Republicans in the state Assembly announced legislation on Friday meant to protect shooting sports offered by schools in New York over concerns the programs conflict with recent gun laws. 

The measure, backed by Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, is meant to clarify language from the gun laws approved in July to have it clearly exempt competitive shooting events from being "sensitive locations." A similar measure has been introduced by state Sen. Pam Helming in her chamber. 

The law was approved in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that overturned New York's conceal carry law for firearms. Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers agreed to a package of provisions that set new stipulations for the conceal carry of firearms in New York and placed restrictions on areas in which guns can be carried.

But Republicans have argued the measure did not take into consideration shooting sports, including those programs offered by schools in rural areas of New York. 

"Many students, especially those in upstate rural schools, participate on target shooting teams," said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay. "It’s a part of their culture and tradition, and the fact that sportsmen organizations and clubs were lumped into the legislation passed earlier this summer all but screams how out-of-touch downstate Democrats are — not everything is a one-size-fits-all approach. Sport shooting and target practice facilities should be exempt from being designated as a ‘sensitive location,’ and I fully support this new legislation."

Republicans, meanwhile, have also launched a petition meant to draw attention to the issue as well as to support high school students who participate in trap shooting.