Podcasts about Legislature

THE WESTERN SLOPE WOULD LIKE A WORD We've talked a lot about the urban-rural divide in Colorado so today I've got the new Executive Director of Club 20, a longtime group which advocates for the Western Slope, on the show. Wade Haerle joins me at 1 to talk about the things they are trying to get the Legislature to pay attention to. Find out more by clicking here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parents in a new lawsuit say a lack of school funding by the state is a violation of the law. A Green Bay housing nonprofit faces an investigation into its CEO's spending. And, a GOP bill proposes to bring the death penalty back to Wisconsin.

It passed 193 bills over the past week, and now Wisconsin’s state Legislature is essentially done for the rest of 2026. State Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) stopped in studio Monday to help wrap our heads around what it was like in Madison during that final push, why severe migraines caused him to miss some votes, and what the retirement of Speaker Robin Vos means for the future of the state. Doyle, who noted that he currently ranks as the most bipartisan member of the Assembly, also pulled back the curtain on the "brutal" Republican caucus infighting that finally led to the passage of Gail’s Law and postpartum Medicaid expansion. These two bills received all but one vote from the entire Assembly, yet they had been "bottled up" for a decade. He described a scene where Democrats essentially ground the session to a halt with amendments until the GOP leadership finally relented on the proposals, which boast 95% public support. The conversation shifted to the state’s $2.5 billion budget surplus. Doyle argued that if the state is sitting on that much cash, it has simply overtaxed the public—though he admitted the "devil is in the details" when it comes to returning that money while still properly funding schools and local municipalities. One of the more "head-scratching" pieces of legislation we hit on was the push to ban "junk food" from SNAP benefits. While the state is already looking at nearly $70 million in new administrative costs just to keep the program running under new federal rules, this bill would tack on another $6 million to build and maintain a "candy and soda database." It’s a complicated mess that creates some wild contradictions; as Doyle pointed out, the database could potentially ban a bottle of sparkling water while still allowing a dairy-filled milkshake, simply because we’re the dairy state. Looking ahead to a post-Vos era, Doyle expressed a sense of relief. He's hopeful that the "zero-sum game" of the last ten years might finally be replaced by a more pragmatic, "get-things-done" tone under new leadership. We wrapped up the show by tackling the ethics of "mugshot pages" on social media. Most people have seen these Facebook groups dedicated to reposting police photos, often creating a digital scarlet letter before a case even reaches court. We asked Doyle—as both a lawmaker and a lawyer—if there is a way to curb this practice, especially when it results in the public vilification of people who may be innocent or whose low-level offenses don't warrant a lifetime of social media harassment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Texas Tribune is grateful for the support of our sponsors. Presenting sponsor for this TribCast Live event is Builders. Major sponsors for the program are Texas Matters and Raise Your Hand Texas. Please note that while sponsorship provides critical support for the Tribune, sponsors play no role in programming or the line of questioning for Tribune events.The 2026 Texas primary elections mark a pivotal moment in a state where many races are effectively decided long before Election Day. There are more than 18 statewide elected officials up for election, along with Texas' members of Congress, state legislators, district-based judges and local elected officials.Leading up to March 3rd's primary election, join TribCast hosts Matthew Watkins and Eleanor Klibanoff, along with a panel of experts, for a discussion of where the state's most consequential races stand and what their outcomes could mean for Texas.

Sens. Kamesha Mumford of Jackson and Justin Pope of Pope (yes, Pope) share their insight and experiences as freshmen lawmakers, at the halfway point of their first legislative session. The two say they've quickly realized legislating centers around relationships made at the Capitol and how one works with others.

Each year, Kansas Sorghum welcomes fresh perspective through its Collegiate Fellowship Program, and 2026 is no exception. This month's episode of the Sorghum State Podcast introduces 2026 Collegiate Food and Ag Policy Fellow Carson Rudd and Communications Fellow Mindy Wells, two Kansas State University students investing their time and talents into advancing Kansas sorghum. They share where they are from, what they are studying and how their campus involvement connects back to agriculture.Rudd also outlines key developments from the 2026 legislative session, including movement on the grain theft bill, higher ethanol blend incentives, and water and conservation investments. With the Legislature past the Turnaround deadline, the focus narrows as priority issues for sorghum growers continue moving through the process.Wells highlights outreach efforts on behalf of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, from conducting harvest interviews across the state to expanding digital communications and supporting events such as Sorghum Connection and the Women Grow the Farm conference.Together, alongside the Kansas Sorghum team, the fellows are helping tell the sorghum story in ways that connect producers, consumers and the next generation. Listen in for the full conversation.

We start off with the violence in Mexico, impact on USA and solutions. It's crossover week at the AZ legislature and Angela and I hit on several "trans bills", housing bills and more. Plus some tax stats and a lot more!

Legislature restores USU funding -- Sen Wilson's SB240 aims to clarify USU oversight -- President Trump wants to help save the Great Salt Lake

On this episode of Legislative Review: We take a look at the Senate's version of the supplemental operating budget.  Plus a bill on gun background checks.  Find out what that piece of legislation is all about.

As the legislative session kicks off this month, a group of Minneapolis parents are determined to drive change around gun violence in Minnesota.Their children attend Annunciation Catholic School and were present during the mass shooting on August 27th. Two children were killed and 28 others injured.As their community takes steps to heal, the parents also want to ensure that nothing like it ever happens again.Meanwhile, lawmakers are set to introduce a slate of legislation aimed at gun violence prevention, school safety and mental health resources. DFL State Rep. Emma Greenman will introduce an assault weapon ban on Tuesday. Rep. Greenman joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the legislation.

On Friday, the Utah Supreme Court declined to reinstate the 2021 congressional map ahead of the election. Justices said the Legislature failed to appeal the August and November decisions in time. Today, news broke that a federal court denied a request to block Utah's newly drawn map. Does this basically ensure the use of the newly drawn map for 2026? Greg and Holly discuss the latest and why these matters matter to voters.

It's been a busy first half of the Kansas legislative session, and even more busy when the Chillin' team also has to cover some happenings outside the Legislature. Then add in some technical difficulties that we hope have been straightened out. Regardless, we're back and ready to talk about the biggest legislative accomplishment so far this year: an anti-transgender bathroom bill that also bans gender marker changes for state identification.

It's been a busy first half of the Kansas legislative session, and even more busy when the Chillin' team also has to cover some happenings outside the Legislature. Then add in some technical difficulties that we hope have been straightened out. Regardless, we're back and ready to talk about the biggest legislative accomplishment so far this year: an anti-transgender bathroom bill that also bans gender marker changes for state identification.

On this week's episode with host Davis Hovey, we hear about high winds on Kodiak Island that caused several power outages and a roof to blow off a house, Alaska entities including Alaska Aerospace are tapped to receive Missile Defense Agency contracts, the sixth Coast Guard fast response cutter in Alaska is commissioned in Kodiak, Coast Alaska reports the summer ferry schedule is out for bookings, KUAC reports on a bill in the Legislature to continue allowing SNAP beneficiaries to use their benefits at farmers markets, and the Kodiak Harvest Food Co-op is closing for two weeks before moving into the marketplace downtown.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio discussing the future of the north side pool and the ramifications of the most powerful Republican in Wisconsin calling it quits. We also hit on the push to legalize sports betting and the politics of passing legislation in an election year with an open seat for governor. We began the show with WIZM’s Brad Williams, who covered a Park Board meeting the night before, where they discussed the future of the North Side Community Pool, which needs $1 million in repairs — and now may not close for good. After that, we dive into the politics of Wisconsin state government in multiple ways, led by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announcing he would not run for reelection. Vos has led the Assembly the past 13 years and been in the Legislature for 22. Along with that announcement, we look at the rush of bills suddenly moving through the Assembly, including the expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage and Gale’s Law — two bills held up by Vos that basically passed unanimously after years of holdups. We also break down the 'hub and spoke' sports betting proposal and the high-stakes standoff over Wisconsin's $2.5 billion budget surplus — specifically whether getting school funding / property tax relief would be part of retiring Gov. Tony Evers’ legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one fashion or another, all state legislatures exercise oversight of state agencies and programs. They do this in a variety of ways using standing committees, rules review, auditing offices, sunset provisions, and more. On this episode of the podcast, we dive into the topic of oversight with three guests who all have different vantage points to observe the process. They include Kade Minchey, auditor general with the Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor General; Holly Trice, registrar of regulations in Virginia and on the staff of the Virginia Joint Commission on Administrative Rules; and Will Clark, who works with NCSL's Center for Legislative Strengthening. Will Clark started our discussion with an explanation of some of the basics of oversight, the approaches used, and the tools available to legislators.Kade Minchey explained how his office in Utah uses performance audits to help agencies improve and how the legislative committee responsible for audits uses the information. Holly Trice talked about the rules review process in Virginia, how the legislature and executive branch work together, and how they afford all legislators and the public a chance to weigh in. ResourcesThe Best Practice Handbook: Root Cause Analysis and Driving Results, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralThe Best Practice Handbook: A Practical Guide to Excellence for Utah Government, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralA Performance Audit of Utah State Correctional Facility: An Examination of Staffing, Culture, Safety, and Security, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralA Performance Audit of Utah's Behavioral Health System: A Case for Governance, Strategic Planning, and Accountability, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralA Performance Audit of Utah's Election System and Controls, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralA Performance Audit of Utah's Water Management: Ensuring Data Integrity, Program Best Practices, and Comprehensive Water Planning, Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor GeneralSeparation of Powers: An Overview, NCSLSeparation of Powers: Legislative Oversight, NCSLVirginia Register of RegulationsVirginia Regulatory Town Hall 

