Helming Bill Protecting Competitive Shooting Sports Included in Executive Budget

Senator Pam Helming announced that language from her bill (S.9530) introduced last August to protect competitive shooting sports in New York State has been included in the Governor’s FY 2024 Executive Budget.

Senator Helming introduced the bill to clarify language in New York’s firearms law that does not expressly exempt competitive shooting sports events, often held at local sportsmen’s clubs, as “sensitive locations.” She also fought for direct action by the Governor to provide clarity so these sports can proceed with confidence.

“This is an important step forward in amending state law and eliminating the uncertainty and risk to competitive shooting sports venues and programs that are important to thousands of student-athletes, coaches and families in my district and across the state,” said Senator Helming.

“It is the result of the advocacy and support of many people who joined in this effort—from the nearly 1,700 constituents who signed my petition; to local, statewide and national groups, including our sportmen’s clubs and the USA Clay Target League; and, to my legislative colleagues, including Assemblymembers Jeff Gallahan, Marjorie Byrnes and Brian Manktelow. The next step is to ensure this language protecting shooting sports is included in the final State budget," Senator Helming added.

The language included in the Executive Budget would 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.