Contact your state legislators today!
House Bill 205, sponsored by Representative Krayton Kerns (R-58), would legalize the use of suppressors for all hunting. While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report in a manner similar to the way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a vehicle. The benefits associated with suppressor use include increased accuracy due to reduced recoil and muzzle blast, protection from hearing damage and reduced noise pollution. The state Senate could vote on HB 205 tomorrow. For more information on firearms and suppressors, click here.
House Bill 302, also sponsored by Representative Kerns, would prevent state enforcement of any federal ban on semi-automatic firearms and/or “large capacity” magazines. HB 302 passed second reading in the state Senate today by a 29-20 vote. Under this bill, no state law enforcement agent or state employee may enforce or assist in the enforcement of a federal ban on semi-automatic firearms or “large capacity” magazines. Nor shall any state funds or resources be spent in an enforcement effort. For more information on so-called “assault weapons” and “large capacity” magazines, click here.
Introduced by state Representative Ted Washburn (R-69), House Bill 27 would authorize the use of suppressors while hunting wolves after the general deer and elk season. HB 27 also passed second reading in the state Senate today by a 30-19 vote.
HB 302 and HB 27 now move to the Senate third reading calendar. Please contact your state Senator TODAY, and urge him or her to support HB 205, HB 302 and HB 27. You can find your state Senator’s contact information clicking here.
Senate Bill 145, introduced by state Senator Frederick Moore (R-20), provides important confidentiality and privacy protection for concealed weapon permit holders. SB 145 overwhelmingly passed second reading today on the House floor by a 89-11 vote. Please contact your state Representative and urge his or her support of SB 145.
Senate Bill 197, sponsored by state Senator Scott Boulanger (R-44), would establish an apprentice hunting certificate program. SB 197 was amended and weakened on the Senate floor, but is still a step in the right direction. The current bill would allow individuals nine years of age and older to learn the art of hunting while under the supervision of a mentor, who is at least 21 years of age, before completing a hunter education course. SB 197 is scheduled to be heard by the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee this Thursday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m., in hearing room 152. Please contact members of the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee in support of SB 197. You can contact this entire Committee by clicking here, and select the appropriate committee from the committee drop down list.