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Feb. 23, 2026Utah Supreme Court Rejects GOP Appeal; Fairer Map Stands. In VA, Same Judge, Different Objection to Ballot Measure to Authorize RedistrictingThe Utah Supreme Court dismissed a GOP appeal of a lower-court's congressional district map, and a Virginia county judge who ruled against a redistricting ballot measure but overruled by the Virginia Supreme Court, has struck again.Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today's report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgToday's LinksArticles & Resources:Utah News Dispatch - Utah Supreme Court rejects Legislature's redistricting appeal; court-ordered map still stands SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF UTAH - LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF UTAH vs. UTAH STATE LEGISLATUREUtah News Dispatch - In new redistricting lawsuit, federal panel weighs whether to overturn Utah's court-ordered mapVirginia Mercury - Court halts April 21 redistricting vote, siding with RNC and GOP lawmakers Circuit Court of Tazewell County (via Virginia Mercury)  -  RNC v. KoskiRelated ADM Reports:American Democracy Minute - Another Big Week in the Utah Legislature's Attempt to Overturn Proposition 4 and Court-Ordered Fair Congressional District MapsAmerican Democracy Minute - Democrats in Virginia & Maryland Race to Match GOP-Gerrymandered Congressional Seats, But It's Far From a Done Deal.Groups Taking Action:League of Women Voters UT, Mormon Women for Ethical GovernmentRegister or Check Your Voter Registration:U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State Please follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE! Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org#News #Democracy  #DemocracyNews #VirginaRedistricting #UtahRedistricting #Virgina #Utah #FairMaps #PartisanGerrymandering #TrumpGerrymandering #2026Midterm

The longest-serving Speaker in the history of the Wisconsin Assembly says he's retiring from the Legislature. Robin Vos, the powerful Republican from Rochester, announced his plans during an emotional speech from the Assembly floor.

In this episode, FSA shares an update on two of the sheriffs' top legislative priorities as the 2026 Session enters its final stretch and attention turns to the state budget. With only three weeks remaining before the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on March 13 and budget negotiations on the horizon, we're joined by Erin Rock of The Southern Group to break down the state budget, including where things stand and what to expect in the weeks ahead.

The Minnesota Legislature's 2026 session started with reflection about the deadly shootings that killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Another lawmaker, state DFL Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, survived a connected shooting at their home. Hoffman was honored in the Senate chamber. It was the first time the Legislature had been in order since months of traumatic and tragic events left them and the state grieving and challenged to take action. The session will go fast, with just about three months to squeeze everything in. There will be debates about fraud, immigration, guns, taxes, work requirements for benefit recipients, social media guardrails, data center regulations — just to name a few. Another thing worth keeping an eye on this year: The tone lawmakers take with each other. We'll have a recap of the first week of session and committee hearings. We'll also hear from Colin Hortman, the son of Melissa and Mark Hortman, about grief and finding ways to honor his parents.  

We're covering a busy day in the State House as the Legislature completes the 14th day of session. Todd welcomes State Rep. Laura Hall to discuss her legislation regarding parole and her memories of the late Jesse Jackson.  

Brenden Moore, an Illinois government and political reporter for Capitol News, Illinois joins Chris and Amy. He explains that Illinois state leadership 'felt kind of blindsided' as the Chicago Bears 'warmly embraced' the Indiana legislature's moves to approve funding for a stadium. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The hundreds of Ohio Education Association locals across the state come in all sizes, ranging from 4,000+ members in big Locals like the Columbus Education Association to just eight members in the Bay Individual/Small Group Instruction Teachers Association (BISGITA), which represents 8 of the 9 hourly certified educators working as intervention specialists and reading specialists in Bay Village City Schools. As BISGITA President Jackie Hartsel tells us in this episode, the Local may be small, but their union gives them a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect student learning conditions and resources, so BISGITA members can have a big impact on their students' success. SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE | If you have an education topic you're passionate about, we want to hear from you on the podcast! Please email us at educationmatters@ohea.org SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Jackie Hartsel, BISGITA PresidentJackie Hartsel has been an educator for 25 years, holding an elementary teaching license (grades 1–8, all subjects) with a K–12 reading endorsement, as well as a K–12 Mild/Moderate Special Education–Intervention Specialist license. She earned her bachelor's degree from Ashland University and her master's degree from Cleveland State University.Throughout her career, she has worked in both public and charter school settings in a variety of roles and employment capacities. She has served as a full-time salaried employee and as a part-time hourly employee, gaining experience as a classroom teacher, reading tutor, and a curriculum and special education supervisor. Currently, she works as a part-time hourly intervention specialist in Bay Village.Hartsel genuinely enjoys working with students, and says, like most educators, the most rewarding part of her work is watching students learn, grow, and gain confidence. She was especially drawn to special education because two of her own children had IEPs during their school years. Parenting children with unique learning challenges has had a profound impact on her teaching practice, allowing her to better empathize with both students and their families and to advocate effectively for their needs.In her personal life, Hartsel is the parent of three grown children and the proud grandparent of nine grandchildren. When she is not spending time with her family, she enjoys tending to flowers and plants, both indoors and outdoors. She also likes tackling home improvement projects, from repairing a kitchen sink to painting and refinishing furniture. One of her favorite traditions is creating a custom Volkswagen-themed dresser for each grandchild when they turn five, complete with working tap headlights in their choice of color. Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on January 7, 2026.

Jeff was joined by Senator Dan Sullivan (R - Alaska). They discuss some protestors that were in the Capitol before his annual address to the Legislature, why some people are hesitant to run for office, the 2020 campaign incident where a woman stormed the stage with a caribou heart when he was giving a speech, why he thinks the gasline is closer than it has ever been, the culture in Alaska of not building things, why he feels so strongly about opening the military base on Adak, the contrast in the speech's that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance gave at the Munich Security Conference, and his thoughts about our relationship with Europe.  

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Feb. 19, include: Legislature continued debate on increasing penalties for trafficking fentanyl, bill would make camping in public a misdemeanor and withhold state funds from subdivisions that fail to enforce, former Sen. Ben Sasse shares update on his battle with pancreatic cancer, judge rules Omaha's rescinded gun ban challenge moot but allows ghost gun and bump stock ordinances to stand, Sheldon Museum of Art marks day of remembrance for children of Genoa U.S. Indian Industrial School, much of Nebraska faces dry conditions and possible winter weather impacts, proposal would require faster decisions on sports complex tax incentive applications.

SENATOR BARB KIRKMEYER REPORTS FROM THE CAPITOL for another segment of What Fresh Hell Is This on what the Legislature is plotting for us these days. We will absolutely talk about the prostitution legalization bill and what they DON'T want us to watch while they debate that. She is on at 1pm.

