Jun 18, 2018 Elections 2018, Politics, State Legislation
David Englehardt at the Federalist writes, “Cuomo’s Idea To Let Teachers Decide When To Yank Guns From People’s Homes Is Dumb”:
“… Cuomo proposes to take guns from the homes of troubled students by government fiat. That is, if the student’s teacher senses there is a problem with the student, he or she would contact the authorities to have the family’s weapons removed. Specifically, if there is a “problem student” teachers would be able to petition a court to remove guns from the student’s home … I want safer schools. I want kids who need help to get it. I’d also like to imagine the best of the governor, but I’m not sure how this legislation can actually protect students in a way that’s sensible, positive, or helpful …”
The author lacks the most basic understanding of the Albany legislative process.
First off, most bills are written to be as vague and all encompassing as possible. A-11148 is designed to affect as many people as possible in both good and bad ways.
Second, the bill in question isn’t meant to help kids or make schools safer. The goal is to make gun ownership as difficult and unappealing as possible for ordinary people because the Governor believes that doing so would help him politically.
Third, why on earth would anyone think the Governor is operating now with the best of intentions? Trying to get a new bill introduced in the closing days of the legislative session is never a good sign as it is generally done to limit public discussion and debate. This is especially true in a state known for “The Big Ugly” where all sorts of shit nobody has read is passed into law in the wee hours of the morning on the last session day.
The whole business surrounding this proposal is really very easy to understand: Cuomo is bringing up this issue (and others) now in an attempt to defect attention away from his primary opponent Cynthia Nixon. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less.
Jun 18, 2018 Politics, State Legislation
The Daily News reports:
“… sources say Gov. Cuomo continues to push passage of a “red flag” gun control bill that would allow teachers, school officials, family members and law enforcement to petition a judge when they fear someone is dangerous and has access to guns …”
Also today at 11:15 am Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will attend a gun control rally at Nottingham High School in Syracuse in support of the bill.
Jun 17, 2018 Elections 2018, Federal Legislation
Perry Gershon is running against Lee Zeldin in CD-1.
His campaign is running this ad. Guns mentioned at 0:19.
We can deduce what Gershon intends to do to “reduce gun violence” by reading the position statement from his campaign website:
“… When it comes to gun violence prevention, I have a few basic priorities. Background checks should be required at a national level before guns may be purchased – and we must close the loopholes in the current system. Certain guns such as assault weapons should be registered, just as cars are today. Assault weapons should not be freely available, and I support a renewal of the provisions of the old 1994 law, as well as a ban on “bump stocks.” And most of all, we should not impose “concealed carry” laws on our states. Representative Zeldin frequently advocates for a new federal gun law allowing a person to carry a legal concealed weapon into a state where it is otherwise illegal. So if a Texan visits New York, he or she would be immune to New York’s more restrictive gun laws and bound only by Texas law. We cannot let this happen …”
Jun 15, 2018 Elections 2018, Federal Legislation
Found this nugget at QCP:
“… During the debate, Patel criticized Maloney’s support for the 1994 crime bill, which is credited for the increase of mass incarceration in America, contrasting his outspoken support for legalizing marijuana and lessening marijuana convictions. Maloney admitted her regret for the bill whilst explaining most of the Democrats also voted for that bill. “I think that we have evolved as a nation and seen that it doesn’t work. We have more research now that shows that having strict mandatory sentences does not deter crime; it does not solve the problem. I regret that vote,” said Maloney …”
The bill in question is the infamous omnibus crime bill which was known primarily for the Clinton AWB. Even though she isn’t being questioned on the main gun part it is most amusing to see her acknowledge this policy failure.
Jun 15, 2018 Jurisprudence
The New York Court of Appeals issued a ruling last month in the case of People v. Wallace.
Briefly:
“… Defendant was working as a swing manager at a McDonald’s restaurant when a gun in the pockets of his pants fired, causing an injury to the lower part of his right leg. Defendant was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, in violation of N.Y. Penal Law 265.03. Defendant moved to dismiss the indictment, arguing that the “place of business” exception to section 265.03(3) applied because he possessed the firearm at his workplace. Supreme Court denied the motion and convicted Defendant. The Appellate Division affirmed. The Court of Appeals affirmed, holding that because Defendant was not the principal operator of the McDonald’s when he possessed the loaded firearm in the establishment, the “place of business” exception to section 265.03(3) was inapplicable …”
Read the full decision here.
Jun 13, 2018 State Legislation
Microstamping bill A-5826A is on the Assembly floor calendar and could be voted on as soon as tomorrow.
No action on Senate companion S-470A.
Governor Cuomo is going hard after the Republicans for his ‘red flag’ bill. I am concerned they are going to cave on something (everything).
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