Senator Walczyk Introduces Bill To Repeal New Fees on Background Checks

On September 13, State Police will replace the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for gun and ammunition purchases in New York State. New Yorkers will be charged a fee to complete the background check-$9 for guns and $2.50 for ammunition.  This charge will be imposed every time someone wants to purchase a gun or ammunition in the State. 

Senator Walczyk knows this new regulation interferes with the right of New Yorkers to keep and bear arms. The new fee unfairly penalizes people who want to lawfully carry in New York. He voted against the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) when he was in the Assembly, calling it “unconstitutional” on the floor. This will also hurt gun shops, which have already been struggling with constant mandates and ever-changing rules from New York. Recognizing these fees are being weaponized by the State to deter gun owners and frustrate gun shops, Senator Walczyk is introducing legislation, S7645,  to completely repeal the fees imposed by the State operated background checks. 

“The surcharge on ammo is ridiculous and unconstitutional,” Walczyk said. "NICS checks on gun purchases are a common sense way to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. However, Kathy Hochul's ammo tax only penalizes law-abiding firearm owners. This Albany Democrat overreach is going to hurt small gun shops across New York and jobs are going to be lost across the state as a direct result of this policy. Because Democrats continue to scribble over the US Constitution, I've penned a new bill to repeal the ammunition and gun purchase fees.”

Senator Walczyk is also officially a co-sponsor to Senator Joe Griffo’s bill, S.2635. This bill would repeal the changes made by chapter 371 of 2022, which includes provisions such as disqualifiers based on “good moral character” and restrictions on where a licensed gun owner can carry.

Senator Mark Walczyk represents the 49th Senate District, which includes the entire counties of Jefferson, Lewis, Hamilton and Fulton. As well as parts of Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Herkimer counties. Sign up for exclusive updates from the Senator via his weekly newsletter by clicking HERE or by emailing walczyk@nysenate.gov.