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Subcommittee hears safety arguments for local rules on outdoor shooting, carries bill forward
Summary
HB 926 would let localities prohibit outdoor shooting on parcels under five acres or require objective backstop/berm standards; patrons and safety advocates cited multiple stray‑bullet incidents, while members asked for clearer definitions of "reasonable care." The committee carried the bill to 2027 for more work.
Delegate Delia Lopez described HB 926 as a permissive public-safety measure allowing localities to adopt ordinances limiting outdoor target shooting unless the property is at least five acres and reasonable care (such as berms or backstops) prevents projectiles from crossing property lines. Lopez cited a string of stray‑bullet incidents and argued the measure would allow preventive intervention rather than purely reactive criminal enforcement.
Supporters including Lori Haas and Stephanie Fulford described personal incidents and urged objective setback and acreage standards; Fulford said a rifle round traveled more than 900 yards onto her property and that current reckless-discharge codes are difficult to enforce because they are reactive and require proof of subjective recklessness.
Committee members queried who would determine "reasonableness" (local police, sheriff or a locality-defined standard) and whether the measure needed clearer technical language. After discussion, the committee voted to carry HB 926 over to 2027 to continue drafting and stakeholder engagement.
