Sponsor Statement for SB 8

Airports and sport shooting ranges offer a public service as well as recreational opportunities and have become increasingly under attack in the lower forty-eight states. Since populations are tending to shift from urban to rural areas, new groups of citizens are moving into areas with existing airports and ranges. This encroachment has resulted in hundreds of lawsuits and complaints against airport and range owners and operators due to the noise level.

Senate Bill 8 was introduced to provide private airports and sport shooting ranges in Alaska protection from lawsuits if the action arises out of the noise level from normal operation or its uses; provided the facility was established before the person acquired the property or prior to any noise control ordinance or law.

Without the passage of SB 8 private airports and sport shooting ranges within Alaska will remain vulnerable to legal sanctions jeopardizing the opportunities they provide through their ongoing and traditional uses.

This issue was addressed by the 19th Legislature with Senate Bill 274. SB 274 passed the Senate by a vote of 17 to 1, and the House by a margin of 33-5, before being vetoed by the governor.

This piece of legislation is endorsed by the National Rifle Association, Alaska Air Carriers Association, the Alaska Outdoor Council, the Alaska Boating Association, and the Alaska Airmen's Association.

Thank you for your consideration.