Loudoun Hunting and Shooting Ordinance Beat Back - For Now

Last night, a large number of people packed the meeting room for the Loudoun Board of Supervisors meeting.  A VSSA member in attendance reported that the Board pushed back the item two hours, then the discussion dragged on for a significant amount of time before the proposal was voted down.  The Loudoun Times reports:

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors turned down a proposal to change the county's weapons and explosives ordinance following an incident in which three homes were inadvertently shot upon in May.

On Thursday, supervisors voted instead to direct county staff to study the safety concerns identified by the board and report back Dec. 4 with solutions.

A VADGIF biologist spoke and reinforced what we noted in our legislative alert yesterday regarding the deer population:

District Wildlife Biologist Kevin Rose from the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries directed the board’s attention to hunting and vehicle safety stating that more than 80 percent of the deer population is harvested with firearms in Loudoun.

The biologist added that the locality has the highest reported number of deer collisions and cause of injuries -- an average of 26 annually in the past five years -- in the commonwealth.

“We rely on firearms deer hunting to control the deer herd,” Rose said. “Any restriction that majorly handcuffs the ability -- for hunters to use firearms to harvest deer -- is going to negatively affect our ability to manage deer.”

While this situation was caused by one or more people apparently discharging a firearm in an unsafe manner, it provided the opportunity for gun ban members of the General Assembly to attempt to do at the local level what they currently can't do at the state level.  From the Times report:

In May, Democrats from Loudoun’s state delegation called for the county to outlaw the discharging of firearms.

“It is our opinion that the local zoning code better provides a mechanism to proactively reduce the likelihood of injuries or damages from stray gunfire occurring in the first place,” the letter states.

The VSSA member in attendance noted that gun owners had won a complete victory until a couple of squishy Republican members of the board threw a lifeline to the gun ban Democrats on the board, and offered up the study of safety concerns.  So, we won the first round, but may have to fight this again in a watered down form.

A special thanks to VSSA member Chris M. for attending and providing a report of the meeting and to Delegate Dave LaRock and State Senator Dick Black who were also in attendance and spoke in support of defeating the new ordinance.

Loudoun County Proposing to Ban Hunting and Shooting

Tonight (Thursday, June 21), the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (BoS) will consider a proposal from Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (D-Leesburg) to amend the Loudoun County ordinance dealing with the discharge of firearms.  If this ordinance passes, it will effect both hunting and shooting in the county and have serious consequences.

Supervisor Umstattd is overreacting to a rare incident in Loudoun where a firearm was discharged carelessly and resulted in minor property damage.

Discharging a firearm is always a serious matter but if the Board reacts hastily to an isolated incident, that would be a serious mistake.  Unfortunately that may be what is about to happen in Loudoun County.

The proposal would ban shooting if there is another occupied structure within a half-mile of where you are shooting. That would pretty much ban shooting in the entire county!

You can click here to view Umstattd's proposed ordinance.

You can click here to view a review of current ordinances, laws, and the single incident

Loudoun was once the locality with the Commonwealth's best deer hunting.  Increased development has put a large portion of the county off limits to hunting with firearms, resulting in a large over-population of deer.  Imagine what banning the use of firearms in the entire county for harvesting deer will do to exacerbate that problem.  Just a couple of the effects of deer overpopulation are property loss due to auto collisions, which also sometimes result in the loss of human life.  Lyme disease is also a by-product of deer overpopulation, and that is already at epidemic levels in Loudoun.  Such a policy change could cause Lyme cases to increase further.

In addition to the proposed ordinance, the Board may also consider other changes.

If you live in Loudoun County, it is strongly suggested you attend this meeting. The meeting starts at 5 pm at:

Loudoun County Government Center
Board Room, First Floor
1 Harrison Street, S.E.
Leesburg, VA 20177

Also, please email BOS@Loudoun.gov  to make your opposition known to all supervisors, even if you cannot attend tonight's meeting.

Sussex Board of Supervisors Likely to Revisit Sunday Shooting Ban at June Meeting

The Sussex Surry Dispatch reported in its latest edition that the Sussex County Board of Supervisors will likely revisit the noise ordinance issue at it's June Meeting. If the Board permanently repeals the section related to target shooting on private property on Sunday, they must hold a public hearing. As of today, no such notice has been posted and the county has not posted the agenda for the June meeting. The Board has until July to act or the temporary repeal will expire and the original noise ordinance will again become effective.

