All about guns, legislation and politics in New York
Tuesday’s Newsbits:
Today at 10:00am volunteers with the New York chapter of Moms Demand Action will hold a press conference urging lawmakers to advance legislation prohibiting untraceable and undetectable “ghost guns” at the Empire State Plaza, Albany.
Jurisprudence:
Politics:
A-703, Prohibits the use of lead ammunition in the taking of wildlife on wildlife management areas, state forests, forest preserves, state parks or any other state-owned land that is open for hunting and on land contributing surface water to the New York city water supply, is on the Assembly EnCon Committee agenda for Tuesday, May 7 @ 11:00am.
Senate bill S-2280 now has a companion in the Assembly, A-7460.
The bill changes current law so that, “it shall be unlawful for any person under age twenty-one to posses any rifle, shotgun, or firearm, except for those carrying a hunting license and using the gun in accordance with that license.”
Among other things, this would wipe out the NYS High School Clay Target League which currently has 70 schools participating.
Congress passed H.R.1222/S.94 last week.
According to the summary:
“This bill allows a state to use federal funds to cover a higher percentage of the costs for the construction and expansion of public target ranges. Specifically, a state may use specified federal grant funds to pay up to 90% of such costs (rather than 75%, as under current law). Additionally, amounts provided for these purposes shall remain available for five fiscal years (rather than two, as under current law).”
The bills passed with a voice vote which isn’t recorded.
There are a few public ranges in the state that might benefit this including Blue Mountain in Westchester and the Suffolk County Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays range.
A new bill was introduced last week in the legislature, A-7362.
From the memorandum:
“The SAFE Act was passed in the dead of night, under a “message of necessity” in order to reduce the ability for the public to review and comment on the bill. Responsible gun owners were completely excluded from the discussion.
As a result of the political makeup of the state, legislation is often adopted without input from those on both sides of the issue. Gun control is an especially divisive issue, with those who reside in cities having little exposure to the hunting and shooting traditions that are so important to many New Yorkers. This bill seeks to make sure that all perspectives are heard when proposals to restrict Second Amendment rights are considered.
This legislation would require that after introduction and a minimum of 30 days prior to voting on any bill related to gun control, the Senate and Assembly shall hold at least five public hearings throughout the state.”
A few thoughts on this idea:
First, the fact some legislators feel it necessary to introduce a bill telling the legislature to allow public comment on proposed legislation shows just how dysfunctional our state government has become.
Second, the Republicans (it’s a GOP bill) still don’t have either the brains or the balls to bring up the topic of having and carrying guns for legitimate self-defense. I don’t care about the upstate Fudds in their deer stand. I want to legally carry a gun in New York City for self-defense.
Third, if the bill’s sponsors think this is going to help them pacify irate constituents back home they are mistaken. All this does is highlight how weak and ineffective the Republican caucus is in Albany.
There is no companion bill in the upper chamber.
Thursday’s Newsbits:
Elections:
Jurisprudence:
NRA:
Politics:
The NRA’s Annual Meeting is over.
Ollie North is out as President. Carolyn Meadows was voted by the Board to take over.
Wayne LaPierre and key executives appear to have survived (for now). The “No Confidence” resolution against him looks to be buried in committee.
Some thoughts:
The NRA is under siege by Cuomo and the New York State A.G., who are illegally using the State’s legal apparatus to take down and destroy this very important organization, & others. It must get its act together quickly, stop the internal fighting, & get back to GREATNESS – FAST!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 29, 2019
In responding to Pres. Trump's criticism of NY efforts against the NRA, Gov Cuomo today says: '"The scourge of gun violence is a national crisis plaguing our country and killing our children. It demands action. And action, Mr. President, requires true leadership.'
— Michael Gormley (@GormleyAlbany) April 29, 2019