“New York Gun Owners Finally Have Some Reason For Optimism”

Legislation sponsored by Senator Young passed with bi-partisan support to restore rights of lawful gun owners

ALBANY – Lauding several common sense SAFE Act reforms co-sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean) that were passed by the state Senate yesterday as a “meaningful step in the right direction,” the National Rifle Association (NRA) is calling on the state Assembly to take action.

NRA-ILA representative Darin Goens said, “New York gun owners finally have some reason for optimism today as the Senate Republican conference successfully passed a bi-partisan bill (co-sponsored by Senator Young) to address the flawed SAFE Act. While we still strongly support full repeal of the SAFE Act, this is a meaningful step in the right direction, and we appreciate the open dialogue with Senate Majority Leader Flanagan. We sincerely hope the Assembly will show similar courage and do the right thing for law-abiding New York gun owners.”

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) President Tom King said, “This common sense bill is a good first step at restoring the civil rights of millions of New Yorkers… On behalf of the millions of firearm owners all across the state, I encourage the Assembly to take up companion legislation before the end of regular session next week.”

Senator Young said, “There are only a few days left in session, and we need the Assembly to pass our bill. It has support on both sides of the aisle, so I am hopeful that with some hard work, enough sponsors will force a positive vote.”

Senator Young said she is confident that Assemblymen Andy Goodell, Joe Giglio and Bill Nojay would support the Senate bill, especially since they joined her in voting against the SAFE Act and have been avid supporters of repeal.

The Senate bill has several provisions, including:

· FULLY REPEALS the SAFE Act requirement for a statewide database of ammunition sales;

· REAFFIRMS the right to inherit a semi-automatic rifle that is owned by a family member, so that these firearms can be legally passed from one generation to the next;

· PROTECTS THE PRIVACY of legal gun owners by preventing public disclosure of personal information that is contained on firearms licenses;

· REQUIRES notification to an individual if they have been placed on any list alleging mental health concerns that could affect their right to own firearms. Under current law, a person can be referred to authorities without their knowledge if they seek treatment for something as simple as insomnia; and

· RESTORES responsibility to our local County Clerks to oversee handgun recertification, and shifts control of New York’s pistol permit database away from the State Police to a non-enforcement administrative agency.