Florida HB 265, which ensures “no net loss” of state hunting land and requires the opening of compensatory huntable land if an area is closed to the sport, unanimously passed the House of Representatives on April 25, 118-0. The bill has been referred to the Senate Environmental Preservation Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance urges Florida outdoorsmen to contact committee members immediately and ask them to pass the bill. Time is of the essence as the legislative session winds down. Access to private land in Florida and across the country is becoming more and more difficult to obtain. House Bill 265 will ensure Florida sportsmen have places to enjoy their outdoor heritage by ensuring public lands remain open to hunting. A companion bill, SB 430 sponsored by Sen. Nancy Argenziano, R-Crystal River, passed the Senate Environmental Preservation Committee on April 18 and the Judiciary Committee on April 25. It is scheduled to be considered on the Senate floor. Take Action! Florida sportsmen should contact their state senators today. This is critical if your senator is a member of either the Environmental Preservation Committee or the Senate Judiciary Committee (listed below). Ask them to support HB 265 and explain that the bill helps ensure that sportsmen will have places to enjoy their outdoor traditions. Sportsmen should also contact their senators in support of SB 430. To contact your senator, call (850) 487-5270 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

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