Burns votes to reopen outdoor sportsman clubs, hunting facilities and shooting ranges
Bill would classify firearms industries as life sustaining
Rep. Frank Burns May 22, 2020 | 10:48 AM
HARRISBURG, May 22 – On Wednesday, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, voted to protect the rights of sportsmen and firearm owners in Pennsylvania by helping advance a bill that would open outdoor clubs and shooting ranges, while classifying firearms industry businesses as life sustaining.
“Weeks ago, the governor opened private campgrounds and golf clubs, but inexplicably excluded outdoor clubs and shooting ranges,” Burns said. “This bill, which I co-sponsored, rights that wrong and would open these facilities for the public. If golf clubs and driving ranges can operate safely, so can sportsmen clubs and shooting ranges, where it’s easy to maintain social distancing measures.”
House Bill 2440, also known as the Hunting, Firearm and Ammunition Life-Sustaining Business Act, would also classify these businesses, including those related to the sale and production of firearms and ammunition, as life sustaining. The bill heads to the Senate for further consideration.
Over the last several weeks, Burns has voted for several bills that would safely reopen portions of Pennsylvania’s economy, including lawn and garden centers, car dealerships and real estate services and has advocated that all retail businesses be allowed to conduct curbside pick-up and delivery.