Sussex County Sunday Shooting Restriction Update

Sussex County Board Chairman Eric Fly held his quarterly constituents meeting at the courthouse last night and did he get an ear full from gun owners and hunters in attendance. The meeting lasted for just over two hours, much of it dedicated to the noise ordinance. 

As background, on April 17th, the Board was able to slip through a new noise ordinance that all but bans target shooting on private property on Sundays.  It should be noted that Sussex is a very rural county with a few small towns scattered throughout.  It became even more clear during the meeting that this was driven by forces opposing Sunday Hunting:

HUNTER: "Sunday, all day, gunfire is not allowed?" FLY: "We don't think so. This is addressing a problem we think the GA has created."
— Mike Campbell (@itsthesoup) April 30, 2014

Chairman Fly also claimed that he had been told by Sunday Hunting lobbyists that the county would see an increase of memberships in hunt clubs:

FLY: "We were told (by lobbyists) that we would see huge increases in hunt club membership with the passage of Sunday Hunting."
— Mike Campbell (@itsthesoup) May 1, 2014

Not really sure why that was relevant as hunt clubs in that area hunt with dogs and that practice is not allowed for Sunday Hunting.  But the most damning statement against the new ordinance came from the Sheriff:

Sheriff Raymond Bell: There is no way for me to enforce this aspect of the noise ordinance. "Sees no way in hell for me to enforce this."
— Mike Campbell (@itsthesoup) May 1, 2014

The aspect to which the Sheriff is referring is section 5 which states:

...that discharge of any firearm between the hours of midnight and 10 p.m. on any Sunday in such a manner as to permit sound to be heard inside the confines of the dwelling unit, house or apartment of another person or as to be plainly audible at a distance of 200 feet or more from its source is not allowed.

Fly stated that he supported the ordinance as written but would discuss Section 5 and two other sections with the County Attorney.  VSSA will continue to monitor this and will let gun owners know if they need to plan to attend the May 15th Board meeting to show opposition and to let the Board know their action will be remembered at the next Board election if the ordinance is not repealed or changed to remove the Sunday shooting restrictions.

Opposition to Orapax Sporting Clays Range Went Well Beyond That Application

On Wednesday, January 2, after a marathon Goochland Board of Supervisors public hearing, the Board approved at around 2:00 AM, a two-year Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Orapax Hunting Preserve to operate a sporting clays range.  This was a multiple year battle that does not bode well for other areas of Virginia because this was not just opposition to the Orapax application, as evidenced from this web site set up for opponents of the range, it was opposition to any commercial shooting range in Goochland.

Please encourage anyone opposed to commercial gun ranges in Goochland to come. It is important that we expand our campaign by inviting people from other districts. If the Board of Supervisors were to approve a sporting clays range at Orapax, a precedent would be set. The problem could quickly spread to other Goochland neighborhoods.

The group even hired an attorney to represent them before the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.  A wealthy resident who had long opposed the range made this a well financed effort.  Had they been successful, this model would have spread to other areas, and still may be used to oppose new shooting ranges.

Page County Gun Owners Beware

Last Tuesday, November 20th, the Page County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing to consider a proposed noise ordinance which would repeal and replace current law, "Chapter 81, Noise", in its entirety.

The Board is considering the change in light of a ruling of the Virginia Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality and enforceability of noise ordinances. Included in the proposal are the various types of noise that localities try to regulate and the proposal contains an exemption for "formal or informal sport shooting," but would not allow for the discharge of "automatic weapons," or “other like types of firearms and weaponry.”

(d) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to formal or informal sport shooting. The operation or use of a sport shooting range by any person shall not be the subject of a violation of this chapter, provided that the sport shooting range is operated pursuant to the provisions of special use or conditional use permit. Formal or informal sport shooting does not include the discharge of automatic weapons, grenades, cannons (whether powder-fired, carbide or compressed gas) or other like types of firearms and weaponry, including weapons requiring registration pursuant to Section 18.2-295, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, or as defined in 26 U.S.C. 5845(b) or (f).

The Board did not vote on the proposed noise ordinance.  They did however give direction to staff to review the County’s nuisance ordinance and suggested they would be open to amending it to include a noise provision. Page County gun owners should contact their supervisors and inform them that state law governs noise restrictions on shooting ranges and that it expressly forbids localities from changing the noise ordinance after a range has been approved or an application has been filed, regardless of the type of firearms used. 

VSSA will continue to monitor the process and alert members when necessary.

