversial provision prohibits the sale or transfer of “extremely dangerous weapons” to unlicensed individuals starting July 1, 2026. This includes .50 caliber rifles and cartridges, detachable magazines holding more than 10 rounds, and certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms (such as many common rifles and shotguns capable of accepting detachable magazines). Exceptions apply to antiques and some other categories.
Violations carry penalties, ranging from civil fines to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the offense, such as falsifying reports or failing to comply with security/training rules.
Proponents argue the bill holds dealers to standards similar to those for alcohol or cannabis sellers, curbs trafficking based on reports showing many crime guns trace to nearby retailers, and removes military-style weapons from circulation to improve public safety. Critics contend it imposes burdensome, costly requirements on small businesses, creates privacy concerns through expanded recordkeeping, and unconstitutionally bans commonly used firearms for lawful purposes like hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense.
As of mid-February 2026, the bill passed the Senate but faced ongoing debate, amendments, and committee action in the House during the session’s final days.
As the 104th General Assembly enters its second year, Illinois lawmakers are once again grappling with Second Amendment issues, with several new bills introduced in early February aiming to ease restrictions on firearm owners and enhance accountability in gun crime prosecutions. These measures come against a backdrop of stringent gun control laws, including the recently effective Safe Gun Storage Act, and amid federal court challenges to the state’s assault weapons ban.
Senate Bill 3130, sponsored by Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline), creates the Gun Crime Charging and Sentencing Accountability and Transparency Act. The legislation mandates that prosecutors file written explanations for plea deals that reduce gun-related charges to lesser offenses, and requires judges to detail their reasoning in sentencing orders. Introduced on February 2, the bill has been referred to the Assignments Committee. Anderson argues it promotes transparency and ensures gun crimes are not downgraded without justification, stating, “This is about holding the system accountable to victims and communities plagued by violence.”
Another Anderson-sponsored measure, SB 3134, amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act to permit carrying firearms in rest areas and buildings under the Department of Transportation’s control. Assigned to the Executive Committee on February 10, the bill seeks to address what supporters call unnecessary restrictions on lawful carriers during travel. “Illinois’ patchwork of prohibited places creates confusion and vulnerability for responsible gun owners,” Anderson said in a statement.
Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) introduced SB 3837 on February 6, which would allow registered participants in sanctioned competitive shooting events at the World Shooting Complex in Sparta to purchase ammunition on-site without a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, provided they are not legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Referred to Assignments, the bill aims to support sporting events and tourism in southern Illinois. “This commonsense change removes barriers for out-of-state competitors while upholding safety standards,” Bryant noted.
These Republican-backed proposals face steep odds in the Democrat-majority legislature, where anti-gun sentiment remains strong. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal advocate for stricter controls, recently signed laws like the Safe Gun Storage Act, effective January 1, requiring locked storage around minors and at-risk individuals, with fines up to $10,000. Additionally, discussions are underway for the Responsibility in Firearm Legislation Act, which would impose licensing fees on gun manufacturers tied to crime gun data, potentially expanding industry liability.
Gun rights groups, including the Illinois State Rifle Association and NRA, praise the new bills as steps toward restoring freedoms eroded by prior legislation. “Illinois continues to infringe on constitutional rights, but these measures push back,” said an ISRA spokesperson. Critics, including gun control advocates like Moms Demand Action, warn they could undermine public safety efforts amid rising urban violence.
Meanwhile, federal courts are scrutinizing Illinois’ Protect Illinois Communities Act, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, following U.S. Supreme Court precedents. A pending case, Schoenthal v. Raoul, challenges the public transit carry ban, potentially reshaping state regulations.
As the session advances toward spring deadlines, pro-Second Amendment rallies are planned in Springfield, with advocates urging contact with legislators. With Democrats in control, these bills may stall, but they highlight Illinois’ polarized gun debate, influencing national conversations on rights and safety.
Key 2026 Gun Legislation Details:
Indiana Senate Bill 148 (SB 148), titled “Indiana Crime Guns Task Force,” represents a targeted expansion of law enforcement capabilities in combating gun-related crimes. Introduced in the 2026 Regular Session, the bill aims to bolster an existing initiative by incorporating additional counties into a specialized task force, while addressing operational procedures. This legislation emerges amid ongoing discussions about public safety and gun violence in the state, particularly in regions experiencing urban-rural crime overlaps.
The Indiana Crime Guns Task Force was established in 2021 as a collaborative effort involving law enforcement officers, analysts, and agencies from federal, state, and local levels. Its primary focus is tracing firearms used in crimes, disrupting illegal gun trafficking, and dismantling organized crime networks. SB 148 seeks to extend the task force’s geographic scope by adding LaPorte County and Porter County—both in Northwest Indiana—effective July 1, 2027. This expansion targets an area bordering Illinois and Lake Michigan, where cross-state gun trafficking has been a persistent concern. Proponents argue that including these counties will enhance intelligence sharing, forensic analysis, and rapid response to gun violence incidents, potentially reducing crime rates in underserved regions.
