February 9, 2007

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Oppose bill limiting local authority to regulate shooting near subdivisions

Contact Senate Courts of Justice Committee in opposition to HB 3109

Bill could be heard as early as Monday, Feb. 12

HB 3109 (Janis) will limit local public safety authority by removing the option for localities to prohibit hunting within one-half mile of a subdivision. Current law creates a simple, easy to understand rule: If that rule is adopted by a locality, people may not hunt within a half-mile of a subdivision.

The bill also:

Here are some talking points when contacting your Senator:

Certainly high-power rifles have a range much longer than one-half mile, but allowing hunters to dictate reasonableness will prove difficult. The new language that expands reckless handling of a firearm is fine, but the simple rule banning hunting within one-half mile of a subdivision must be retained. Do not delete that rule.

If the one-half mile rule is deleted, the bill will make it possible for a hunter to stand right across the lot line from a home in a subdivision and shoot his rifle or shotgun, so long as he doesn't shoot directly at the home.

Another bill, HB 2308 (Lingamfelter), will require the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to develop model hunting ordinances and localities will have input into the process. HB 2308 has passed the House and is in the Senate. VML supports HB 2308.

HB 3109 has been assigned to the Senate Courts of Justice Committee and may be heard as soon as Monday, Feb. 12. VML members must call and e-mail the members through the weekend and Monday morning.

Contact Kimberly Pollard at kpollard@vml.org or 804/400-1987 if you have questions.

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