The Sportsmen's Advocate Summer 2022 | Page 13

WHO WE LIKE AND WHO WE FIGHT IN THE BATTLE FOR YOUTH SPORTSMEN
HERO : BOB SMITH

Heroes

In a state that seems to want to end hunting every legislative session , and 2022 was no different as multiple anti-hunting bills hit the docket , New Jersey Senator Smith put forward a pro-sportsman bill , albeit not a hunting-related one . Senate Bill 2604 would more than double funding for a program intended to prevent drug use in young people by encouraging them to go fishing . It would increase funding for the state ’ s “ Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs ” program from $ 200,000 to $ 450,000 . The program , started in 2012 , has expanded into 12 cities and would augment state and national efforts to recruit new sportsmen .

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Villains

WHO WE LIKE AND WHO WE FIGHT IN THE BATTLE FOR YOUTH SPORTSMEN

HERO : BOB SMITH
New Jersey Senator
PROVIDED BY OFFICE OF BOB SMITH ( TOP ); PROVIDED BY OFFICE OF REBECCA BAUER-KAHAN
VILLAIN : REBECCA BAUER-KAHAN
California Assemblymember
California Assembly Bill 2571 , better known as the Legislation to Regulate Manipulative Gun Advertisements Targeting Children , introduced by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan , could become the most damning youth-hunting restriction ever . The broadly written bill could end everything from the sale of Daisy Red Ryder BB guns and youth-model shotguns to youth hunts and even hunter education . AB 2571 casts a wide net over any youth program that promotes the use of firearms by a member of the “ firearms industry .” The bill defines “ firearm industry ” broadly to include organizations formed for the purpose of “… promoting , encouraging , or advocating for the purchase , use , or ownership of firearm-related products .” Obviously , this includes nearly all hunting organizations . Each violation is subject to a $ 25,000 fine and the bill even allows private citizens to file civil lawsuits to enforce its provisions .
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