PA: State's self-defense bill advances in House vote: "The state House overwhelmingly has approved a bill expanding people's right to defend themselves and their families, a measure that opponents say will put lives at risk and create a Wild West mentality in Pennsylvania. The legislation, passed Monday by a 164-37 vote and sent to the Senate, removes the obligation to first seek a reasonable attempt to get away before using lethal force in self-defense. "Now there will be no duty to retreat. You can defend yourself," said the bill's sponsor, Scott Perry, R-York. The legislation is intended as protection against criminal and civil penalties for people who fire guns to defend themselves and their families from imminent threats.


CA: Do as I say, not as I do: "Assembly Chief Sergeant-at-Arms Ronald Pane has given four legislators permission to carry concealed weapons in the state Capitol, according to two senior Senate staff members who have been informed of the decision. State law prohibits carrying loaded firearms and deadly weapons in public buildings, except under limited conditions. A 2010 bill by Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani, D-Livingston, tightened the law, requiring that most holders of concealed weapons permits or other gun licenses get permission from the sergeants-at-arms of the state Assembly or the state Senate in order to bring their gun in the Capitol or legislative office buildings."