Goochland Planning Commission Defers Decision on Orapax

A crowd of over 100 packed three rooms last night for the public hearing on Orapax Hunting Preserve's application to open a sporting clay range on their nearly 700 acre property.  Proponents and opponents told the commission why Orapax should and should not be allowed to open a sporting clays range on their property with most of the opponents sighting reduced enjoyment of their property due to noise from the range.  One opponent sighted the fact that her husband suffers from severe PTSD and that the increased shooter would negatively affect his condition.  the closest neighbor is a mile from Orapax.

In the end, the planning commission deferred their decision and asked that a noise test be administered on the Orapax property. After receiving the test results, they will make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, who will make the final decision.

Continue to contact the planning commission with your support for the Orapax Sporting Clays Range. You can find the contact information by clicking here.

Spotsylvania to Consider Shooting Ordinance Change

From the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star:

The Board of Supervisors is considering amending the county ordinance to state that discharging guns in subdivisions is illegal only on lots of one acre or less.

Some think the proposed law is too strict, and others believe it may be too lax.

Residents currently face misdemeanor charges if they discharge firearms in any subdivision, regardless of how many acres their lots are.  Additionally, the current ordinance is vague as it does not specifically state what constitutes a subdivision as neighboring Stafford County does.  Stafford's ordinance notes specifically where it is illegal to discharge a firearm in the county.
According to the Free Lance-Star,  Supervisors have been discussing the law privately since March.  The Board plans to hold a public hearing in the near future.  VSSA will notify members when the meeting is public hearing notice and the proposal are published.

Range Protection Bill Introduced

Delegate Rick Morris has introduced House Bill 1114, a bill to restrict localities from enacting onerous ordinances related to the opening or operation of shooting ranges, such as those we have documented being tried by Sussex County over the years..  The bill has been referred to the committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns, on which Delegate Morris sits.  If the bill passes the House, it will face touch going in the State Senate where it will likely be referred to the Committee on Local Government.  That is the only senate committee that has a Democratic majority, with a Republican chairman.

Sussex County Shooting Range Restrictions Finally Defeated

Thanks to phones calls and emails from gun owners, the Sussex County Board of Supervisors finally defeated the county planning commission's efforts to restrict gun ranges out of existence.  The motion to pass the proposal died on a vote of 3-3. The motion needed four votes to pass. The supervisors voting with the rights of gun owners were:

Blackwater District 

Wayne M. Harrell 

406 Jasper Lane

Post Office Box 1 

Waverly, Virginia 23890

Home: (804) 834-2603

Courthouse District 

T. Wayne Birdsong

116 Nicholson Drive
Wakefield, Virginia 23888
Home: (757) 899-3806

Wakefield District 

C. Eric Fly Sr.,  

Vice Chairman 

38411 Rocky Hock Road

Wakefield, Virginia 23888

Cell: (757) 647-8190

cefly@seamcorp.net

This two-year battle now finally appears to be over. However, this is an election year and local boards, commonwealth attorneys, and other local officials are up for reelection in addition to the House of Delegates and State Senate.  That is why it is important to know where all candidates stand on your rights. One vote the other way would have doomed shooting ranges in Sussex County.

Thank you for taking action on such short notice.  Please be sure to contact the three members of the board that voted pro-freedom and thank them for their vote.

Sussex County Supervisors to Vote on Range Proposal Tonight

The Sussex County Board of Supervisors will meet tonight and on the agenda is a vote on the Planning Commission's proposed shooting range ordinance that would put a number of onerous restrictions on proposals to open new shooting ranges.  There will not be public comment on the proposal before the vote.  While it will be helpful to show your opposition by attending the meeting, the most important thing you can do is to call and/or email the supervisors and voice your opposition to the planning commission's recommendation.

Under consideration is a proposal that would require the following for all new ranges:

• A CPR specialist must be present when the range is in use.
• An industrial grade first aid kit mustl be maintained on site.
• A minimum liability insurance policy of $100,000 per individual and $500,000 for each occurrence.
• A zoning permit will be required before operating a range and a mountain of bureaucratic red tape to apply.
• A "licensed civil engineer" must design and construct the range in addition to numerous plans and documentation to be filed with the Planning Department.
• Signs must be placed at 100 feet intervals along the range's boundary with the words "Firing Range" and "Do Not Enter" on each sign.
• The range must be at least 500 feet from the highway and any property line.
• Any buildings on the range must be at least 300 feet from any highway right-of-way and any property line.

Please tell the supervisors that these requirements are unnecessary and will have the effect of discoraging new shooting ranges.  In additions, eventhough existing ranges are grandfathered, they will most likely have to comply with the new requirements if they make improvements to existing ranges.

