Helming proposes law to protect competitive shooting sports in N.Y.

New York State Senator Pam Helming (R–Canandaigua) has introduced a bill (S.9530) she says would protect the “longstanding tradition of shooting sports” in New York state. 

The proposal would clarify language in the state’s firearm legislation enacted on July 1 that “does not expressly exempt” competitive shooting-sports events, often held at sportsmen’s clubs, as “sensitive locations.” 

Helming’s bill would “make clear in state law” that firearms are still permitted to be used at shooting-sports venues and programs, per an Aug. 22 announcement from the state senator. They would include school-approved skeet, trap, or clay-target shooting teams; and organizations such as sportsmen’s clubs, youth clubs, and scouting camps. 

“Shooting sports programs and competitions are conducted safely and responsibly, with applicable training and education. They should be allowed to operate as they always have — safely and successfully,” Helming said. “The language in our laws matter — and the language in the law that takes effect Sept. 1 unfairly puts these programs at risk. Participation in these sports is growing, especially in our rural areas. We must amend the law immediately, so our student-athletes are able to compete and enjoy the educational and personal benefits of these sports.”

Helming represents the 54th State Senate District, which currently encompasses all of Seneca and Wayne counties, as well as parts of Cayuga, Tompkins, Monroe, and Ontario counties.

The New York State High School Clay Target League is among the organizations expressing concern that state law puts these programs and participants “at risk of liability.” 

“On behalf of the thousands of youth clay target shooting sport enthusiasts and their families, the New York State High School Clay Target League fully supports amending the penal law to allow sport shooting and target practice facilities to be exempt from being designated as a sensitive location,” John Nelson, president of the USA Clay Target League, said. “We want to thank Senator Helming and all supporters of this amendment for their efforts to support one of New York’s fastest-growing high school sports,” 

New York State Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R–Manchester) is co-sponsoring the measure

“As the founder and coach of a local high school trap shooting team, I know how valuable this sport is to our student-athletes. Shooting sports teach students the important life lessons that any other sport does, including teamwork, responsibility, goal setting and additionally, safe firearms handling from properly trained instructors,” Gallahan said. “I am proud to sponsor this new legislation to ensure that these sports can continue and to protect our way of life.”