A proposed bill in the New York Senate, disguised as an environmental law, is raising alarms among Second Amendment advocates. Schuyler County Clerk Theresa Philbin has warned that the “Sporting Range Good Neighbor Act,” currently pending in the New York State Senate, would impose severe restrictions on shooting ranges based on their proximity to wetlands and open water sources. This could potentially lead to the closure of existing ranges, posing a significant threat to gun owners and shooting sports enthusiasts.
A Cloaked Gun Control Measure
According to Philbin, the bill is essentially a gun control measure masked as an environmental regulation. “This bill would place heavy restrictions on shooting ranges due to their proximity to wetlands and open water sources, potentially forcing existing ranges to close,” she explained. The implications of such closures are far-reaching, affecting not only gun owners seeking pistol permits but also local school shooting leagues that rely on these facilities for practice.
The Impact on Pistol Permits and Shooting Sports
The closure of shooting ranges would have a direct impact on individuals seeking to obtain pistol permits in New York. “If you wish to apply for a concealed carry license, you need to complete the Concealed Carry Firearm Safety Training Course,” noted Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman. “Often, those classes are held at the local ranges. Forcing those ranges to close would effectively prevent many New Yorkers from exercising their Second Amendment rights.”
Negative Effect on Students’ Futures
Moreover, the bill would negatively affect school trap teams, which use these ranges for practice. Philbin emphasized the positive impact these teams have on students. “When you look at those kids on school-sponsored sports teams, they get better grades, have a lower dropout rate, and stay away from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco,” she said. “This legislation could negatively affect students’ futures. That’s why we want to protect our clubs.”
Financial Burden on Shooting Ranges
The proposed bill would require significant changes to the infrastructure of shooting ranges, making compliance financially burdensome. According to Philbin, ranges would need to build a covered backstop and follow stringent state rules regarding lead reclamation. “Most if not all clubs will not be able to afford to comply with these regulations,” she said. Critics argue that these added restrictions are based on misinformation about the trajectory of skeet shots and the capabilities of shotguns, which typically have a maximum range of 150-200 yards.
Legislative Opposition
At Philbin’s request, the Schuyler County Legislature will consider a resolution asking state officials to reject the bill. The proposed resolution, drafted with Getman’s assistance, passed the county’s Management and Finance Committee in April. It highlights the severe hardships the act would impose on clubs, members, and schools dependent on shooting ranges for recreational sports. The resolution argues that the mandates and restrictions are unnecessary, given the stringent guidelines already in place for operating shooting ranges safely, which can cost up to $100,000.
Broader Implications for Second Amendment Rights
The bill’s broader implications for Second Amendment rights are a major concern for gun rights advocates. Getman pointed out that the bill would effectively prevent many New Yorkers from obtaining concealed carry licenses due to the lack of accessible training facilities. Additionally, the forced closure of shooting ranges could discourage participation in shooting sports and reduce opportunities for safe and responsible gun use education.
Call to Action
The Schuyler County resolution, if passed, will be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul and the county’s representatives in the New York State legislature, Senator Thomas O’Mara and Assemblyman Philip Palmesano, urging them to oppose the bill. The resolution aims to protect the rights of gun owners, shooting sports enthusiasts, and students who benefit from participating in school shooting leagues.
A Significant Threat
The “Sporting Range Good Neighbor Act” poses a significant threat to shooting ranges, gun owners, and shooting sports in New York. By disguising gun control measures as environmental regulations, the bill could impose severe financial burdens on shooting ranges and restrict access to essential training facilities for gun owners. The Schuyler County Clerk and Attorney are taking a stand to protect the rights of their constituents and preserve the positive impact of shooting sports on local communities.
Finding a Balance
What do you think? How can local communities balance environmental concerns with the rights of gun owners and shooting sports enthusiasts? What alternative measures could be proposed to address environmental issues without imposing severe restrictions on shooting ranges?
Impact on Overall Safety
How might the closure of shooting ranges impact the overall safety and education of gun owners in New York? What role do school shooting leagues play in the development of students, and how could this legislation affect their future? How can gun rights advocates effectively raise awareness about the potential hidden agendas in legislation like the “Sporting Range Good Neighbor Act”?
