Senate Resolution 58

A RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO INCLUDE AIRGUNS AND AIRBOWS WITH OTHER METHODS OF TAKE AS ITEMS TAXED THROUGH THE FEDERAL WILDLIFE RESTORATION PROGRAM (PITTMAN-ROBERTSON ACT).

WHEREAS, an airgun propels projectiles by means of compressed air or other gas, rather than using an explosive charge like a traditional firearm. Regulations surrounding the use of airguns vary significantly from state to state. Based on airgun technology, the arrow shooting airgun - a hybrid hunting product that uses compressed air to fire an arrow - has now been developed. Today's airguns, and now the arrow shooting airgun, demonstrate a striking advancement in this technology beyond the BB and pellet guns of yesterday; and

WHEREAS, the majority of the states prohibit the use of airguns and arrow shooting airguns for big-game hunting entirely. This variation between states leaves ambiguity in the minds of prospective users to confirm local regulations in their respective state before trying to hunt with airguns; and

WHEREAS, the federal Pittman-Robertson Act directs excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment to be used for wildlife conservation purposes. To date, this important piece of legislation has contributed nearly $11.5 Billion to wildlife conservation since enactment in 1937. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Members and sportsmen's conservation partners are working to ensure the future of this important system of wildlife conservation funding; and

WHEREAS, the cleanest solution to this issue would be for the federal government to include airguns and airbows alongside other methods of take as items taxed through the Wildlife Restoration Program (Pittman-Robertson), which would require a change in federal tax statute:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby urge the United States Congress to enact legislation to include airguns and airbows with other methods of take as items taxed through the Federal Wildlife Restoration Program (Pittman-Robertson Act).

be it further resolved, that this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of State to members of Mississippi's congressional delegation and to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.