If you live in Sussex, or shoot at a range in Sussex county, please contact the Board of Supervisors and urge the to oppose the ordinance.  Board contact information can be found below.

Blackwater District  Wayne M. Harrell 406 Jasper Lane Post Office Box 1 Waverly, Virginia 23890 Home: (804) 834-2603	Courthouse District T. Wayne Birdsong 116 Nicholson Drive Wakefield, Virginia 23888 Home: (757) 899-3806
Henry District Rufus E. Tyler Sr. 25359 Blue Star Highway Jarratt, Virginia 23867 Home: (434) 246-4246 Office: (434) 634-2490 or (804) 834-3522	Stony Creek District Charlie E. Caple, Jr. 12038 Palestine Road Stony Creek, Virginia 23882 Home: (434) 246-2602
Wakefield District  C. Eric Fly Sr.,   Vice Chairman 38411 Rocky Hock Road Wakefield, Virginia 23888 Cell: (757) 647-8190 mailto:cefly@seamcorp.net	Waverly District Harris L. Parker, Chairman   300 Barkley Place P.O. Box 616 Waverly, Virginia 23890 Home: (804) 834-3136

The Board of Supervisors meeting will be held at 7:30 PM at the General District Courtroom of the Sussex Judicial Center:

15088 Courthouse Road
Sussex, VA 23884

Fairfax County Fixes Air Rifle Ordinance Passed June 21st.

Freddie Kunkle reported yesterday on the Washington Post Virginia Politics blog that last Tuesday (July 19th), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors revisited action they took at their June 21st meeting and backed down from a possible clash with the Virginia General Assembly over the new state law related to pneumatic weapons (air guns).  The Board voted to relax local prohibitions on air guns, giving up an attempt to at least continue restrictions on air guns on parkland and school property.  That action, which was included in the amended ordinance passed on June 21st, had the consequence (unintended or not) of negatively impacting the county's school air rifle teams.

Previously, the county restricted air guns to more open areas of the county and required their owners to register them with police. Senate Bill 757, which took effect July 1, allows people to shoot air guns on private property with the owner’s permission as long as reasonable care is taken to make sure the projectiles do not cross property bounderies. 

Virginia being a commonwealth guided by the Dillon Rule, which jealously guards the state government’s preeminence over local authority, the board has always recognized that they had little choice but to go along with the new state law. But Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) and others balked at letting people traipse across parks and school properties with BB guns.

One Supervisor,  Gerald W. Hyland (D-Mount Vernon), reiterated at last week's meeting that he would like to see the county’s delegation in the General Assembly find a way to give some control back to the county on regulating pneumatic weapons when it convenes next year.

Don't look for them to have much success.  Those on various county boards and town councils who oppose the new law predict it will cause all sorts of mayhem and be a danger to communities.  As will all such predictions, they never come true.  So, there will be nothing to which they can point to justify a change.

Blacksburg Reluctantly Passes New Air-gun Ordinance

The Roanoke Times reported yesterday that Blacksburg unanimously passed an ordinance Tuesday that loosens restrictions on air-powered guns that are in line with new legislation (SB757), that will take effect on July 1, though the town did so with some reluctance.  Councilman John Bush told the Times that "It's probably not safe."

The new law, which was a priority for VSSA during the legislative session this year, prohibits localities from banning the use of pneumatic, or air-pressure-powered, guns on private property, so long as the guns are used reasonably and the property owner has given permission.

While Blacksburg did not make an issue of the legislation in the way that Fairfax has done, the comments make one think back to things like repeal of the restaurant ban, or "shall issue" concealed carry, where opponents predicted there would be dire consequences.  To date, restaurant carry has caused no issues, and shall issue concealed carry has been the law for almost 20 years with the prophecies of "blood in the streets" still unfulfilled.

Regarding Fairfax, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at 5:00 PM, June 21st, to hear comment on  amendments to the County Code related to where firearms and pneumatic guns may not be shot, to bring the county in line with SB 757. An alert will go out on this later today.  We need a large turnout for the public hearing to show that there is a perfectly safe way to set up an air-gun range in a backyard or garage without causing harm to others.  Those wishing to speak at the meeting can register online here.

