ALBANY – It’s been a while since the SAFE Act was in the spotlight, but State Senator James Seward (R-Oneonta) is co-sponsoring a legislation package that proves out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind.
Seward, alongside Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica), unveiled bipartisan legislation on Monday intended to amend or repeal parts of the New York SAFE (Secure Ammunition Firearms Enforcement) Act, the contentious law that went into effect in January of 2013. In the two years since, Seward and Brindisi argue there’s been no substantial evidence to prove the law is having an effect when it comes to safety.
“This flawed policy has forced new, costly requirements on gun owners but has done precious little to make us safer from gun violence,” Seward said, noting his opposition to the law when it passed the state legislature two years ago. “I am the co-sponsor of legislation which would repeal the law entirely and, while the political landscape may make that a difficult fight to win, I am also working to chip away at several of the law’s worst provisions.”
Despite the uphill battle faced by the new proposal in the state’s capital, Brindisi cited frustration among his upstate constituents that warrants change in the current law.
Said Brindisi, “Over the past two years, I’ve received numerous letters and phone calls from constituents who are responsible gun owners, and who have some very valid objections to some of the most burdensome aspects of this law.”
Under the new proposal:
• Long guns could once again be gifted to close relatives and other holders of a valid New York State pistol license.
• Gun owners could legally fill 10-round magazines. Provisions of the SAFE Act limited the number of 10-round magazines to seven rounds in some cases, but still at 10 rounds under certain conditions. In late 2013, that provision was struck down by a federal judge who said 10-round magazines were common use and the limit to seven rounds was arbitrary.
• End requirements for ammunition dealers to register with the state and conduct customer background checks. This bill further redirects funds currently used for this program to school districts to assist in the hiring of a school resource officer.
• Stop county judges and other licensing officers from imposing restrictions that exceed requirements of state law when issuing pistol and handgun licenses.
The SAFE Act has seen a brunt of criticism since its adoption. Opponents argue the law is a knee-jerk reaction to the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. The law passed the legislature just one month after the shooting in Newtown.
In March, 2013, the Chenango County Board of Supervisor unanimously passed two resolutions discrediting portions of the law, citing reasons that some provisions abrade constitutional rights while others pertaining to mental health would prove too costly for local taxpayers.
Even so, the law still has backing of many downstate lawmakers, including Governor Andrew Cuomo, who touted the law as a success during his campaign for re-election last fall.
“The reactionary, hastily drafted and passed NY-SAFE Act was meant for headlines and has done nothing to stop criminals from getting guns and using them for illegal purposes,” added Seward. “We need to take action now to correct the many technical issues the law created for responsible gun owners who shoot for sport, collect firearms, and carry guns to protect themselves and their families.”