Bill description: SB 1178 would prohibit individuals from using exploding targets from May 10 through October 20 each year on state-owned public land.

Rating: -1

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes? Conversely, does it eliminate or decrease penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes?

SB 1178 would prohibit recreationalists from using exploding targets on state-owned public lands between May 10 and October 20. Any person found doing so could be charged with a misdemeanor.

This criminal statute would come in addition to the civil penalties an individual could face for starting a fire while shooting. Under current law, out-of-control fires are deemed a public nuisance, allowing other parties to take a civil action against “any person responsible through his conduct, acts and/or control of property or operations for either the starting or the existence of such fire.”

This bill would limit the use of these items for nearly half of every year and would criminalize those who do use them. Rather than just requiring an individual to pay for any damages caused by their actions, this could end up forcing people to pay additional fines and go to jail.

(-1)

This analysis reflects the amendments made to the legislation on 3/14