The Erie County Legislature approved a resolution supporting the repeal of the SAFE Act in Upstate New York at the Thursday, March 9, 2017 session. The resolution, sponsored by the Majority Caucus, supports a Senate bill that calls for the repeal of the unnecessary regulations placed on lawful gun owners that accomplish nothing but creating bureaucratic, expensive hoops to jump through.
“The New York State SAFE Act has been a burden for lawful gun owners from the day it was approved. This resolution supports removing the sections of the Act that are unnecessary while maintaining provisions that are worthwhile and actually help make our communities safer. Mainly, the repeal would eliminate the redesigned, excessive registration process that lawful gun owners must now go through,” said Legislator Edward Rath.
“I’ve heard from numerous constituents who have been negatively impacted by the SAFE Act. This law was rushed through the state legislature in 2013 by downstate officials with very little opportunity for public input and without consideration for lawful gun owners. Senator Ortt’s legislation will help protect the constitutional rights of upstate residents,” said Legislator Ted Morton.
The state bill is sponsored by Senator Rob Ortt and calls for the repeal of provisions of the SAFE Act in areas outside of New York City. Local Western New York Senators Patrick Gallivan and Michael Ranzenhofer are cosponsors. The legislation repeals the five-year recertification requirement for pistol permits; fully repeals the ammunition database; repeals the statewide license and record database, which will save taxpayers millions of dollars; and authorizes the transfer of firearms, rifles and shotguns to family members as part of an estate. The bill keeps in place the necessary laws against unlawful use of firearms.
“The Senate bill makes sense for Erie County and similar counties outside of NYC. Our lawful gun owners should not be faced with regulations that limit their constitutional rights,” said Legislator Rath.
To review the resolution, please CLICK HERE.