Shocking twists are reshaping Georgia politics in real time. Sandra Parrish sits down with AJC political reporter Greg Bluestein to break down the dueling tax plans at the Capitol, the growing divide between House and Senate leaders, and how the 2026 and 2027 elections could determine Georgia’s long-term fiscal future. Greg also unpacks Rick Jackson’s surprise entrance into the governor’s race, why it caught even insiders off guard, and how it could upend the Republican field. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or download our app to stay connected! Saturdays with Sandra www.1011thepulse.com ios App Android App Advertise with Us Greg's X Account Chapters00:00 Introduction and Banter00:42 Dueling Income and Property Tax Plans02:25 Governor Kemp’s Measured Tax Approach03:40 How the 2026–2027 Elections Shape Policy04:49 Rick Jackson’s Surprise Entry06:10 Impact on the Republican Field07:20 Final Thoughts and Session PreviewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's "Capitol Chats" podcast, Rep. Lindee Brill, R-Sheboygan Falls, says protecting kids online will require a "multi-faceted" approach. She chairs the Speaker's Task Force on Protecting Kids, which has introduced bills touching on youth social media accounts and app usage, law enforcement response to internet crimes against children and AI chatbots.

Senate Bill 5973, which would have added new restrictions on paying signature gatherers and required 1,000 signatures at filing, failed to advance in the Washington Legislature after drawing opposition from Let's Go Washington and Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/foes-called-it-the-initiative-killer-now-its-dead-in-the-wa-legislature/ #WashingtonState #Politics #InitiativeProcess #LetsGoWashington #StateLegislature #WAStateStandard

In this week's episode, Matthew talks with Robert Moore, CEO of El Paso Matters, about the federal government briefly pausing air travel into El Paso. What does it say about the federal government, border security and the lives of El Pasoans?

Kim Lane Scheppele joins Valerie Nannery to discuss how America's slide into autocracy is similar to and different from autocratic shifts around the world, how far America is on the path to autocracy, and what we can all do to stop the descent. Join the Progressive Legal Movement Today: ACSLaw.orgHost: Valerie Nannery, Senior Director of Policy and ProgramGuest: Kim Lane Scheppele, Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Sociology and International Affairs & Director of the Program in Law and Normative Thinking at the University Center for Human Values, Princeton University Link: Autocratic Legalism, by Kim Lane ScheppeleLink: Trump's Counter Constitution, by Kim Lane ScheppeleLink: The ‘Big Lie's' Autocratic Assault on the Rule of Law: Attorneys Can Stop It, by Jim SaranteasLink: Become a Poll WorkerVisit the Podcast Website: Broken Law Podcast Email the Show: Podcast@ACSLaw.org Follow ACS on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | LinkedIn | YouTube -----------------Broken Law: About the law, who it serves, and who it doesn't.----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of American Constitution Society 2025.

Legislatures are in session across the Midwest. Journalists covering statehouses in six states — Nebraska, Wisconsin and Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota and South Dakota — discuss many hot button issues in these states, including voter initiative battles, opposition to energy-hungry data centers, abortion access, property taxes, eminent domain and more.

Morning Show 02-17-26 Hour 3 Prof Charlie Hunt-Supermajority legislatures by The Watchdog

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 14, 2026: we have a major endorsement in the Governor's race; Attorney General Alan Wilson drops a new ad; we recap the major activity from week five of the legislative session; and more!

We're reviewing the week that was in Alabama government & politics, from a busy stretch in the Legislature to another looming shutdown in Congress. Todd welcome's Senator Arthur Orr to discuss his topical bills plus get an update on the education budget.

Lawmakers scrutinize executive branch spending while crafting new two-year budget, why Kentucky's university professors say state lawmakers are once again attacking tenure, a new report looks at the actions of FCPS' superintendent, and the state makes another appeal to the Trump administration for federal help following yet another deadly storm.

Is the Legislature trying to punish the courts? Host Ali Vallarta asks Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, why lawmakers are targeting the judicial branch — is it about efficiency or revenge? Learn more about recent changes to Utah's judicial nominating process.  Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Harmons Utah Museum of Fine Arts Salt Lake Sewciety ICO

February 10, 2026 Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo's Legislation to Protect Veterans Signed Into Law Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Celebrates Major Victory for California veterans SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, today announced that the Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act (SB 694) was signed into law, strengthening California's protections for veterans and service members seeking the benefits they have earned. The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta and co-authored by Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, was a top priority for Assemblywoman Schiavo. SB 694 stops illegal, deceptive and predatory practices by unaccredited companies who exploit veterans. These VA benefit claim sharks sometimes charge veterans as much as $20,000 for services that they can instead access for free from County Veteran Service Officers and other federally accredited organizations. “As Chair of the Military and Veterans Committee and the daughter of a disabled veteran, alongside so many, we fought to protect disabled veterans from illegal fees charged by predatory claims sharks,” said Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. “Veterans who earned their benefits through service and great sacrifice, deserve every penny. With the Governor's signature of SB 694, we are making it clear that we will always protect our veterans and hold predators accountable.” The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act brings California law into alignment with federal law and accreditation standards and strengthens enforcement tools to protect veterans from financial harm. It establishes clear guardrails to prevent illegal fees and financial exploitation by requiring individuals who assist with veterans' benefits claims to meet federal accreditation standards. It also creates important privacy protections by restricting the misuse and sharing of veterans' private data. “Today, I am proud to stand with a coalition of veterans organizations in celebration of the signing of SB 694, legislation that continues our commitment to vigorously protect those who have sacrificed so much to protect us," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Claim sharks pose a financial risk to veterans who need help with their benefits claims. SB 694 will degrade and deter the ability of these predatory individuals or companies to exploit veterans seeking help accessing their benefits. I thank Senators Archuleta and Cervantes, and Assemblywoman Schiavo, for authoring this legislation and Governor Newsom for signing it into law and making it clear: If you want to charge veterans for help with their benefits claims, you must be accredited by the VA." “Veterans served this nation with honor and sacrifice, and they have earned every benefit their country owes them,” said Senator Bob Archuleta, Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. “This legislation ensures veterans are protected from individuals who prey on their trust, their service, and their need for help. This law reinforces California's commitment to honoring veterans with real, meaningful protections.” The signing of the Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act builds on California's broader efforts to safeguard veterans, service members, and their families who call California home to ensure they receive the benefits that they have earned. The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act takes effect on January 1, 2027. ### Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo was elected to the California State Assembly in November of 2022 and re-elected in 2024 to represent the 40th Assembly District, representing the Northwest San Fernando Valley, Val Verde, Castaic and the Santa Clarita Valley. Upon her election, she was appointed as Assistant Majority Whip by the Speaker of the Assembly and now serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. During her first term she brought back a record $93 million district investment in school and community safety, seniors meal programs, veteran housing, domestic violence services and creating local jobs. Prior to her election, Assemblywoman Schiavo was a Nurse Advocate and Small Business Owner who worked in the labor movement for more than 20 years. Throughout her career, Assemblywoman Schiavo helped deliver healthcare, including reproductive healthcare, to more than one million people. In the Northwest San Fernando Valley, she co-founded an organization that helped secure housing for Veterans experiencing homelessness, has delivered more than 50,000 meals to people in need, and increased resources to help keep our communities safe. Assemblywoman Schiavo lives in Chatsworth with her creative kid where they love to hike in the Santa Susana Mountains.

