The Pennsylvania Senate recently voted 29-20 to pass a bill that would deem hunting clubs, shooting ranges and businesses that manufacture and sell ammunition as life-sustaining businesses, and as such they shall never be limited or shuttered in their ability to carry out business during emergency situations. The original House version would have deemed them life sustaining under COVID-19 emergency orders, but an amendment removed the COVID-19 language and will protect these businesses and organizations under any emergency situation. The bill passed the House in May by a count of 124-78.
Take Action Today! Pennsylvania sportsmen should contact the Governor’s office and urge him to SIGN House Bill 2440. Pennsylvania members can contact the Governor through this online contact form.
The uncertainty of today makes it all the more necessary to have training opportunities and personal protection. By moving legislation that protects hunt clubs, shooting ranges and ammunition manufacturers, private citizens in Pennsylvania can safely train and protect themselves and their families during emergency situations, which is when these services are needed most. Continued access to firearm training and ammunition is not only necessary during state and national emergencies, but at all times, making the recent amendments another positive step for Pennsylvania’s Second Amendment and sporting community.
During difficult economic times, access to firearms and hunting and fishing supplies puts food directly on the tables of struggling families. In a 2013 study conducted by Southwick Associates, the American Sportfishing Association and the Oregon Department of Natural Resources, nearly half of the hunters (48%) in seven states surveyed said that “hunting to save money in a bad or declining state economy was a reason for their decision to go hunting during that time period.”
“Guaranteed access to firearms and ammunition for Pennsylvanians is necessary to ensure these citizens can hunt for food and protect their families during these uncertain times,” said Jacob Hupp, associate director of state services at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “We applaud the work of the Pennsylvania legislature for continuing to push this well thought out legislation, and we urge Gov. Wolf to sign this legislation into law.”
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.