‘Misunderstanding’ triggers confusion on weapons bill

The proponent of the bill amending the gun control law to allow so-called “shooting resorts” in the CNMI has blamed “misunderstanding” as the reason for the mounting opposition drawn by the proposal.

House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, however, expressed optimism over favorable action by the Senate on the legislation, welcoming the decision by its leadership to travel to South Korea for research and inputs.

The Saipan representative is the sponsor of HB 12-212 which seeks to amend the Weapons Control Act to permit establishment of resorts that will offer target practice and shooting ranges to tourists.

The House of Representatives has approved the measure in a split vote following concerns raised by members on public safety as they noted its potential impact on proliferation of handguns and assault rifles on the islands.

Some government departments or agencies as well as other organizations, including Ayuda Network, have opposed it, warning of increase in crimes and violence here should the legislation become law.

But Mr. Babauta maintained the bill has enough safeguards to ensure that these weapons will not go to the wrong person, citing the regulations of the International Shooting Sports Federation which are entirely adopted for this proposal.

“This is in a sense more stringent in terms of allowing commercial use of firearms for sports,” he told in an interview last Friday.

Noting even the design of the resort will have to follow international design sanctioned by the federation, the lawmaker said such restrictive policies would deter possible effect on public safety.

“There’s a lot of misunderstanding because this is the first time ever we are taking this step,” explained Mr. Babauta. “For every new development, there is eventually opposition… which is very much appreciated as it gives us more knowledge and information on how best to address the issue.”

He reiterated his stand that the proposal is primarily intended to stir the economy by cooking up ways to entice new investors, and not to put public safety at risk.

“Just like any other major development, they will probably view this as grave concern because of the words ‘arms’ and ‘ammunitions’. Any baseball player who can use his bat properly will put it into good use. If not, it will be another deadly weapon. Like alcohol, if you abuse it, you’re dead,” said the representative.

Mr. Babauta said he is “glad” the upper house is taking an extra step to address the community’s concerns and incorporate more stringent safety net in the legislation.

The Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs chaired by Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes is conducting a series of public hearings on HB 12-212 beginning Oct. 6 on Rota before coming up with a report for action on the floor.