In this episode: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is about to get cut off from an emergency-response fund he raided to rush construction of an immigrant detention facility in the Everglades. There's a showdown brewing between Republican leaders in the state House and Senate over whether he should get to keep it. Plus: The DeSantis administration admits spending opioid settlement money on anti-marijuana TV ads; car dealers are once again using the Legislature to keep themselves between consumers and new cars; and Uber and Lyft want to spend less money insuring their drivers. An update from Day 30 of Florida's 2026 legislative session.Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 7040 — Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/Executive Office of the GovernorPassed the Florida Senate by a 29-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 7040 amendmentFailed in the Florida Senate by a 12-27 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1562 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the Senate Transportation Committee by a 7-0 vote (vote sheet)Passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee by a 9-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee by a 16-1 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 632 — Transportation Network Company, Driver, and Vehicle Owner InsurancePassed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee by a 6-3 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations CommissionPassed the Senate Governmental and Oversight Accountability Committee by a 6-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1119 — Materials Harmful to MinorsPassed the Florida House of Representatives by an 84-28 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show: Florida emergency agency ran up $405 million immigration tab in six monthsAn immigrant detention camp in the Everglades, financed with hurricane-response fundsFlorida state official acknowledges opioid money funded anti-weed campaignFlorida's top cop uses his power to prop up car dealersThe billionaires financing union-busting in FloridaQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

She was the Ridgewood High School band director. He was a football coach for the Riverview High School team. She dropped her papers in the end zone. He helped pick them up. She eventually got his friend - the band director for Riverview - to have him finally call her to ask for a date. That was beginning of Bill and Cheryl Graham's love story; one that has endured through their combined 112-year teaching careers and beyond. Just in time for Valentine's Day, we hear from Bill and Cheryl about what kept them going through more than five decades in the classroom, how personal tragedy actually deepened their commitment to education, and why they continue to serve students now in their retirement. LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF LEARNING | Click here to read the feature about Bill and Cheryl Graham in the October/November 2025 edition of Ohio Schools.SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE | If you have an education topic you're passionate about, or you know about educators in your Local who are doing amazing things, we want to hear from you on the podcast! Please email us at educationmatters@ohea.org SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guests: Bill and Cheryl Graham, OEA-Retired membersConnect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded in early September, 2025.

Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio continues her legal battle to audit the state Legislature, a measure approved by 72% of voters in 2024. DiZoglio’s office filed a lawsuit this week with the state’s high court to force the Legislature to hand over financial documents as part of an audit into lawmakers' businesses. Additionally, DiZoglio has repeatedly sought approval from Attorney General Andrea Campbell to take the House and Senate to court or to appoint an independent, special assistant attorney general to no avail. We heard listeners' thoughts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio continues her legal battle to audit the state Legislature, a measure approved by 72% of voters in 2024. DiZoglio’s office filed a lawsuit this week with the state’s high court to force the Legislature to hand over financial documents as part of an audit into lawmakers' businesses. Additionally, DiZoglio has repeatedly sought approval from Attorney General Andrea Campbell to take the House and Senate to court or to appoint an independent, special assistant attorney general to no avail. We heard listeners' thoughts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Virginia Democrats unveiled a new congressional map that could flip four of the five Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives in the midterm elections. However, the Virginia Supreme Court will now determine whether the Democrats' redistricting plan can proceed after a lower court blocked their efforts, ruling “that the Democrat-led Legislature had wrongly approved a constitutional amendment that would allow for mid-decade redrawing of congressional districts ahead of the midterms this fall,” Politico reported. Virginia state Del. Thomas Garrett Jr., R-Va., joins The Daily Signal's Virginia correspondent, Joe Thomas, to discuss the implications the proposed congressional map could have on the state's political makeup heading into the 2026 midterms.

TribCast is joined by Democratic strategist and content creator Olivia Julianna and political reporter Kayla Guo to unpack what all the recent social media drama means about the Democratic party

This week Jazmin discussed several education bills making their way through the legislature, and Robert talked about developments in the US Senate and US House 5 races on the Republican side (with some Democratic news as well)

The six-week-long drunken party was thrown by the notoriously rascally Jonathan Bourne Jr. to keep the state Legislature from convening, so it couldn't elect John H. Mitchell to the U.S. Senate. It worked — well, sort of.(For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1201e-bourne-40-day-party-stopped-legislature.html)

What started as a legislative interview quickly turned into one of the most unpredictable broadcasts yet

Minnesota's legislative session starts next week, and Minneapolis representatives say they're looking to introduce legislation to push back against the federal immigration operation. And students at Minneapolis Public Schools will have the option to take classes from home for another two months, amid the ongoing federal immigration operation.

