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Firearms safety advisory committee report ends in impasse; supervisors will monitor
Summary
A citizen‑staffed firearms safety advisory committee reported a split recommendation after a public meeting of about 80 people: roughly half supported new ordinances (distance, backstop, nighttime restrictions) while others favored enforcement of existing law; committee vote tied and staff recommended monitoring rather than immediate ordinance action.
A firearms safety advisory committee convened at the sheriff’s request to study recreational shooting, backstop requirements and possible nighttime restrictions, and its most recent meeting drew about 80 participants, a presenter told the board May 19.
Daniel Lee, who presented the committee’s findings, said the group coalesced around two basic approaches: enforce existing law or adopt a local ordinance modeled on Isle of Wight’s rules (a 100‑yard distance between houses for unsanctioned shooting, a backstop requirement and a 9 p.m.–7 a.m. prohibition). Lee said the 6‑member committee ended in an impasse (a 3–3 split) and recommended monitoring conditions and reconvening if incidents arise. "At the end of the day ... we're opposed to doing anything," one committee speaker summarized for those favoring no ordinance, noting most recreational shooters were following good practices. Other committee members described zero incidents of injury from recreational shooting in recent years but acknowledged isolated property damage and reckless handling cases addressed by the sheriff’s office.
Board members thanked committee volunteers and staff and said they will watch conditions and direct staff to return if new information or incidents require further action.