The bill also introduces procedural clarifications, specifying the quorum required for meetings and mechanisms for resolving tie votes. These provisions ensure efficient decision-making as the task force grows, preventing gridlock in operations.
Authored by State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton), whose district includes Porter County, and co-authored by Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis), SB 148 demonstrates strong bipartisan backing. Additional Senate co-authors include Republicans Mike Bohacek, Kyle Walker, Ed Charbonneau, and Michael Crider, alongside Democrats Fady Qaddoura and Lonnie Randolph. In the House, Rep. Chris Jeter (R) serves as the primary sponsor, with co-sponsors Reps. Randy Novak (D), Charles Moseley (D), and Jim Pressel (R). This cross-party collaboration underscores the bill’s focus on public safety rather than partisan divides.
Introduced on January 5, 2026, SB 148 was initially referred to the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee, where it passed unanimously after amendments. It was then reassigned to the Appropriations Committee, suggesting fiscal considerations—possibly related to funding for expanded operations—were addressed in revisions. The bill advanced through second reading on January 26 and passed the Senate on January 27 with a unanimous 46-0 vote, reflecting broad consensus. As of February 15, 2026, it has been referred to the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, where it awaits further action. If passed, it could reach Gov. Mike Braun’s desk before the session’s end.
From a Second Amendment perspective, SB 148 is narrowly tailored to illegal firearms and crime guns, avoiding restrictions on lawful ownership or possession. It aligns with pro-gun sentiments by emphasizing enforcement against criminals rather than infringing on citizens’ rights. Critics, however, may question the task force’s expansion costs and effectiveness, given mixed results from similar programs nationwide. Supporters, including law enforcement groups, highlight potential benefits like improved ballistics matching and faster case resolutions in Northwest Indiana, which could deter trafficking from neighboring states.
Overall, SB 148 represents a pragmatic, low-controversy approach to gun violence reduction. Its bipartisan passage in the Senate signals likely success, potentially strengthening Indiana’s framework for addressing crime without broader regulatory overreach. If enacted, it could serve as a model for further task force expansions, balancing safety and constitutional protections.
The Indiana Crime Guns Task Force, expanded under Senate Bill 148, exemplifies a collaborative model for combating gun-related crimes through intelligence gathering, firearm tracing, and interagency partnerships. This initiative aligns with broader federal and state efforts to address illegal firearms trafficking and violent crime. Similar task forces exist across the United States, often supported by federal agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These programs typically focus on crime gun intelligence, gang violence, and trafficking disruption, involving federal, state, and local law enforcement. Below is a detailed overview of prominent examples, drawing from established models and recent implementations.
CGICs represent one of the most direct parallels to Indiana’s task force, emphasizing real-time analysis of ballistic evidence via the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to link crime scenes, identify shooters, and dismantle trafficking networks. The model originated in Denver and has been adopted nationwide through Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grants for jurisdictions facing rising gun violence.
• Denver, Colorado: The Denver Police Department’s CGIC, launched in 2013, was the pioneering program in this framework. It integrates ATF agents, local detectives, and analysts to process shell casings, generate leads, and coordinate arrests. Success stories include linking multiple shootings to single firearms, leading to rapid prosecutions. The center has been credited with reducing non-fatal shootings by prioritizing high-risk offenders. This model has influenced expansions in other states, focusing on proactive investigations rather than reactive policing.
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Established in 2014, Milwaukee’s CGIC collaborates with the ATF and local agencies to tackle armed robberies and shootings. A notable case involved linking casings from a “shots fired” incident to a series of commercial robberies, resulting in federal charges against a crew responsible for 25 crimes. The program emphasizes multijurisdictional partnerships, as seen in a 2015 investigation spanning several cities that solved a homicide and multiple robberies through NIBIN matches. It mirrors Indiana’s approach by expanding forensic capabilities to curb urban gun violence.
• Chicago, Illinois: Chicago’s CGIC, operational since 2016, addresses one of the nation’s highest gun violence rates by centralizing evidence collection and analysis. It has facilitated task forces like the Violent Crime Task Force, leading to arrests in gang-related shootings. Similar to Indiana, it incorporates state police and federal resources for tracing illegal weapons across borders.
• Other CGIC Examples: Cincinnati, Ohio, launched a CGIC in 2021 to pinpoint gun violence sources in the Tri-State area, integrating justice system stakeholders for comprehensive tracking. In Florida, Broward County’s CGIC supported a 2022 gang indictment involving murder and racketeering charges, arresting eight members through ballistic linkages. BJA funding has enabled CGICs in additional states, such as Alabama and Tennessee, targeting precipitous crime increases.