Episode 276-NJ’s New Felony Dingus Law  Also Available OnSearchable Podcast Transcript Gun Lawyer — Episode Transcript Page – 1 – of 14 Gun Lawyer — Episode 276 Transcript SUMMARY KEYWORDS New Jersey felony law, accidental discharge, Second Amendment, gun rights, reckless conduct, felony dingus, legal consequences, gun ownership, national reciprocity, pro-gun advocacy, government involvement, legal defense, gun laws, gun ownership statistics, gun control. SPEAKERS Evan Nappen, Teddy Nappen Evan Nappen 00:17 I’m Evan Nappen. Teddy Nappen 00:19 And I’m Teddy Nappen. Evan Nappen 00:20 And welcome to Gun Lawyer. New Jersey now officially has the felony Dingus law. That’s right, folks. It has to do with the criminalization of accidents. That’s it. They’ve been criminalized in New Jersey. Now let me explain why it’s the Dingus law. The reason I call it the Dingus law is that a number of years ago I was in Missouri. It was at the James Farm, Jesse and Frank James Farm. It was a great museum there. It’s a pretty cool place to visit if you’re into western history. You know, Jesse James and such is way up there of one of the fun topics to learn about. As a matter of fact, their famous bank robbery is still the record haul for any bank robbery in the U.S., ever. It was done by James and his gang. In terms of the amount of money stolen, in terms of the value of that money today, versus then, it is the record amount ever stolen. Evan Nappen 01:41 But the thing that’s interesting to me about what happened when I was at that museum is I’m looking at all kinds of things about historical facts about Jesse James and his life and all. I’m reading some things, and it talked about “Dingus” at certain times. You know, talking about things that were going on between him and his men. And I’m like, Dingus, who’s Dingus? So, I asked one of the museum folks there, hey, who is this Dingus that they’re talking about? He goes, oh, that’s Jesse James. What do you mean Jesse James is Dingus? Who called him, you know, Dingus and lived, right? He’s like, no, no, no, no, no. His men did. His men did. What? Why? Well, you see, Jesse was apparently playing around with his gun, practicing spinning or screwing around with it, or who knows what, and he accidentally shot two of his fingers off. It was in front of his men. He shot his fingers off, two of them, and Jesse James would never use profanity. He may have been a stone cold killer, but he would not ever use profanity. So, when he shot his two fingers off, he said, Dingus! Now, I don’t know about you, but if I shot my fingers off, I’d say something a lot more than Dingus. But I guess his men fell off their horses Page – 2 – of 14 laughing, you know, and they nicknamed him Dingus. And I guess if you were one of his men, you could bust his balls and call him Dingus and get away with it. Evan Nappen 03:36 But we call accidental discharges in my office “Dingus” cases in honor of Jesse James, of course. So, any accidental discharge is a Dingus case. Now, I once had a guy that shot himself in the hand with a Glock. And so that, of course, was a Dingus case. This was a number of years ago, and they tried to take away his firearms and his ability to be licensed under that. It wasn’t criminalized, but they did try to disenfranchise him of his gun rights. We fought it hard, and we were able to win and save his gun rights and his gun. About a year later, he shot himself in the hand again with a Sig. So, do you know what he was? He was a Double Dingus. That’s right. Evan Nappen 04:40 Anyway, this new Dingus law, and look, accidents can happen. You can drive your car and have an accident. Accidents happen. But this Dingus law that New Jersey has passed is a felony Dingus law. It now turns accidents into a New Jersey felony. A felony level offense. It’s very important that you understand this, because now it is actually law in New Jersey, and you have to know your rights. You have to stand on your rights. Or you not only risk losing your Second Amendment rights, but you also risk becoming a felon, going to State Prison, and having your life essentially destroyed over this. Because becoming a convicted felon can dramatically affect your career, and your ability to earn a living. Your existence becomes one of a second class citizen, and not just in terms of gun rights. Evan Nappen 05:52 So, I want to do a deep dive here into the felony Dingus law that New Jersey has now made law. And I want to make it clear so that you, my dear listeners, know what to do to protect yourself and hear it straight from me as to what you must do and how you must act. Because it will be difficult for some of you to do what I’m saying. It strikes to a certain degree against what might be your first reaction, but you have to do this. Otherwise the consequences can be dire. So, this new law that New Jersey passed, and it is officially law. It takes accidents and makes them felonies, accidents with firearms, into felony level offenses. And we’re going to take a look at how exactly that gets done. How the Legislature, in passing this law, has done it in such a bizarre way, or sneaky way, devious way, that the impact and reality of it is how I’m going to explain it. Evan Nappen 07:13 So, the law reads, and you can read the bill that passed. It was A4976 and was approved by Murphy as one of his parting gifts on January 20 of this year. (https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/A5000/4976_R2.PDF) It says, (1.a.) For the purposes of this act, “Recklessly” shall have the same meaning as set forth in N.J.S. 2C:2-2. Now, 2-2 is where the culpability standards for New Jersey law are laid out. Culpability is the establishment of the level of what has to be demonstrated in order to prove whether you’re culpable for the commission of that offense. These fall under the general requirements of culpability, and normally, culpability has to be proven. It’s a level of proof. Often we think of culpability as needing to show purpose fully. You do something purposefully. We do something knowingly, knowingly. But recklessly and negligently can also be culpability levels in criminal law, and New Jersey is now making “Reckless” as part of this law. Page – 3 – of 14 Evan Nappen 08:56 But reckless isn’t necessarily how you might generically think of it. It’s defined in this culpability statute as follows. So, this is where “Reckless” gets defined that they’re incorporating into the new law. (N.J.S. 2C:2-2.(3)) “Recklessly. A person acts recklessly with respect to a material element of an offense when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the material element exists or will result from his conduct. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that, considering the nature and purpose of the actor’s conduct and the circumstances known to him, its disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the actor’s situation. ‘Recklessness,’ or ‘with recklessness’, or equivalent terms have the same meaning.” Evan Nappen 10:05 Now, if you’re having trouble wrapping your head around what I just said, we’re going to get back to it. But I wanted to give you that, initially, as we go through the bill, and I’m going to show you how it translates into reality under the felony Dingus law. So, New Jersey now says “reckless” is defined as what I just told you, and then they define structure. “‘Structure’ means any building, room, ship, vessel, car, vehicle, or airplane, and also means any place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons or for carrying of business therein.” So, any business establishment, any means of transport, and any room, building or ship is a structure, okay? Now the law says a person commits, oh, a disorderly person’s offense. Oh, well, that’s not a felony, Evan. That’s a disorderly person. It’s New Jersey’s version of misdemeanor. Yeah, I know that, but let’s keep reading. Evan Nappen 11:21 Okay, folks. “A person commits a disorderly persons offense by recklessly discharging a firearm . . .” Well, you might think, why I’d never be reckless. I’d never be reckless. “. . . by recklessly discharging a firearm using live ammunition rounds . . .” So, I guess you can recklessly discharge a blank gun, but whatever. “. . . recklessly discharging a firearm using live ammunition rounds unlawfully or without a lawful purpose, except that a second conviction for such an offense constitutes a crime of the fourth degree, and a third or subsequent conviction for such an offense constitutes crime of the third degree.” So, what happens is this. It ups the degree if you have repeat offenses. Evan Nappen 12:12 So, you say, well, look, man, if I have one problem, at least it’s just a misdemeanor, and it’s not a felony. I don’t become a felony Dingus problem in my life. Well, yeah, because here’s the next part. It says, a person who commits a violation of what I just said, subsection b., technically of this section, shall be charged with a crime of one degree higher than what ordinarily would be charged for such offense, where the violation occurs within 100 yards of an occupied structure. Whoa, whoa. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. So, in other words, if you have an accidental discharge, and that AD was done without lawful purpose, well, if it’s an accidental discharge, what was your lawful purpose for having an accident? Of course, there wasn’t one. It’s baked into the cake. There’s no accident done lost with a lawful purpose. Of course not. So, every accident now, unless you can show there was a lawful purpose to your accident, okay? Every accident done, every accidental discharge without a lawful purpose, within 100 yards of any building, room, ship, vessel, car, vehicle, airplane, place of overnight accommodation or where business is conducted, within 100 yards of any of those occupied places, that Page – 4 – of 14 makes it a felony level offense. A felony level offense. So, now you have your accidental discharge. It’s done without a lawful purpose. Now the law says you have to recklessly discharge a firearm without a lawful purpose. Remember, I told you what reckless was under the law. Evan Nappen 14:24 Now, think about this. Let’s go back to that reckless. A person acts reckless with respect to a material element of the offense when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a material element will result from his conduct. Oh, conscientious disregarding a risk that you could, what? Have an accidental discharge. Meaning a discharge without a lawful purpose. And the risk must be of such a nature and degree that considering the nature and purpose of the actor’s conduct and circumstances known to him. Oh, did you know you had a gun? Yeah. Did you know that when you pull the trigger of a gun, it goes bang? Yeah. Did you happen to have ammunition? Yeah. Did you check to make sure the gun was empty? Oh, well, what’s this disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the actor’s situation. Aha. Gross