Posted: | January 26, 2015 01:51 PM |
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From: | Senator John N. Wozniak |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Freedom to Shoot Act |
In the near future I plan to re-introduce legislation known as the Freedom to Shoot Act. This legislation was introduced last session as SB 659 and was co-sponsored by Senators ALLOWAY, WHITE and RAFFERTY. The purpose of this legislation is to establish a task force, The Task Force for Protection and Management of Sport Shooting and Training Ranges. This task force will serve to study lead management and reclamation at firing ranges, ensure that best management practices are implemented by developing a training and notification program to assist sport shooting facilities and training ranges to identify, develop and implement best management practices for their particular facility, and to determine and establish qualifications for lead management and reclamation professionals. Until such time as statewide standards are in place, state agencies will follow guidelines and protocols currently being applied by the Environmental Protection Agency, the ITRC (Interstate Technology Regulatory Cooperative) rules and regulations, or the environmental stewardship plans established by the particular facility by a certified lead management professional regarding best management practices for lead management and remediation. At no time shall shooting be curtailed or impeded within this Commonwealth by a state agency i.e. the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, without the written consent of the organization or club that oversees and facilitates the activity unless it can be scientifically proven that environmental degradation is beyond remediation. The Freedom to Shoot Act is designed to stop unnecessary litigation and burdensome regulation by governmental agencies of sport shooting and training ranges that impair the ability of residents of this Commonwealth to ensure training in the safe handling of firearms and to enjoy the recreational opportunities ranges provide. The cost of defending these actions is prohibitive and threatens to curtail and destroy the sport shooting and training range industry in Pennsylvania. This act shall take effect immediately and shall supersede any and all actions currently being taken by the Commonwealth regarding lead abatement and remediation. If you have any questions regarding this bill, please contact Josh Myers of my staff at 787-5400 or by email to jmyers@pasenate.com. Thank you for your consideration. |