FAIRFAX, VA – Today, Delaware gun owners and sportsmen won a critical fight to protect firearm shooting ranges in their home state. Governor Ruth Ann Minner signed House Bill 164, a crucial legislative act aimed to protect ranges from lawsuits and complaints. This legislation also guards facilities from passage of local ordinances seeking to close them.
“The National Rifle Association (NRA) commends Delaware for becoming the 46th state to adopt a firearm range protection law,” John C. Sigler, NRA 2nd Vice President and Delaware resident, stated. “We want to thank Governor Minner and the bill sponsors, Representative Richard Cathcart (R-9) and Senator Nancy Cook (D-15), for their support of Delaware gun owners and sportsmen.”
Firearm shooting ranges provide safe training facilities for America’s 80 million law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and military personnel. In addition, ranges frequently offer hunter education and safety courses and host thousands of organized shooting competitions throughout the United States. Unfortunately, ranges have been subject to unwarranted complaints of noise, facility expansion and times of operation.
“Thanks to responsible legislation, sportsmen in Delaware can continue to enjoy the shooting sports in a safe environment,” explained NRA chief lobbyist, Chris W. Cox. “NRA is pleased Delaware has taken this significant legislative step to protect valuable American businesses and the rights of law-abiding gun owners.”
Since 1994, the number of states to pass range protection laws has grown from eight to 46 – Hawaii, Washington, Minnesota, and Nebraska are the only states that do not have such laws.
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Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen`s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation`s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.