Here is the message that I have sent to Cathy Cloutier, my senator, and Greg Lavelle, one of the Judiciary Committee members that have this bill on their agenda:
Dear Sen. _______ -
I strongly encourage you to OPPOSE SB23 on firearm law pre-emption. This is a very inappropriate legislative strategy and serves only to undermine the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Eliminating pre-emption has the effect of creating a "mine field" of different laws in every jurisdiction across the state. It serves to muddle the understanding of any citizen regarding what is legal or not.
The ultimate effect is to disarm citizens and make them more vulnerable to the criminal element in our community. There is strong data to support the assertion that increased access to firearms by citizens is a stronger deterrent to crime and violence than disarming that same group of citizens.
Honest, law-abiding citizens (including concealed carry permit holders) are an asset to society and their role in public safety should be supported and encouraged.
I request that you respond with your position on this legislation. Thanks.