17-273. Firearms safety and ranges fund; uses; criteria

A. The firearms safety and ranges fund is established consisting of monies transferred to the fund pursuant to section 42-5029, subsection D, paragraph 4, subdivision (c) and revenues derived from the sale or lease of real property owned by the commission and acquired for or used for the purpose of providing public shooting ranges and monies received from the sale of goods and services from commission-owned shooting ranges except for program income associated with federal grants. The Arizona game and fish commission shall administer the fund which is continuously appropriated. Monies in the fund are exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations. Interest earned on monies in the fund shall be credited to the fund.

B. The Arizona game and fish commission shall use monies in the fund on shooting ranges open to the public and operated by government or nonprofit entities for the following purposes:

1. Shooting range engineering and studies.

2. Noise abatement.

3. Safety enhancement.

4. Shooting range design.

5. New shooting range sites and construction.

6. Shooting range relocation.

7. Shooting sports programs.

8. Inventory for sale at ranges.

9. Other projects or expenses that are necessary to operate and maintain a shooting range under good practices and management.

C. The director of the Arizona game and fish department shall consult with the state land commissioner to identify eligible state trust land suitable for the location or relocation of shooting ranges.

D. The Arizona game and fish commission may accept and spend private grants, gifts and contributions to assist in carrying out this section.