The bill, sponsored by State Senator Gary Tapp (R-20), will create a “no-net-loss” hunting policy for public hunting lands, requiring that the Commonwealth maintain at least the same amount and quality of available public hunting land as currently exists. It will also require that additional lands be opened to hunting if land that is currently open to hunting is closed. SB64 will also allowing a law-abiding citizen to carry a firearm for self-defense during bow hunting season.
Thank you to all of the NRA members answered the call in support of SB64. Without you, this victory would not have been possible.
The Kentucky General Assembly’s 2010 Session adjourned sine die, late on Thursday, April 15. Due to lengthy budget negotiations, House Bill 453 and House Bill 542 were unable to get out of their respective Senate committees.
Authored by State Representative Will Coursey (D-6), HB453 would have allowed an individual to carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in an enclosed compartment originally installed by the manufacturer in a motor vehicle. The firearm would not be considered a concealed firearm under state law.
House Bill 542, introduced by State Representative Terry Mills (D-24), would have directed the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to include a voter registration application form as part of an application for a hunting license or permit. In addition, HB542 would also provide that any change of address form submitted for purposes of a hunting license or permit would serve as a change of address for voter registration. Hunter-Voter legislation will encourage sportsmen’s involvement in the political process and is an important method for preserving
Kentucky Senate Leadership agreed to pass HB542 by the close of session and had ample opportunity to do so, but unfortunately demonstrated an unwillingness to follow through with this accord.
A special thank you goes to Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R) for his support of this important measure.
NRA will continue to push these issues and other Second Amendment items during the 2011 session.