Res. No. 378

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A6640/S7828, A7021, and A7023/S63 in relation to the establishment and funding of the gun research safety fund.

By Council Member Rose

                     Whereas, The prevalence of gun violence in the United States is a growing national concern; and

                     Whereas, According to the Gun Violence Archive, in 2017, over 60,000 gun violence incidents were reported in the United States, resulting in 15,581 deaths and 31,181 injuries; and

                     Whereas, In response to the federal government’s failure to aggressively act to end gun violence and study its causes, several representatives at the New York State Legislature have introduced legislation to fund gun safety research; and

Whereas, A6640/S7828 sponsored by Assemblyman Matthew Titone and Senator Diane Savino establishes the gun research safety fund, appropriating $10 million; and

Whereas, Pursuant to A6640/S7828, the Department of Health and the State University of New York will establish the eligibility criterion for which grant will be issued for the purpose of advancing gun safety research; and

Whereas, A7021 sponsored by Assemblyman Matthew Titone and Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon amends the tax law, in relation to providing taxpayer gifts for gun violence research; and

                     Whereas, Pursuant to A7021, the Tax Commission will include a space on the personal income tax return to enable taxpayers to make contributions to the fund; and

                     Whereas, Pursuant to A7021, taxpayers who contribute to the gun violence research fund would be allowed to apply their donations to reduce the amount of State tax they owe; and

                     Whereas, A7023/S63 sponsored by Assemblyman Matthew Titone, Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti, and Senator Brad Hoylman, amends the tax law in relation to establishing a special fee on firearms, rifles, and shotguns; and

                     Whereas, A7023/S63 imposes a $5 fee on every retail sale, or use of, each firearm, rifle or shotgun; and

                     Whereas, Pursuant to A7023/S63, such fee shall be collected by the vendor of the firearm from the purchaser, and where the fee imposed is not required to be collected by a vendor the purchaser is required to remit the fee directly to the Tax Commission; and

                     Whereas, Additionally, pursuant to A7023/S63, all revenue collected will be credited to the gun violence research fund; and

                     Whereas, Investing in gun violence research and providing a means to allow the public to contribute, will strengthen the City and States ability to learn about gun violence and develop methods of prevention; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A6640/S7828, A7021, and A7023/S63 in relation to the establishment and funding of the gun research safety fund

LS #5854

05/18/18

CMA