Author: admin

Stand Your Ground legislation introduced

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“Stand Your Ground” legislation has been introduced to the Senate as S-7915.

From The Justification statement:

“The Second Amendment is designed for protective use by the people of the United States of America. Currently, New York statute states that the only place where the duty of retreating is removed is their own dwelling. This bill seeks to expand the places where lawful firearm owners can protect themselves and others.”

This isn’t exactly correct.  New York has a strong affirmative defense clause which basically protects individuals using force in self-defense anywhere.  Unlike other states where SYG was passed it hasn’t been an issue in New York because of this.

The bill was drafted by the newly formed New York State Firearms Association which is looking to establish itself in the state.

There’s nothing wrong with the bill itself.  The problems are institutional:

  • It’s a Republican-only bill, meaning it’s DOA.  Republicans won’t push for it and Democrats won’t go near it.
  • It’s an “upstate” bill, meaning it’s DOA without any buy in from “downstate” where the vast majority of residents live.
  • Antigun Republicans will sign on to it in an attempt to hide their true record on the issue.  Notice that John Flanagan is co-sponsor.

David DiPietro will be introducing an Assembly companion soon.

Newsbits

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Saturday’s Newsbits:

Jurisprudence:

Legislation:

Politics:

GOA wants to ‘red flag’ Schumer

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Senator Schumer made threatening comments to two sitting SCOTUS Justices so Gun Owners of America wants him to be investigated under the state’s “Red Flag” law:

GOA Letter to NY Gov and AG… by AmmoLand Shooting Sports News on Scribd

While amusing, even if Cuomo went through with this it would have no effect as Schumer doesn’t own any guns.

Punishing Ortiz

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Following-up to Assemblyman Ortiz’s recent gun control advocacy comes this:

“The left-leaning Working Families Party will endorse progressive candidate Marcela Mitaynes in the upcoming race for Sunset Park’s assembly seat — hoping to oust Félix Ortiz, who had held the post for that past 25 years, the political organization exclusively told Brooklyn Paper …”

As with most other urban races the only way to have an impact, and punish Ortiz for pushing gun control, is to be involved in the Democrat primary.  Registered Dems out number Republicans ~9 to 1 in the district so whomever wins the primary will almost certainly win the general in November.  Running a Vote against Ortiz campaign, either by not showing up to support him, voting for Mitaynes or writing in another name, will at the very least cost him a lot of money trying to fend off his challenger.  Keeping his seat is all he cares about.  If promoting gun control forces him to put more time and effort into doing that, Ortiz may rethink whether or not is is worth it pushing the issue.

Jefferson Co. resolution opposing gun control legislation

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NNY360 reports:

“The Jefferson County Legislature denounced legislation that would infringe on the Second Amendment, but did not grant the sanctuary status sought by guns rights activists who faced them Tuesday. About 60 residents filled the pews of the Old Jefferson County Court House, most supporting a Second Amendment Sanctuary declaration that they hope would preempt future state gun control measures in the county … The Board of Legislators took no action towards the ordinance, but adopted a resolution declaring opposition toward laws that “would intentionally violate the inalienable rights of the people of Jefferson County.” Any laws that would implement the tracking, restriction, or confiscation of firearms, accessories and ammunition would be met with a call for repeal from the Legislature, according to the resolution. Legislature Chairman Scott A. Gray said the board evaluated and opted the resolution to underpin Second Amendment rights and reject “some onerous legislation at the state level.” The resolution referenced proposed legislation that would require gun owners to obtain no less than $1 million in liability insurance and limit the sale of ammunition for assault weapons. Mr. Gray, however, reiterated a previous claim that county officials cannot supercede state law, prompting his rejection of a sanctuary. All legislators approved the resolution save Allen T. Drake, who abstained …”

Here is a copy of the resolution.

Lewis Co. Board of Legislators Meeting

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Video from yesterday’s Board of Legislators meeting. 2A Sanctuary discussion starts at the 14:30 mark.

H/T: Patrick Morse

Newsbits

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Monday’s Newsbits:

Jurisprudence:

Legislation:

NRA:

Politics:

Newsbits

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Friday’s Newsbits:

Elections:

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Politics:

Legislative update

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A-703, Prohibits the use of lead ammunition in the taking of wildlife on wildlife management areas, or any other state-owned land that is open for hunting and on land contributing surface water to the NYC water supply, has advanced to 3rd Reading. No Senate companion at this time.

A-8078C, Permits 4-H certified shooting sports instructors to supervise and instruct persons under sixteen years of age at shooting ranges, passed the Assembly. Companion S-6401B is on 3rd Reading.

S-4442B, Requires the Division of Criminal Justice Services to publish quarterly reports providing information related to firearms, rifles and shotguns used in the commission of crimes in the state of New York, has been amended and resubmitted to Finance.

S-7762, Enacts the Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receiver Act, establishes the crimes of criminal sale of an unfinished frame or receiver in the first, second and third degrees as class C, D and E felonies, respectively, now has a companion A-9945.

S-7763, Enacts the Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act, criminalizes the sale of ghost guns and requires gunsmiths to register and serialize firearms, rifles, shotguns, and unfinished frames or receivers they assemble or manufacture, now has a companion bill A-9903.