Light political theater

It’s that time of year where Republicans in Albany engage in some light political theater to show gun owners that they care about them.

The following gun bills are on Assembly Codes agenda for Monday:

  • A-3505, Requires that no applications, or the literature given therewith, shall be approved, distributed or used in any capacity if they contain an explicit written warning regarding ownership or use of a firearm.
  • A-3538, Provides that a license to possess a pistol or revolver shall permit the licensee to carry such weapon concealed.
  • A-4790, Allows individuals duly licensed out-of-state to carry a pistol or firearm, authority to carry such weapon within New York state for a limited duration with proper documentation.

None of these are going anywhere. They will be held over in committee with little to no discussion. Republicans have been following this script for decades.

If the Republicans really wanted to show 2A supporters they care, they would make a Motion to Discharge on each of these bills like Senate Democrats used to do for their gun control bills. They still won’t be voted on, but the sponsors could spend some time on the floor talking up 2A and making antis defend their positions.

Don’t expect this to happen.