Night-vision equipment use could see some changes

After adopting a delete-all amendment from the bill’s sponsor, the House voted 124-2 Wednesday to pass legislation that would grant employees of firearms and ammunition businesses the right to use night-vision and thermal imaging equipment while testing their products.

Sponsored by Rep. Mark Anderson (R-Lake Shore), HF3160 raised concerns from the Department of Natural Resources when it was first introduced during a March meeting of the House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee. The agency was concerned the bill would be detrimental to wildlife and could allow poachers legal access to the technology.

But Anderson’s amendment offered more specific language to spell out exactly who would be able to use the equipment.

“The amendment just allows manufacturers of ammunition to use night-vision goggles and thermal imaging out in the field when they are testing ammo,” Anderson said.

The bill now travels to the Senate where Sen. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) is the sponsor.