deviation from standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe. A reasonable person checks to make sure their gun is unloaded. Were you unreasonable in having that accidental discharge because you failed to ensure that your gun wasn’t loaded? Evan Nappen 16:18 Well, let me tell you who’s going to answer that question. Ultimately, my friends, 12 people who aren’t smart enough to avoid jury duty. That’s who’s going to answer it. Twelve persons who most likely don’t know a whole hell of a lot about guns. And even if they do, they’re not going to like the fact that you didn’t ensure that your gun was unloaded. So, this means that if you have an accidental discharge, a Dingus within 100 yards of any of those, “occupied structures”, which basically is virtually everywhere, you’re now looking at a felony charge, which will make you a convicted felon. It will cost you your gun rights throughout the entire United States, because you’d be a convicted felon. You will face criminal prosecution in New Jersey and loss of your guns and your gun license. Evan Nappen 17:32 So, what does this mean, folks? It means, if you ever have an accidental discharge, SHUT THE F UP!!! That’s right. You do not call the police if you had an accidental issue. You don’t incriminate yourself. You don’t talk about it to anyone. They have criminalized this. You have a Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. They did not put any immunity in this law for reporting an accidental discharge. You not only have no obligation to report it, you have a specific Constitutional right now against doing it. Saying you have a right not to do it, because you have a right against self-incrimination. And they’ve made it what is a virtual, almost per se, strict liability, virtually, virtually, offense. At least, how in reality, it’s going to play out. If you have an accidental discharge within 100 yards of that structure and you didn’t have a lawful purpose, did you? Was it reasonable that you deviated from the standard of not ensuring that your gun was unloaded? You can see this felony Dingus problem here, and it now applies throughout New Jersey. Page – 5 – of 14 Teddy Nappen 19:15 One concern, though, Dad, is that. Does the law address, you know, malfunction? Because we’ve had plenty of stories, you know, from the both of the SIG 320 and / or various other pistols that do have, like, mechanical failures. Is that addressed in the law? Evan Nappen 19:34 It’s not addressed in the law. And, you know, maybe if it was an actual SIG problem that can be proven, that it was mechanical, that that would be a defense at law here. You know that would be something where they’re not going to hold the recklessness standard to your conscious disregard of known risk. However, New Jersey has brought a suit against SIG itself for the problem with those guns. I wouldn’t put it past the Government trying to argue that you should have known the risk because you possess a SIG that’s known to have these problems, and we’re suing them over it. And how did you not know that your gun might have this problem? I mean, who knows how extreme they’ll go? I think it is conceivably a good defense, but they’re still going to fight that. I assure you. Evan Nappen 20:37 But short of an actual mechanical defect in a gun, short of that, this law is a huge threat. It is essentially the equivalent of making, if we made every fender bender with a driver, a felony in New Jersey. You would then have a situation where you wouldn’t want to report any car accident. Because upon reporting it, you would immediately have a right against self-incrimination, and you’d be putting yourself in jeopardy of a felony. Well, this is what New Jersey has done with the felony Dingus law to New Jerseyans, and you need to know that. You’re going to have to stand firm on your rights. If you have an AD, the first thing you do is call your lawyer who understands criminal law and understands the gun laws, so that you can be advised on this. It’s critical. The risk here is great, and it will jeopardize your freedom, your livelihood, and your gun rights. You can get at least a year and a half as a maximum, if they go to just the fourth degree level with this offense. So, you’re looking at felony Dingus here. Teddy Nappen 22:13 There’s a bit of irony. When you think about this law, I imagine just go from their perspective. Just the twisted mindset of the gun rights suppressor. In this idea, they’re trying to cut down on accidental discharges, but they’re going to go hidden because of that exact issue. It kind of goes. I remember being explained once in boxing. They did a rule change where they banned rapid punching. You know, we could do, like quick jabs, but in doing so, they required you to punch with an extended arm. They’re like, oh, we’re gonna cut down on the injuries. But it did the opposite. Because people were getting punched with an extended arm, it would cause more concussions. So, it’s just that level of almost self-fulfilling prophecy. It’s not doing anything. It causes the very harm that it meant to prevent. Evan Nappen 22:59 It will. It will. Because now when you have this instead. Let’s say, if you have an accidental discharge, instead of investigating, seeing if it hits somebody or something, or where, when or what it did, you’re going to jeopardize yourself criminally. Now you have to stand on your rights. You’re going to have to just take the Fifth immediately and stand on your rights. Call your attorney. It’s completely criminalized, criminalized. And because of that, your criminal due process rights kick in. And we might, you know, Page – 6 – of 14 normally if they were smart, they would have had an immunity for reporting it. But they don’t. They don’t. There’s no immunity here. If you report it, you’re putting yourself in jeopardy, and you’re giving up your Fifth and Sixth amendment rights by so doing. It is a stupid law. It is not just a Dingus felony, a Dingus law. It is a law passed by Dinguses and signed by Dinguses. It is literally the felony Dingus law, and so aptly named. Evan Nappen 24:10 Hey, on a different subject. Real quick, I just want to mention a landmark little factoid that I think you’ll find pretty cool. The U.S. has broken the firearm ownership number of 500 million. There are over 500 million privately owned firearms in the United States. Boy, that is fantastic. (https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/us-civilian-gun-ownership-500-million/) Teddy Nappen 24:49 We need to get those numbers up. Evan Nappen 24:52 Yeah, right. We need to get those numbers up. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, civilian gun ownership in the U.S. has surpassed the 500 million mark, reaching an estimated 506 million firearms, and the more guns means the more impossibility of banning and seizing them. There is strength in numbers. This figure is based on Federal Manufacturing and import data compiled from 1990 through 2023 using ATF records. And the estimate accounts for firearms manufactured domestically and sold, as well as firearms imported for the commercial market. It also said that there’s continued growth with the ARs in America. Since 1990, 32 million AR-type rifles have entered circulation. 32 million ARs. Talk about being in common use. 32 million. Kind of says it all. Anyway, so we’re way up there. And it says, looking specifically, by the way, at 2023, they said a total of 13,574,653 firearms were made available to the U.S. market when imports were included. So, that was that one year, 2023, over 13 million. Handguns accounted for the majority, with 8,176,000 units, followed by 3,899,000 rifles and 1,498,000 shotguns. So, this is great news. We are definitely the land of firearms, and the Second Amendment is strong in numbers. We’ve broken the 500 million mark for U.S. gun ownership. Evan Nappen 27:23 One other quick note here that I find. A little tidbit here, and this is from militarynyi.com. Mossburg has received a new contract from the Pentagon for about $11.6 million. (https://militarnyi.com/en/news/usa-orders-mossberg-590a1-shotguns-with-custom-barrels-for-drone-interception/) It provides that they’re going to supply Mossberg 590A1 pump shotguns, which are great guns, by the way. I’m going to tell you about 590A1s in a minute. But what’s really cool about this one is that this particular shotgun is designed to combat drones. It’s made to shoot down drones. It has a 17-inch barrel with a specific configuration that’s designed for convenient placement in submarine racks. And it’s also made so that it can use special tungsten shot ammunition, tungsten shot ammo, to shoot down UAVs. And this is literally what the Government said. So, they’ve taken the 590A1s and the load, the shotgun load, is a two ounce number nine bird shot, a tungsten load. And it says it puts a large number of small tungsten pellets, creating a dense cloud ideal for hitting small targets. So, if you thought skeet shooting and trap Page – 7 – of 14 shooting was fun, how about tungsten drone shooting with Mossberg 590A1s. There you go, guys. Now we’re talking about a whole new sport. Teddy Nappen 29:28 Do you remember Amazon delivering those packages with drones? Yeah, well, trap shooting with prizes. Evan Nappen 29:37 Well, there you go. Trap shooting with prizes. But you know something about the 590A1, I gotta tell you. That’s really a great shotgun. And look, I have no financial interest in them. I just love that gun. That gun has a special thing about it when it comes to New Jersey. It is a pump shotgun, military spec shotgun. The 598 one is different from the 590 the a one has a thicker barrel, stronger receiver. It is a really tough shotgun, and it’s a pump shotgun. And because it’s a pump, it’s not semi auto. So, you can have a 590A1 in New Jersey. It can have a nine shot magazine in it. It can have a folding stock. It can have a pistol grip. It can have a bayonet lug, and they do have a bayonet lug. It can have all the whistles and bells on it and not be an assault firearm because it’s a pump shotgun. Only a semi-automatic shotgun falls under New Jersey’s assault firearm law. So, if you really want to have one of the best New Jersey legal combat shotgun with any of the fun features, then the 590A1 is unbeatable for New Jersey. And plus, when you rack that slide, any bad guy hearing that usually registers it in his pants, when you hear that racking going on. So, you should consider having one in your home defense. The 590A1, it’s a great gun. I don’t know if those tungsten loads will be available to the public or not, but this is fun stuff that I wanted to bring to your attention. Evan Nappen 31:32 Hey, let me tell you about our good friends at WeShoot. WeShoot is our gun range that Teddy and I shoot at, and we love it there. They are a fantastic range right in Lakewood, New Jersey, and they have some good specials going on. They have a Sig Sauer P365 Flux, which is the