The bill would drop fees on gun buyers and make ranges immune from pollution lawsuits if they follow certain rules.
By JENNIFER LIBERTO
Published March 19, 2004
TALLAHASSEE - Gun ranges would be immune from lawsuits over pollution if they agree to follow sound environmental practices, under a bill approved by a Senate committee Thursday.
The measure drops a proposed fee on gun buyers that would have paid to clean up lead pollution at gun ranges.
Gun ranges would have until Jan. 1, 2006, to comply with management practices to be crafted by the state Department of Environmental Protection by Jan. 1, 2005.
DEP would help gun ranges clean up their own pollution, though exactly what kind of assistance it would provide is unclear.
Ranges that don't make a "good faith effort" could still be sued.
The bill is more in line with what Gov. Jeb Bush wanted, though he has not yet endorsed it. Bush opposed legislation backed by the National Rifle Association that gave gun ranges blanket immunity from environmental damages.
The bill would dissolve pending lawsuits against gun ranges. The only such suit is against Skyway Trap and Skeet Club of Pinellas Park, which inspired the legislation.
The House proposed a $2 fee on gun buyers to clean up ranges, but is considering changes, said bill sponsor Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala. Baxley said the House is trying to make its bill more like the Senate's.
The gun range bills could go before the full House and Senate as early as next week.
The NRA supports the new Senate bill, said lobbyist Marion Hammer. The Sierra Club and the Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation, however, still oppose it.
The Sierra Club is concerned that state and local government employees could be charged with misdemeanors for suing a gun range, said spokeswoman Susan Caplowe.
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 11-3 for the bill.
Among those voting for it were Victor Crist, R-Tampa, and Dennis Jones, R-Treasure Island. Those voting against included Sen. Les Miller, D-Tampa.
