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Senate bill may threaten shooting range owners

By Staff | Jan 24, 2020

CONCORD – Two members of the New Hampshire Senate representing portions of Greater Nashua seem to be headed for a clash on the regulations of shooting ranges.

Sen. Jeanne Dietsch, D-Peterborough, represents Bedford, Lyndeborough and Mont Vernon. She is sponsoring SB 469, which specifically states: “This bill repeals and reenacts the statute governing shooting ranges and subjects an owner or operator of a shooting range to civil and criminal liability for violation of noise ordinances or damage to persons or property caused by the operation of a shooting range.”

The bill further states that someone who operates a shooting range would be subject to criminal liability for injuries and damage caused by:

• Stray ammunition,

• Target parts,

• Explosive devices, or

• Other debris.

New Hampshire Sen. Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, said this legislation threatens the very viability of gun ranges. Carson also represents Hudson in the Senate.

“It is clear, from the testimony today, that this legislation is unnecessary and would force gun clubs across the state to shutter their ranges,” Carson said on Thursday. “Gun clubs are important organizations in our communities, offering important firearms safety courses and allowing Granite Staters to use their firearms in a safe environment. New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the nation and our current gun laws are effective as they are.”

“We should not be passing legislation that closes gun ranges; that would make New Hampshire less safe,” Carson added.

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