By Selena Hill (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Sep 10, 2013 06:45 PM EDT
Tags Newtown, Newtown Shooting, Connecticut, Gun Control

After more than a year since the first debate and over 200 hours of testimony, town officials in Newtown, Conn., unanimously voted to approve a firearms ordinance limiting recreational shooting.

The Legislative Council approved the new ordinance which will take effect at the beginning of next month, reports USA Today.

Legislative Council Chairman Jeff Capeci said Monday the final version of the ordinance that establishes restrictions for recreational shooting in town seems to have found a balance between those fighting to protect their Second Amendment rights and those fearing safety and nuisance problems, the News Times reports.

"It's a good compromise considering the varying interests,'' Capeci said.

Council Ordinance Committee Chairman Mary Ann Jacob presided over nine public hearings and at each one promised no speaker who wanted to have a say would be denied the chance.  Hundreds of people offered about 200 hours of testimony for the ordinance in the town where 20 children and six educators were fatally shot in an elementary school last December.

The ordinance says no resident may shoot for more than four hours after police are notified and shooting is limited to one person at a time. Target backstops are required and must be 10 feet above the target.  No shooting is allowed within a half-mile of a school.

The aim of the ordinance is target and recreational shooting. It does not affect hunters or professional law enforcement or military officers. Gun salutes for memorial events and tributes are also allowed.

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