Res. No. 380

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.10091, to prohibit firearms as prizes in any game of chance.

By Council Members Treyger, Brannan and Yeger

Whereas, Gun violence is a national and local problem affecting many Americans and New Yorkers on a daily basis; and

Whereas, According to the Gun Violence Archive, there were 58,019 incidents of gun violence in the United States in 2017, resulting in 14,635 deaths and 29,669 injuries; and

Whereas, the National Rifle Association’s political lobbying efforts have prevented common-sense gun safety legislation from being enacted nationwide; and

Whereas, National Rifle Association fundraisers have used firearm raffles, most recently at a proposed event in Brooklyn, New York, as a tool for increasing monetary donations to the organization, thereby bolstering the organization’s lobbying capacity to the detriment of public safety; and

Whereas, New York State law regulates raffles and other games of chance, and prohibits the distribution of alcohol as a prize in games of chance; and

Whereas, Firearms should be treated similarly to alcohol and be prohibited from being a prize in a game of chance; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls up on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 10091, sponsored by Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon,  to prohibit firearms as prizes in any game of chance.

JDK

LS #5873

5/15/18