New York Anti-Gun Bills on the Move!

As expected, the New York State Assembly approved a package of anti-gun bills on Wednesday, April 25.

Among them was Assembly Bill 6525, introduced by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-88), which would impose criminal penalties and legal liability on licensed firearm dealers for any criminal activity that occurs after the retailer has sold the firearm to a qualified buyer.   Furthermore, it would require the retailer to obtain exorbitant insurance policies to pay for the actions of criminals.  A6525 would also require that retailers place all firearms in fireproof safes or vaults during non-business hours.  Make no mistake, this bill is designed to force thousands of firearm retailers out of business, which in turn would consequently make firearms unavailable to law-abiding citizens!

Legislation also approved includes Assembly Bill 829, sponsored by Assemblyman Steven Englebright (D-4), which would prohibit the retail sale of a handgun that does not contain a "child proofing" or integrated safety device; Assembly Bill 2772, introduced by Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington (D-3), would ban the sale, use and possession of .50 caliber firearms; Assembly Bill 3447, backed by Assemblyman David Koon (D-135), would outlaw many types of ammunition commonly used on shooting ranges and for safety and training purposes; and Assembly Bill 7331, sponsored by Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-61), which seeks to drastically expand the state's ban on so-called "assault weapons" by adding pump-action rifles and reducing the number of allowed features from two to zero.  Additionally, A 7331 would give the State Police broad authority to designate additional firearms to be outlawed. Those wishing to keep "banned" firearms lawfully possessed prior to January 1, 2008 would be required to register them and have them tested for entry into the state's failed ballistic imaging program.  Many of the guns affected by this bill are widely used in competitions and hunting. 

Already awaiting action on the Assembly floor is Assembly Bill 76, introduced by Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (D-20).  It would create crimes for failuring to store a weapon "safely" and negligent storage.  These bills now head to the State Senate for consideration. 

Please contact your State Senators at (518) 455-2800 and urge them to vote "NO" on the bills listed above!