Administered by the FBI since 1992, these task forces operate in 178 locations nationwide, focusing on gangs, drug conspiracies, and firearms violations—overlapping significantly with crime gun efforts. They promote coordinated investigations to avoid duplication and enhance productivity.
• Examples Across States: In New York (Albany Capital District), the task force targets gang-related gun crimes in urban areas. New Mexico’s Albuquerque Violent Gangs Task Force addresses trafficking in border regions, similar to Indiana’s cross-state concerns. Alaska’s Anchorage Safe Streets Task Force handles remote-area violence, including illegal firearms. These units have led to thousands of prosecutions, emphasizing racketeering and weapons charges. Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia task force exemplifies partnerships in combating community-impacting violence.
A U.S. Department of Justice initiative since 2001, PSN adapts to local needs by forming task forces in federal districts to reduce gun violence. It has resulted in significant prosecution increases, such as a 75% rise in Alabama’s Northern District for firearms offenses. In Tennessee (Memphis), a 60-day PSN effort with FBI involvement targeted crime guns, akin to Indiana’s expansion.
Michigan’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, created in 2024, focuses on policy implementation and coordination, including safe storage and extreme risk protection orders, but incorporates crime gun tracing elements. Proposed federal handgun-trafficking task forces, inspired by post-9/11 models, aim for similar interagency impacts in high-violence cities like New York and Chicago.
These task forces demonstrate a national trend toward integrated, intelligence-driven approaches to gun crime. While effective in generating leads and arrests, challenges include funding sustainability and measuring long-term violence reductions. States like Colorado and Wisconsin provide scalable models for Indiana’s ongoing expansions.
The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act (S.478/H.R.1041) prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from automatically reporting veterans to the NICS gun-ban list solely for having a fiduciary manage their benefits. It requires a judicial determination of danger to self or others, protecting 2nd Amendment rights for veterans.
The legislation has been reintroduced in the 119th Congress (2025-2026) to continue protecting veterans’ rights. Urge your Senators and Representatives to fully support the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act and codify this into law.
As the 2026 legislative session heats up, Indiana lawmakers are pushing forward measures to bolster Second Amendment rights, with Senate Bill 176 emerging as a key pro-gun initiative. The bill, which enhances protections for shooting ranges, has advanced through the House Local Government Committee and is now poised for a full House vote after being ordered engrossed on February 12. Sponsored by Sen. James Tomes (R-Evansville), SB 176 complements existing firearm preemption laws by barring local governments from imposing zoning, land-use, or permitting restrictions on shooting ranges that exceed state regulations. This prevents counties, cities, and towns from using discriminatory rules to hinder the establishment or operation of ranges.
Supporters, including the National Rifle Association and the Indiana State Rifle and Pistol Association, hail the legislation as a vital safeguard for gun owners and recreational shooters. “This bill ensures that law-abiding Hoosiers can maintain access to safe training facilities without undue local interference,” said a spokesperson for the ISRPA. The measure addresses concerns over urban sprawl encroaching on rural ranges, aiming to preserve these spaces for firearm education and sport.
Meanwhile, debates over youth access to firearms have intensified with a bill targeting gun violence among minors. Authored by Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis), the legislation imposes harsher penalties for juveniles caught with handguns near schools or on multiple occasions. It elevates possession within 500 feet of school property to a Level 5 felony and mandates automatic transfer to adult court for repeat offenders aged 16-17. The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee unanimously approved the amended bill on February 11, sending it to the full Senate. Proponents argue it’s essential for curbing rising youth violence, citing statistics on school-related incidents. “We need to send a clear message that carrying guns irresponsibly has consequences,” Freeman stated during hearings.
Critics, including some Democrats and youth advocates, worry it reduces judicial discretion and overlooks rehabilitation. Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) emphasized the need for preventive programs, saying, “Punishment alone won’t solve this; we must address why kids feel the need to carry.”
Other firearm-related bills dot the session, including proposals on privately made firearms, storage requirements, and repealing involuntary removal processes. Senate Bill 148 expands the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force to include more counties, focusing on tracing illegal weapons. With Republicans controlling both chambers and Gov. Mike Braun in office, pro-Second Amendment measures like SB 176 stand a strong chance of passage, potentially reinforcing Indiana’s reputation as a gun-friendly state. However, gun control advocates predict court challenges, invoking recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on firearm regulations.
As crossover deadlines approach, gun rights groups are rallying supporters to contact legislators, underscoring the session’s high stakes for constitutional freedoms.
