The 2007 legislative session came to an end on Thursday, June 21, with gun owners and sportsmen seeing some victories and a few disappointments. The good news: none of the anti-gun agenda of the Astate Assembly's Democratic Majority's was brought forward by the State Senate. The package included an expansion of the "assault weapon" ban, and a .50-caliber firearm and an ammunition ban. More good news -- companion bills A 6064A and S 3219A, sponsored by State Assemblyman Jim Bacalles (R-136), which expand the number of counties that allow the use of rifles for hunting deer and bear to include Chemung, Steuben and Yates counties, were approved by lawmakers and now head to Governor Eliot Spitzer's (D) desk.
Disappointments included the State Senate's confirmation of long-time anti-gun, anti-sportsmen Assembly Member Alexander "Pete" Grannis (D) to head the State Department of Environmental Conservation. True to his city-dwelling, anti-sportsman nature, Grannis has already moved to ban certain types of trapping. Also disappointing was the legislature's failure to act on some of the pro-gun and pro-hunting bills, such as Assembly Bill 7962, Assembly Bill 6900, Senate Bill 857, and Assembly Bill 1850. A 7962 sponsored by State Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte (D-138), would have allowed the possession and use of a handgun at a shooting range by those age 14 and over. A 6900, sponsored by State Assemblywoman DelMonte and companion bill, S857, introduced by State Senator Dale Volker (R-59), would have created a special classification of hunting license allowing those ages 12 to 15 to hunt big game with a qualified, licensed adult. Finally, A 1850, sponsored by State Assemblymen Clifford Crouch (R-107), would have established a youth hunter mentoring program.
Though the legislature has recessed and is tentatively not scheduled to return for the remainder of the year, it is possible that they could come back to Albany as early as July to deal with "unfinished business." We will be sure to keep you posted of their comings and goings.
New York State Legislative Update
Friday, June 22, 2007
Monday, April 22, 2024
On Friday, ATF provided the unpleasant surprise of yet another rulemaking to implement the noxious Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA).
Monday, April 22, 2024
Along with “assault weapon” bans, so-called “high capacity” magazine restrictions are a cornerstone of modern gun control.
Monday, April 1, 2024
NRA Members Among the Largest Class Protected from Draconian Rule
Thursday, April 18, 2024
The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) has announced a legal victory in a high-profile governance matter brought by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (DCAG).
Sunday, April 21, 2024
After holding late-night votes until close to midnight on Saturday, April 20th, the Colorado House passed three anti-gun bills on their third reading, including liability insurance mandates, an 11% excise tax, and a state-level permitting systems for FFL's.