Why It Matters: Shooting ranges provide recreational shooters a safe, reliable place to practice their sport, while providing hunters the opportunity to sight in their firearms and prepare for a successful hunting season. Protecting ranges from local zoning authorities enacting ordinances designed to hinder their use and maintenance protects the time-honored traditions of sportsmen and women.
Highlights:
- Indiana Senate Bill 176 was introduced by Co-Chair of the Indiana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Senator Jim Tomes.
- Protecting shooting ranges from being unfairly and predatorily regulated by local zoning authorities is a priority of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF).
- The bill, which was passed in two differing forms by the House and Senate, was subject to a Conference Committee before passing out of both chambers.
- The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Mike Braun, a former member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and current member of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus.
Just a gubernatorial signature from becoming law, Indiana Senate Bill 176 stands to protect shooting ranges from being discriminatorily targeted by local zoning authorities that would hinder their use and maintenance. Introduced by Co-Chair of the Indiana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Senator Jim Tomes, the bill has now cleared both chambers.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation submitted testimony in favor of the bill, as protecting shooting ranges from discriminatory ordinances is one of CSF’s top policy priorities. Working in concert with state and national partners throughout the legislative session, CSF emphasized to legislators not only the sporting opportunities that ranges provide, but the fiscal impact of recreational shooting as well. Recreational shooting has seen tremendous growth over the last decade, and ranges provide a safe opportunity for shooters to practice while simultaneously contributing financially to their local economy and the state’s wildlife resources.
CSF appreciates the leadership of Senator Tomes, the Indiana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, and the sporting-conservation groups that helped this legislation to the finish line. Across the country, CSF will continue to advocate for legislation that removes unnecessary barriers for sportsmen and women to participate in our time-honored outdoor traditions.