evolution of the micro-compact carry gun, now paired with the FLUX defense chassis for enhanced stability, capacity and speed in a PDW-style platform. They have a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Compact, which is their carry size powerhouse with a flat face trigger, aggressive grip texture, built to perform under pressure with everyday reliability. And they have a Mossberg Gold Reserve Super Sport, a competition-ready over / under, an over and under, 12 gauge with eye-catching scroll engraving, polished blue finish, and a premium walnut stock built for the clay sports game. So, these are just a few of the hot guns being highlighted by WeShoot. You should definitely check them out. Go to weshootusa.com. Evan Nappen 32:52 You can also check out Juliana. She’s fully locked in and in love with her MAC 5, showing off, the versatile fun a modern sporting rifle platform can be. So, go to WeShoot's website – weshootusa.com. You can check out Juliana there with the MAC 5. You can also see the other great photographs that WeShoot prides themselves on. When you go to the range there, you will be very impressed. They have fantastic training, and you can get your certificate there to get your carry. You can also get all kinds of training for both beginners and experienced shooters, as well. They have top people on their staff. It is a great resource that you should take advantage of. Go to weshootusa.com and learn the best kept secret in New Jersey the WeShoot range, a fantastic place. Page – 8 – of 14 Evan Nappen 33:57 Let me also tell you about our good friends at the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs. They are the stalwart defenders of our gun rights in New Jersey. New Jersey is one tough environment, as you know, and without a great group like the Association, we’d be even worse off. Can you imagine even worse? So we’re there. We’re there with the association. You need to be with us. I’m a member. You need to be a member. It is critical. They’re the ones in Trenton with a full-time paid lobbyist keeping track of the shenanigans going on there. And we’re able to make a difference. Believe it or not. We are. Plus we have the battles ongoing in the courts, and, man, I am excited for them. We have some appellate stuff going on now, an we’re going to be getting some great results. I feel it. I know it. We’ll be reporting about that and telling you all about it here on Gun Lawyer. Evan Nappen 35:00 It’s a slow climb, because the wheels turn slow. But folks, it is. It is something where I know we’re going to be successful, and the Association is there for you, fighting for your rights. Go to anjrpc.org and join today. Make sure you’re part of the solution. Join your official NRA state affiliate, the Association. You’ll get the email alerts to the legislative alerts and court results, and you’ll be on top of things. You’ll get a beautiful newsletter. The best in the state, so you’ll know what’s going on here in New Jersey, and you’ll have the resources of the Association behind you. So, go to anjrpc.org and join today. Evan Nappen 35:58 And while you’re at it, make sure you get a copy of my book, New Jersey Gun Law. It’s the Bible of New Jersey gun law. It’s over 500 pages in a question and answer format. It explains everything you need to know so you can avoid becoming a GOFU in New Jersey. And man, do you need that because New Jersey is crazy. And to not be destroyed by the state’s gun laws, and instead be able to exercise safely and legally your rights. You need my book, New Jersey Gun Law. Go to EvanNappen.com and get your copy today. When you do get your book, right down there on the front cover, make sure you scan the QR code, and you can immediately join for free, my private subscriber base. You’ll be able to access immediately the updates, which I’ll have a new update coming out very shortly here, updating the new laws, doing a comprehensive 2026 Update. You get all that for free. So, your book stays current. Go to EvanNappen.com and get your copy today. Teddy, what do you have for us today? Teddy Nappen 37:15 Well, as we know, Press Checks are always free. And look, everyone has been seeing it on the Left, where they’re all of a sudden now everyone seems to have become an expert on the Second Amendment. As you, which, every time I hear that, I think the words Second Amendment TM – trademark, because it’s their version of the Second Amendment. They never actually go into too many details. But I will say, and this is very funny. From MSN, from this writer, Adam Lynch, “‘Never seen a surge like this:’ Panicked liberals are stocking up on guns..” (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/never-seen-a-surge-like-this-panicked-liberals-are-stocking-up-on-guns/ar-AA1QuJEL) Huh! The 500 million mark is coming into play. But I love this. If you ever want to laugh, read an MSN article, because it’s just so, not just the propaganda, but the sourcing and how it works. It’s, okay. It goes. “NPR reports liberals and members of the LGBTQ community are buying guns to protect themselves as both the White House and national discourse grows increasingly hostile.” I love how Page – 9 – of 14 they cite their sources, NPR. Like NPR is a reputable source, but yeah. And I love this, a random unnamed Maryland Doctor. It just says Maryland Doctor. I’m not saying. Evan Nappen 38:40 Oh, is he related to the Maryland man? Teddy Nappen 38:43 I guess. I know. Maybe he’s from Venezuela or El Salvador. “I’m not saying that’s what’s going to happen. What I’m saying is none of this is out of the question.” In regards to, like, Trump is going to start kicking in doors on like just. And I love this. “Charles, who is black, says he bought his handgun after Trump administration did things that scared him . . .” Okay. Evan Nappen 39:15 Well, I’ll tell you what. Every gun owner is someone with a vested interest in the Second Amendment. So, good. Yeah, good. Teddy Nappen 39:24 And they decided to do interviews. They say 30 sources, unnamed, mind you. Where they’re saying NPR reports, the face of gun ownership is changing. Once perceived as the white, rural and Republican, gun clubs or trainers, Second Amendment advocates and academic researchers now say that liberals, people of color, and LGBTQ members have been buying guns and training with them since Trump’s re-election. First of all, I like how they separate people of color and Republicans when the mass. Evan Nappen 39:54 The Second Amendment is for everybody. Teddy Nappen 39:56 Yeah! Evan Nappen 39:56 It’s for everybody. Teddy Nappen 39:57 Yeah. And also they need to remember that Hispanics overwhelmingly voted for Trump and are leaning conservative. Blacks overwhelmingly, comparatively, Trump had the most vote of black Americans since dating back to Nixon. So, whenever they try to separate out and try to paint the Republican Party as racist. I always remind them of that. It’s just such stupidity on their part. But going into that, I did love this. So, Thomas Boyer, the spokesman for the San Francisco Chapter the Pink Pistols, said, “Armed gays don’t get bashed.” Evan Nappen 40:37 Right! They don’t. Page – 10 – of 14 Teddy Nappen 40:39 I know. Didn’t you actually like, did they bring you on once, the Pink Pistols? Evan Nappen 40:43 They made me an honorary life member of the Pink Pistols, believe it or not, which is fine, great. The Second Amendment is for everyone. And you know, it doesn’t matter whether someone is liberal or conservative or what their sexual preference or race is. It is all our right. All of us have this right, and we always want to be consistent. Whether or not politically I agree with anything on the Left, it doesn’t matter. In the same way that I support their right to free speech, even though I disagree with them. Rights are rights. And the point here is we can have common ground, and we’re seeing common ground. We’re actually seeing it. Because as more of the Left wants guns, that’s great. Join with us, and let’s pass laws that enhance the Second Amendment. As a matter of fact, think of it this way, folks. The anti-Second Amendment, the Second Amendment oppressors, they don’t want the Left to exercise gun rights any more than they want the right to exercise gun rights because they are anti-gun rights. We are pro-gun rights. We want all people. And every time anybody becomes a gun owner, they now get a vested interest in our Second Amendment rights. So, this creates that common ground, and that can include national reciprocity. It can include Pretti’s Law that we’ve talked about, right? It means this is an opportunity. So, don’t let the Left’s political views cloud our commitment to universal Second Amendment rights. Teddy Nappen 42:56 So, going off of that, one of the things the article cited to was a group known as, I never heard of these guys, the Liberal Gun Club. It was from this firearm instructor, David Phillips. They have 30 chapters in other, in other states. And they said their membership has grown from 2,700 in November to 4,500. So, going off of that, I actually wanted to look these guys up to understand, like, what is a Liberal Gun Club? (https://theliberalgunclub.com/) Like it just, you just, you’re going off of that. I hear those two words, and it just doesn’t sound right. And so. Evan Nappen 43:32 But, it is right. It is right. Evan Nappen 43:35 But I know why you would think it wouldn’t be. Teddy Nappen 43:35 I know. Evan Nappen 43:37 Bingo. Teddy Nappen 43:37 Yeah, exactly. And I went to their website, and this is what was funny. The common ground managers, where they go into, we are, they go into. They include and oppose the assault weapon ban as well as restriction of magazine capacity. Page – 11 – of 14 Teddy Nappen 43:37 And this view is directly related to our preference of an enforcement approach rather than regulation. Then, and what’s even funnier, the one thing that I found, the little nugget in their entire list, they are for national reciprocity. Evan Nappen 44:11 The other factor is, and I dug deeper into them, they actually spoke out against Bloomberg and the Moms Demand Action. Evan Nappen 44:11 Okay. So, look at this liberal gun group here, the Liberal Gun Club. Liberal gun group is against the assault firearm ban, against the magazine ban and pro-national reciprocity. Guess what? We’re all on the same page. This is our common ground. This is a common ground that we need to further develop. We need the pro-Second Amendment side to happily join in the same issues that we mutually support. Look, there are things we have differences about, without a doubt, okay? Most of the liberal agenda I am not, not, on board with at all, but that’s okay. Because the issue that I care most about, the issue that is my entire life’s calling and yours as well, Teddy, is the Second Amendment. And if this group is supporting what I support, then we can be together on those issues. We need to be together on those issues and not try to