Res. No. 244
Resolution in support of pending legislation in the New York State Legislature intended to strengthen regulations governing the sale and licensing of firearms.
By Council Members Fidler, Brewer, Chin, Gentile, Koppell, Mark-Viverito, Nelson, Palma, Recchia, Van Bramer, Williams and Koo
Whereas, New York City is a national leader in gun safety and policy initiatives designed to increase public safety in the City; and
Whereas, The laws in New York respect the right of an individual to own a firearm while keeping weapons away from those who may abuse that right; and
Whereas, New York City has strict regulations surrounding the sale and possession of firearms in order to protect our highly populated urban communities; and
Whereas, In 2008, 292 people were shot to death in New York City, down from 347 the year before, continuing a longtime decline in deaths by firearms; and
Whereas, The declining number of firearm-related deaths indicates that strong restrictions on guns can positively impact public safety; and
Whereas, Despite recent decreases in New York's firearm-related deaths, the onus is on state and local government to further decrease the rate of deaths by firearms; and
Whereas, In the wake of tragedies such as the mass shootings in Binghamton, New York and Blacksburg, Virginia it is more important than ever to regulate and control the sale of firearms if New York hopes to avoid similar devastating situations; and
Whereas, Certain bills currently pending in the State Assembly and Senate would effect such regulation and control; and
Whereas, Senator Eric Adams and Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh are the sponsors of S.5489 and A.3076-B which would broaden provisions relating to eligibility for a firearms license; and
Whereas, S.5489/A.3076-B would amend the penal law in order to tighten the eligibility criteria for issuance of a license to carry a firearm as such criteria relate to the mental capacity and mental health of the applicant; and
Whereas, S.5489/A.3076-B would require an individual to prove mental stability before being permitted to purchase a firearm in New York and would require a licensed official to investigate claims of competent mental status prior to allowing individuals to purchase firearms; and
Whereas, S.5489/A.3076-B additionally create a firearms safety course and testing requirement for any individual who wishes to purchase a firearm in the state of New York; and
Whereas, Much like a driving test before one can drive a car, S.5489/A.3076-B would require an applicant to: complete a firearms safety course, pass a test, and show proof of a certificate of completion issued in his or her name and endorsed by an authorized instructor before such an individual could legally posses a firearm in New York State; and
Whereas, In addition to S.5489/A.3076-B, Senator Eric Schneiderman and Assemblyman Kavanagh are the sponsors of S.6676 and A.5696-C which would require all employees of gunsmiths and dealers of firearms who sell, handle, or otherwise dispose of firearms to obtain an employment certification form which involves passing a background check administered by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS); and
Whereas, Firearms dealers must participate in NICS in order to be licensed to sell firearms but their employees, who have open access to firearms, never do; and
Whereas, This bill would ensure that individuals selling firearms are legally able and responsible enough to own one as well, giving the public more assurance that accountability exists at all levels during the sale of a firearm; and
Whereas, These bills would put safeguards in place that would provide for the continued safety of New York residents and guard against the reckless sale and use of firearms that do not belong on the streets of urban centers like New York City; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports pending legislation in the New York State Legislature intended to strengthen regulations governing the sale and licensing of firearms.
SA
5/21/10
LS# 792
Res 2093/2009