May’s Focus – Gun Violence Prevention
The data on gun violence in our country is appalling for 2019 alone:
(Source: https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/)
In New York, so far in 2019 we’ve seen legislative improvements, including the passing of the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law, strengthened background checks, banned bump stocks, established gun buyback programs standards, and clarified authorized persons able to carry weapons on school properties.
While it is an impressive list that passed the State Senate and Assembly, a number of these items still need to be signed into law by Governor Cuomo.
- S.2374: Establishes an extension of time of up to thirty calendar days for national instant background checks
- S2448: Prohibits the possession, manufacture, transport and disposition of rapid-fire modification devices
- S101A: Limits educational institutions ability to authorize the possession of a weapon on school grounds
- S2449: Establishes the municipal gun buyback program and municipal gun buyback program fund
- S2438: Relates to access to foreign state records concerning previous or present mental illness of applicants for firearms license
Call Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390
Note: When you call, select option 2 to speak to an agent. They will take your zip code and message to the governor. The agent I spoke with also suggested emailing or writing: details to use those options can be found here.
I was thrilled when these bills were passed earlier this year; it’s a bit of a let-down to see that they aren’t yet law. So call and let’s make sure we see this important legislation turned into meaningful action!