In a move that has reignited fierce debates over Second Amendment rights, Virginia’s Democratic-controlled General Assembly has advanced several gun control bills this session, including a high-profile ban on assault firearms and large-capacity magazines. House Bill 217, sponsored by Del. Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax), passed the House of Delegates on February 5 with a 58-34 vote, largely along party lines. The legislation prohibits the importation, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of defined “assault firearms,” such as semiautomatic rifles or pistols with features like pistol grips, threaded barrels, or detachable magazines exceeding 10 rounds.
A companion bill in the Senate, SB 749, introduced by Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath), mirrors these restrictions and was engrossed on February 6, advancing it toward a full Senate vote. Both measures include grandfather clauses allowing owners of pre-July 1, 2026, firearms to retain them, but they ban sales of magazines holding more than 10 rounds manufactured after that date. Violators face Class 1 misdemeanor charges, with additional penalties for those under 21 possessing such weapons.
Democrats argue the bills are essential for public safety, citing mass shootings and the need to curb access to military-style weapons. “Neither do the extended magazines that contribute to so much misery,” Helmer stated during floor debates, emphasizing the measures’ role in reducing gun violence. The package also includes expanded liability for the gun industry (Senate Bill 27), a five-day waiting period for firearm purchases (HB 700), and stricter storage requirements to prevent unauthorized access.
Republicans have vehemently opposed the legislation, warning it infringes on constitutional rights. “It’s just one erosion after another against our Second Amendment,” said Del. Robert Zehr (R-Campbell), highlighting concerns over self-defense and the ineffectiveness of gun-free zones. Groups like the National Rifle Association and Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) echo these sentiments, labeling the bills as an assault on law-abiding citizens and predicting legal challenges based on recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
Pro-gun advocates have introduced counter-legislation, such as HB 101 and SB 115, to streamline concealed handgun permits and adjust reciprocity with other states, effective July 1, 2027. However, with Democrats holding majorities in both chambers following November’s elections, these face uphill battles.
If signed into law by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, the reforms could position Virginia among states with the strictest gun regulations, potentially facing federal court scrutiny amid ongoing national Second Amendment jurisprudence. As the session progresses, gun rights groups are mobilizing rallies, urging supporters to contact lawmakers before crossover deadlines.
Key 2026 Virginia Gun Control Legislative Efforts:
Sign up/renewal days for the range will be Saturday, Feb 14th from 9-11 AM. Cost to join/renew the range is $75- cash or check.
Have you ever considered how disabilities can play into a Self Defense situation? Would this affect one’s fear of death or great bodily harm? While this video appears to highlight deference to those with disabilities we wish they would have clarified and addressed the fear and great bodily harm more than they may have.
Disclaimer: We are not attorneys, nor are we giving legal advice. This was posted as informational entertainment only from two Texas attorneys.
This is just a clip of a much longer video published by the Armed Attorneys YouTube channel. We often view their channel for interesting insights into 2A, Self Defense, and other gun related legal issues. Check them out and give them a follow too!
Indiana State Police purchased 1,350 Sig Sauer P320 pistols at a total cost of $1.17 million, including holsters. The Sig Sauer P320s have faced safety concerns and questions from law enforcement and the general public across the country for unintended discharges without anyone touching the trigger.
Indiana 2A, sometimes referred to as the Indiana 2A Group, is a community of Second Amendment and firearms enthusiasts. Although it originated in Indiana in 2026, its scope is not limited to the Hoosier State or its residents.
The group is primarily managed by a single individual following retirement. The initiative arose from a recognized need for a non-commercialized online and social media resource dedicated to Second Amendment and gun advocacy. This need became apparent after the founder purchased a pistol and weapon light from two major retail (“big box”) stores. Within a 12-hour period, 23 unsolicited marketing emails arrived from those retailers—promoting products unrelated to the actual purchases. No consent had been given to receive such communications. In the following days, unsolicited text messages also began arriving.
Attempts to unsubscribe from these lists proved ineffective, resulting in persistent unwanted emails that quickly cluttered the inbox. It soon became clear that this aggressive marketing practice was common across major retailers in the sector.
Indiana 2A is neither a for-profit business nor a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It does not sell or manufacture products. All revenue is derived from voluntary donations, gifts, and traffic generated through social media platforms. While the possibility of incorporating advertisements has been considered, the platform’s current scale is insufficient to attract meaningful advertisers.
Instead, Indiana 2A prioritizes delivering content directly to its audience without intrusive email campaigns urging unnecessary spending. The group’s enthusiastic mission is to keep followers informed on current Second Amendment issues across the political spectrum. This is accomplished through videos, memes, commentary, and reliable information sourced from the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of federal, state, and local governments.
Short audio of US Supreme Court Justice Samual Alito questioning Hawai’i Attorney during the January 20, 2026 oral arguments of Wolford v. Lopez.
Penn & Teller explaining the Second Amendment from their show “Bullshit!” – Episode aired Jun 27, 2005.