Fairfax County Frets Over New Air Rifle Rules Taking Affect July 1

The Washington Examiner has this article today where Fairfax County Officials are "concerned" about a new law related to airguns. The bill, SB 757 which passed the General Assembly this session and was signed by the Governor on April 6, addresses the issue of localities restricting the discharge of "pneumatic" guns or airguns. Airgun ranges can be set up safely inside as well as outside. When setting up ranges outside in suburban back yards, they can be set up in such a way as to all but eliminate the chance of BBs and pellets leaving the property from which they are being shot. Nonetheless, boards of supervisors, town, and city councils, enact restrictions requiring large distances between homes or buildings before airguns can be discharged. Now, if you can safely set up an airgun range in a garage or basement, why shouldn't a land owner be able to do the same outside?

But that fact is lost on people like Fairfax County State Senator Dave Marsden:

"For our area, it is insane," said state Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax. "It's one thing to do this in any rural area, but to allow it in a suburban or urban area like much of Northern Virginia?"

As well as a member of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors:

"I don't think this will be well received," said Supervisor John Foust, D-Dranesville. "Our houses are much closer together, and our communities are much more dense than in much of the state. Neighbors would be justifiably concerned if someone is shooting weapons next door to them."

Here is new language (italicized) of the law that passed this year:

A. A locality may prohibit, by ordinance, the shooting of pneumatic guns in any areas of the locality that are in the opinion of the governing body so heavily populated as to make such conduct dangerous to the inhabitants thereof, and may require supervision by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of any minor below the age of 16 in all uses of pneumatic guns on private or public property. The ordinance may specify that minors above the age of 16 may, with the written consent of a parent or guardian, use a pneumatic gun at any place designated for such use by the local governing body or on private property with the consent of the owner. The ordinance may specify that any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use. Any penalty for a pneumatic gun offense set forth in such an ordinance shall not exceed a Class 3 misdemeanor.

B. No such ordinance authorized by subsection A shall prohibit the use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges or, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

If someone shooting an airgun does not use "reasonable care" when shooting, Fairfax still has the same remedies to deal with the unsafe practice they have currently. So, one has to ask, why all the fuss?

Update: I spoke with NRANews' Cam Edwards about this on Monday's program.

Public Hearing and Vote on Sussex Range Restrictions Set for March 17th

The Sussex County Planning Commission and the Sussex County Board of Supervisors (BOS) will hold a joint public hearing to consider passage of a new ordinance regulating gun ranges in Sussex County. It should be noted that the planning commission is the originator of this proposal, not the BOS.

While couched in language to make it appear that the planning commission is only concerned with the safe operation of shooting ranges, the real intent becomes clear when you read the requirements to open a new range - that purpose is to make the task so onerous and expensive that no one would seek to open a range in Sussex County. It would also make expansion of existing ranges all but impossible. Eventhough the proposal grandfather's existing ranges, any existing range seeking to expand would likely lose their grandfather status. They would then have to abide by the onerous and costly process set forth in the proposal.

In addition, while the propsoal states that the county may submit any range proposal to the NRA for comment, the county would reserve the right to dismiss comments in favor of new ranges.

In short, this proposal is an all out attack on new and existing shooting ranges in Sussex County. You can view the full proposal here.

Your attendance at the March 17th Board of Supervisor's meeting is needed to defeat this proposal.

This is becoming an all too familiar story in Virginia. Recreational shooters, firearm enthusiasts and land-owners are being driven away from their shooting sports heritage by bureaucratic hurdles and red-tape.

If you are a gun owner living in Sussex County or you shoot competitively or for fun at a club or range currently located in the county, it is important that you attend this public hearing and voice your opposition to this proposed ordinance.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

What: Joint Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors Public Hearing on Shooting Ranges in Sussex County, Virginia.

Where: Sussex Central High School Auditorium, 21394 Sussex Drive, Sussex, VA 23884.

When: March 17, 2011 at 6:00 PM.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the Board of Supervisors and respectfully urge them to oppose this ordinance.

Blackwater District
Wayne M. Harrell
406 Jasper Lane
Post Office Box 1
Waverly, Virginia 23890
Home: (804) 834-2603

Courthouse District
T. Wayne Birdsong
116 Nicholson Drive
Wakefield, Virginia 23888
Home: (757) 899-3806

Henry District
Rufus E. Tyler Sr.
25359 Blue Star Highway
Jarratt, Virginia 23867
Home: (434) 246-4246
Office: (434) 634-2490 or (804) 834-3522

Stony Creek District
Charlie E. Caple, Jr.
12038 Palestine Road
Stony Creek, Virginia 23882
Home: (434) 246-2602

Wakefield District
C. Eric Fly Sr.,
Vice Chairman
38411 Rocky Hock Road
Wakefield, Virginia 23888
Cell: (757) 647-8190
cefly@seamcorp.net

