Bill would allow legally blind Texans to hunt

Nice to see the important things being considered.

Bill would allow legally blind Texans to hunt


Associated Press

AUSTIN — A state lawmaker wants to make sure no Texan is left out when it comes to hunting, even if the hunter is legally blind.

Rep. Edmund Kuempel, a Seguin Republican, has filed a bill for the 2007 legislative session that would allow legally blind hunters to use a laser sight, or lighted pointing instrument. The devices are forbidden for sighted hunters.

Blind hunters would also have to have a sighted hunter along with them, but they could hunt any game that sighted people can hunt in the same seasons and using the same weapons.

"This opens up the fun of hunting to additional people, and I think that's great," Kuempel said.

Visually impaired people are able to shoot with the aid of a sighted person, he said.

"I've seen this on TV before, when they're taking target practice," Kuempel said. "When they aim the gun the guide tells them, aim two inches higher or two inches lower and you're on the target, and you're off and running."

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which regulates hunting in Texas, currently does not have a definition of what constitutes a legally blind hunter. Kuempel's bill would give the agency until Jan. 1, 2008, to come up with a definition so that the law could be enforced.

The hunter would have to carry proof that he or she is legally blind.

Kuempel's bill would amend the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code.

Under existing law, the use of laser sights, spotlights and headlights is strictly prohibited in all Texas hunting.

The Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 9 for its 140-day session. Lawmakers have been busy since November filing proposed legislation on an array of subjects. The Legislature meets every two years in regular session.