exclude or judge or separate anybody away because we don’t agree with the rest of their politics. I don’t care about the rest of their politics. That’s fine for us to have our differences, but this is where we’re together. And what you just said, there is great. We need more of that. Because that’s how we can finally get the rest of the Left to lay off our rights and to pass something like National Reciprocity, to quit trying to screw with us at every turn, to disenfranchise us from our gun rights. We can unite here. Evan Nappen 46:09 Even better. Teddy Nappen 46:12 Which they go into with the head president of the yet all actions they say you need to take is to donate to them. And what can they do with their donations, or, quote, unquote, saving lives and quote unquote, ending gun violence, or so they say. However, they spend, the national group spends most of their time advocacy related to gun violence focused exclusively on passing stricter gun control laws, which have already been disproven. So, they even agree that gun control fails. They actually agree it does not solve any of the issues that they actually are worried about. And they cited to a book, and this reminded me of one you brought to me once, it was “Restricting Handguns” by Don Kates. Evan Nappen 47:07 Yes! Teddy Nappen 47:08 Where it was the liberal. It was the liberal skeptics guide where, you know, liberals. Page – 12 – of 14 Evan Nappen 47:14 The Liberal skeptics speak out. Okay. Don Kates was one of my mentors when I first became a lawyer. And prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a member of the very first firearm law firm in America. It was Bennison, Kates and Hardy, and I was in the New York City law office of Bennison and Kates. I knew Don Kates and Mark Bennison, and Dave Hardy. Don Kates was out in California, and he was criminology professor. Don Kates was great guy, and he wanted to do this very thing we’re talking about here. Of cross trestling, of uniting, of making liberals see that the Second Amendment is critical for them as well as us. And so, his book “Restricting Handguns – The Liberal Skeptics Speak Out” was all about folks who you would normally think would be anti- Second Amendment and were not. (https://openlibrary.org/books/OL4408746M/Restricting_handguns) Evan Nappen 48:26 Interestingly, Mark Benson, who was the other partner, was a former president of Amnesty International. But Mark was solidly pro-Second Amendment. I mean, Kates taught criminal justice and law in California. Okay? We’re talking about folks you might normally think of on the Left, but were actually hard-core Second Amendment great pro-gun fighters. I’ll tell you. Don Kates was the first guy that I ever met that carried a firearm, regardless. He said, Second Amendment, and that’s it. And I always was impressed how much he believed in the Second Amendment. He was fantastic. And it was great experience working for that firm and being part of the very first firearm law firm in America. Of course, now firearm law is an identified area of practice, but then people had never heard of such a thing. So, Don Kates, with this book, really had a lot of impact, and to this day, it’s still being utilized and cited because the Liberal Gun Club that you talk about is the same idea. And Kate was really ahead of his time in identifying this very thing. We need to join with the other side when they are with us on our issue. Teddy Nappen 50:14 And what was really, really funny is he meant, and there was a similar book where he references a book called “Beyond Control” by Jacob Sullum. He talks about the racist roots of gun control and drug control. (https://www.beyondcontrolbook.net/) Evan Nappen 50:27 There you go. Teddy Nappen 50:28 And it’s that, it’s that inner weaving of the policies to actually put that in perspective, because everyone on the Left, like they typically, are in lockstep on this. But if we can turn this, just like with the trans issue, if we can turn this into a 90/10 issue, we could get national reciprocity. The vast majority like this. Imagine The Trace and Bloomberg having to, I just saw this, just on my feed, where they’re trying to say, don’t go out and buy firearms. Don’t, don’t kid. Telling their liberal followers, don’t go out and buy firearms, even though they’re all calling for the Second Amendment on it. It’s that level. They have so pushed. Page – 13 – of 14 Evan Nappen 51:12 They are so scared to death that, yeah, this very thing that we’re talking about here is actually happening and taking place. And we on the pro-gun side need to put out our hand of friendship to the other side when they’re with us on our issue. Because those that oppose us, the oppressors, are scared to death of it, and with good reason. This can make us win. It can get our rights back. This is the way to do it, folks. I honestly believe and have fought for this. And throughout my legal career, we’ve seen how the liberal causes so-called, whether you know, traditionally where they claim were pro-civil rights, yet they go after a single black mom. Shaneen Allen, who had a carry permit from Pennsylvania and happened to be in the Democratic People’s Republic of New Jersey, gets put through the shredder. It’s the institutionalized racism that our good friend John Petrolino has talked about and shown in the permitting system. These are the things that are out there that the Left, historically, would have been concerned with, but somehow they block it out with guns. No, no. Join. Join together. This can get our movement over the top. Evan Nappen 52:44 The other thing they can do. This will be the Midas touch. Once they see the National Reciprocity and start carrying, all of a sudden, all the things that they were supporting, Red Flag, Universal Background Check, both things are going to predominantly deny them their rights. Because I think there’s a statistic showing, I think, it’s 67 or 68% of liberals or Democrats have mental health issues which screws them out of their rights. So, this is the key to getting them to see that this is the path to victory of how to get the Second Amendment back. Then we can remove all these insane regulations. Evan Nappen 53:22 Incrementally, get to where we need to be. Well, Teddy, I appreciate it. A great, great topic. And I want to tell you about this week’s GOFU, which is, of course, the Gun Owner Fuck Up, where actual clients, actual cases, where we see the problem, and you get to learn the lesson for free. And this week’s GOFU is pretty simple. Don’t involve the police in your life unless you absolutely have to. And what I mean is this. There are mechanisms in law that are there that people have no idea how it suddenly affects your gun rights. And that includes the so- called wellness check, even domestic violence, all these things where they’re played up as extremely important. And I’m not saying they aren’t. But it makes it so that individuals that invoke any of these laws and involve the Government in your life, next thing you know, guns are being seized. Individuals are losing their rights, and they’re having to fight to get them back. Evan Nappen 54:36 Often it’s the very person that invokes the law itself. Yeah, we see this. We get cases where the person called the police to scare their partner or to just get more attention to it. But they don’t realize that gets the entire system to come down on them, taking guns and ruining lives. They have no clue of the impact once the Government gets in your life. Forget it. It’s going to be a fight. It’s the old, I think, Ronald Reagan said, you know, “We’re here from the Government. We’re here to help.” Yeah, that’s the joke, and it’s true. This is what happens. You get a wellness check done, and boom, guns are taken. You’re now fighting for your rights. We get these all the time. Look, I understand. If someone has serious problems and they need help, maybe you’ve got to do it. If you’re being abused, okay. But, you know, if it’s not something that the Government has to get involved in, do not involve the Government. Page – 14 – of 14 Evan Nappen 55:22 Over and over and over again, we get, I get the calls. I call them “the calls of regret”. The phone calls of regret. They’re GOFUs. And yet, for me to even say this, I’ll get criticized. How dare you say that? How about stopping me? We need to know call. I see the reality of it in the practice. I get the phone call of regret when you involve the Government. So, the GOFU is that be very, very careful. Very, very selective, if you ever want to put the Government in your life or a loved one’s life. Because the ramifications, particularly in the Democratic People’s Republic of New Jersey, can be very significant and can dramatically impact yours and your loved ones lives. Evan Nappen 56:47 This is Evan Nappen and Teddy Nappen reminding you that gun laws don’t protect honest citizens from criminals. They protect criminals from honest citizens. 56:57 Gun Lawyer is a CounterThink Media production. The music used in this broadcast was managed by Cosmo Music, New York, New York. Reach us by emailing Evan@gun.lawyer. The information and opinions in this broadcast do not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state. Downloadable PDF TranscriptGun Lawyer S5 E276_Transcript About The HostEvan Nappen, Esq.Known as “America's Gun Lawyer,” Evan Nappen is above all a tireless defender of justice. Author of eight bestselling books and countless articles on firearms, knives, and weapons history and the law, a certified Firearms Instructor, and avid weapons collector and historian with a vast collection that spans almost five decades — it's no wonder he's become the trusted, go-to expert for local, industry and national media outlets. Regularly called on by radio, television and online news media for his commentary and expertise on breaking news Evan has appeared countless shows including Fox News – Judge Jeanine, CNN – Lou Dobbs, Court TV, Real Talk on WOR, It's Your Call with Lyn Doyle, Tom Gresham's Gun Talk, and Cam & Company/NRA News. As a creative arts consultant, he also lends his weapons law and historical expertise to an elite, discerning cadre of movie and television producers and directors, and novelists. He also provides expert testimony and consultations for defense attorneys across America. Email Evan Your Comments and Questions  talkback@gun.lawyer Join Evan's InnerCircleHere's your chance to join an elite group of the Savviest gun and knife owners in America.  Membership is totally FREE and Strictly CONFIDENTIAL.  Just enter your email to start receiving insider news, tips, and other valuable membership benefits.   Email (required) *First Name *Select list(s) to subscribe toInnerCircle Membership Yes, I would like to receive emails from Gun Lawyer Podcast. (You can unsubscribe anytime)Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.var ajaxurl = "https://gun.lawyer/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php";