Waverly District
Harris L. Parker,
Chairman
300 Barkley Place
P.O. Box 616
Waverly, Virginia 23890
Home: (804) 834-3136

Sussex County Planning Commission to Consider Shooting Range Regulations

The Sussex County Planning Commission plans to hold a hearing at its meeting February 7th, to discuss regulation of shooting ranges in Sussex County.  This could result in the commission proposing zoning regulations and/or conditional use permits.  It is crucial that gun owners attend the meeting and voice your opposition to any restricitions being placed on ranges in the county.  If the Planning Commission votes to create new gun range regulations, their recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.  It would be best to stop new regulations before they make it to the Board.  Please plan to attend the meeting whether you live in Sussex or not.  New gun regulations, no matter where they occur, set a precedence for us all.  This issue surfaced once before and gun owners successfully defeated the proposal.  Now the planning commission is at it again.

What: Planning Commission Public Hearing on 1) Shooting Ranges, generally, and 2) Pistol & Shotgun Ranges in Sussex County, Virginia. 

Where: Sussex County General District Courtroom, 15098 Courthouse Road, Sussex, VA 23884. 

When: February 7, 2011 at 6:00 PM.

Air Rifle Bill Passes Senate

Senator Roscoe Reynolds' SB757 passed the State Senate today on a vote of 27-12.  SB757 would require that any local ordinance which prohibits the shooting of pneumatic guns in certain areas shall have, among its exceptions, an exception to allow the firearm to be discharged on private property with permission of the owner when discharge is conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.  VSSA strongly supports this much needed legislation to keep localities from unnecessarily prohibiting the use of air rifles on private property.  The bill now moves to the House.

Air Rifle Bill on Senate Local Government Docket Tuesday

State Senator Roscoe Reynolds' SB757 is on the docket for tomorrow's Senate Local Government Committee.  This bill requires that any ordinance which prohibits the shooting of pneumatic guns in certain areas shall have, among its exceptions, an exception to allow the firearm to be discharged on private property with permission of the owner when discharge is conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.  This is important regulation as suburban localities continue to add onerous distance restrictions on the discharge of air rifles without considering that ranges can be set up in garages or even in the back yard in a safe manner.  Please contact the following members of the committee and urge them to vote yes on SB757:

 Quayle, Martin, Hanger,  Ruff, Obenshain, Herring, Smith, Marsden, Stanley

Action on Air Rifle Bill Postponed

Yesterday, State Senator Roscoe Reynolds, who has sponsored SB757, a bill removing some restrictions on shooting air rifles on private property, asked that the bill be passed by for the day in the Senate Local Government Committee.  Some of the members wanted more time to research issues related to the bill.

SB757 would require localities that have ordinances regulating air rifles (mainly suburban counties), to include an exemption for shooting on private property with permission of the owner when discharge is conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the property boundary.  Virginia has experienced an increasing problem of localities passing regulations restricting shooting of air rifles within certain distances of other buildings or dwellings without taking into consideration that air rifle ranges can be set up in garages or outdoors in such a way as to insure the BBs or pellets do not cross the property line.

Senator Reynolds request gives gun owners more time to lobby committee members.  Please contact them by phone and email and politely ask them to report SB757.  It will likely be on the docket next Tuesday at 2:00 pm.

The Committee Members are:
Lucas (Chairman), Marsh, Quayle, Martin, Hanger, Ticer, Reynolds, Puller, Ruff, Obenshain, Stanley, Herring, Locke, Smith, Marsden.

You should concentrate your efforts on Senators Quayle, Herring, and Marsden as they are the swing votes on this committee.

Urgent Legislative Alert

The Senate Local Government Committee meets today at 2:00 PM.  On the Docket is S.B. 757,  Senator Roscoe Reynolds bill that would require that any local ordinance which prohibits the shooting of pneumatic guns in certain areas must have among its exceptions, an exception to allow the firearm to be discharged on private property with permission of the owner when discharge is conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.  This bill addresses a problem that is spreading throughout the Commonwealth where localities require there be large distances between dwellings or buildings without recognizing that many people can set up an air rifle range in a basement or a garage, or in many cases, a back yard in such a manner as to not cause the likelihood of harm to their neighbors.  Please email the committee members immediately and politely urge them to support this commonsense legislation.

The committee members are:

Lucas (Chairman), Marsh, Quayle, Martin, Hanger, Ticer, Reynolds, Puller, Ruff, Obenshain, Herring, Locke, Smith, Stuart, Marsden