Senator Helming to Governor Hochul: Provide Clarity to Protect Shooting Sports

Continuing her push to protect competitive shooting sports, Senator Helming sent a letter to Governor Hochul on Friday asking her to provide clarity to teams and organizations so these sports—important to thousands of student-athletes, their coaches and families—can proceed with confidence. The letter, available above, reads in part:

“As you are aware, there is significant confusion about whether competitive shooting sports are exempt from the firearm legislation signed into law on July 1, 2022. As Governor, I know you are also aware how important the longstanding tradition of shooting sports is in New York State, especially in our rural communities.

This is an issue that impacts thousands of student-athletes and sports enthusiasts. These constituents, and the organizations that run shooting sports programs—including skeet, trap and clay target shooting—need and deserve immediate clarity to ensure that these programs are allowed to continue to operate as they always have—safely and successfully.

Accordingly, I respectfully request a letter from the Governor’s Counsel that can be provided to these organizations that cites the specific language in the law that exempts shooting sports from any requirements or liability under the law.”

Last week, Senator Helming introduced legislation (S.9530) to make clear in state law that firearms are still permitted to be used at shooting sports venues and programs, including school-approved skeet, trap or clay target shooting teams, and organizations such as sportsmen’s clubs, youth clubs and scouting camps. She also launched a petition on her website.