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As you should know, Gov. Paterson has announced a gun bill proposal, that if you believe all the media reports, is a benign minor regulatory effort to provide mental health data to the NICS background check system, add training requirements for a pistol license and some safety regulations for gun shops.  I've seen the text of this proposed bill and it is far more than benign.

The first six sections deal with mental health data reporting to comply with federal regulations.  Basically, it requires that involuntary commitments to mental health facilities be reported to the NICS system.  It does include a relief from disability clause and appeals process if relief is denied.
Section 7 expands the CoBIS system by mandating that law enforcement add crime gun information to the CoBIS database.  This appears to be and attempt to further legitimize a failed system.

Section 8 proposes a number of changes to PL400 and is the meat of this bill.  Changes include:

• Mandates statewide training standards for obtaining a pistol license similar to what is now law in Westchester County.  Adds "Air Force" to the list of military exemptions for the training requirement.
• Requires that all employees of a gun seller that handle firearms undergo background check and obtain a pistol license within a specified period.
• Deletes provisions for licensing of antique pistols.  Adds specific language authorizing a "sporting, hunting and target shooting" pistol license.
• Provides that addresses of license holders will no longer be public record.
• Would make a New York City pistol license valid statewide but not do the same for a State license to be valid in New York City.
• Provides for updating the purchase coupon system that seems to streamline the process.
• Authorizes the State Police to issue rules and regulations regarding the safe & secure operation of gun shops and inspection to insure compliance.  It also gives the State Police further powers to issue regulations to "prevent firearms, rifles and shotguns from being diverted from the legal stream of commerce" and does not provide for any public input or oversight to the establishment of these regulations.  Far too much power being placed in the hands of non-elected public officials.

Section 9 is where the details are of the regulations regarding licensing of gun shop employees.  It is overly complicated and restrictive and will just make it difficult for a non pistol license holder to get a job at a gun shop.

Section 10 prohibits duplicate licenses except by gun dealers, gunsmiths and certain peace officers.

Section 11 pertains to retired State Police officers applying for a pistol license.

As you can see this bill is far more than some "reasonable" safety regulations. 

For more info, please download the complete text of the Bill and the Sponsor Memorandum. (PDF files)

Ken Mathison, President
SCOPE, Inc.