These statutes took effect Wednesday and are the outgrowth of efforts by the Empire State’s anti-Second Amendment Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).
There is now a $2.50 fee for ammunition purchases ostensibly to cover the cost of law enforcement conducting background checks at the point of sale. There is also a $9.00 fee tacked on to gun purchases for the same reason.
State Police as of Wednesday took over the running of background checks.
The new measures were signed into law by Hochul in July 2022 as part of the state’s reaction to the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision. The governor called the ruling a “reckless decision” and immediately charted a course for the state to defy the high court at every turn.
With a 6-3 majority, the court ruled that New York’s requirement that concealed carry applicants demonstrate a specific need for a permit violated the Second Amendment. Justices established that the fundamental right along with the basic need for self-defense are reasons enough.
There are several other facets to the “Concealed Carry Improvement Act” that is now in effect. The state established a laundry list of disqualifications and many hoops for those seeking a concealed carry permit to jump through.
Among new requirements for a person seeking a concealed carry pistol permit are mandatory firearm training, submitting to an in-person interview, a social media review and others.
Restrictions on “sensitive places” where carry is not permitted even for lawful permit holders include Times Square, government buildings, schools, libraries, hospitals and bars.
Recertification or renewal must take place every three years.
When the applicant shows up to apply for the concealed carry permit, they must be ready to supply a mountain of new information now required by the state.
Besides proof of completion of a firearms safety training course, they must be sporting four character references, a complete list of social media accounts for the past three years — both current and former, the name of their spouse or domestic partner along with all adults living in the resident’s home and submit to an in-person interview with the licensing officer or their designee.
Naturally, New York gun owners are not pleased with the latest attempt by the state to erect high barriers around exercising a constitutional right. The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office noted on Facebook that it has had several concerned citizens reach out over the new regulations.
Sheriff Bill Schrom said they are not happy.
“A lot of people seem concerned about the recertification requirements, specifically when they don’t get notified by the state that it’s due. We remind people this is a state requirement, a state mandate, not a county mandate.”
Though there is stiff competition for the top spot, gun control organization Everytown for Gun Safety ranks New York only behind California for the nation’s most stringent laws.
The state bans so-called “assault weapons,” has a high-capacity magazine ban, requires universal background checks and features a “red flag” law. There are permit requirements in place for gun purchases and concealed carry, laws setting firearm storage protocols, “ghost gun” restrictions and a hate crimes prohibited purchaser’s list.
And now, background checks to buy ammunition as well as new fees for gun and ammo purchases.
It’s enough to make one think that New York leaders are not fond of the Second Amendment.
