New York has once again taken significant steps to impose stricter gun control laws. This time, a package of new bills, including a controversial 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases, has been passed by the State Senate and is now heading to the Assembly. These measures come despite recent Supreme Court rulings aimed at protecting Second Amendment rights, reflecting a growing tension between state legislation and federal judicial decisions, as reported by Copper Jacket TV in their latest video.
The 10-Day Waiting Period
One of the most notable bills in this package is S.4818, which establishes a mandatory 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases. This bill, originally introduced in February 2023, faced a slow start but was eventually passed by the Senate on June 4, 2024. The new law mandates that buyers must wait at least 10 days after filling out the necessary paperwork, regardless of how quickly their background check is completed. This waiting period is intended as a “cooling off” period but effectively delays lawful purchases.
Expansion of Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Another significant bill in the package aims to expand the scope of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). This legislation broadens the class of individuals who can file for ERPOs, potentially leading to an increase in firearm confiscations. New York already holds the record for the highest number of ERPOs, and this expansion could further escalate those numbers.
Merchant Codes for Firearms Dealers
S.8479 introduces a requirement for payment card networks to use specific merchant category codes for firearms dealers. This measure raises concerns about privacy and data collection, with opponents arguing that it could lead to the creation of registries and the blackballing of gun owners. The bill is seen as a significant intrusion into personal privacy and has sparked considerable debate.
Voluntary Waiver of Second Amendment Rights
Another controversial bill, S.2086, allows individuals to voluntarily waive their right to purchase firearms. This waiver would be reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), potentially preventing individuals from buying firearms in the future. Critics argue that this bill could lead to undue pressure on individuals to surrender their rights permanently.
Public Nuisance and Firearm Sales
S.7392A addresses the sale, manufacturing, distribution, importing, and marketing of firearms by establishing that these activities can create a public nuisance. This bill, along with its Assembly counterpart, has already passed, signaling a move towards holding firearm-related businesses accountable for broader societal impacts.
Implications for NRA-Certified Instructors
S.138A requires that the certification of firearms instructors be conducted by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, rather than the NRA. This change undermines the role of NRA-certified instructors and shifts control to state authorities, raising concerns about the potential for increased bureaucracy and regulation.
Ignoring Supreme Court Rulings
These legislative actions by New York are seen as a direct challenge to recent Supreme Court decisions, such as the Bruen and Heller rulings, which affirmed the individual right to bear arms. Critics argue that New York is effectively ignoring these rulings, choosing instead to push through stringent gun control measures that may eventually face legal challenges.
Governor’s Support and Fast-Tracking
Given the support from Governor Kathy Hochul, these bills are expected to be fast-tracked through the Assembly. Governor Hochul has publicly endorsed stricter gun control measures and has indicated her willingness to sign these bills into law. Her recent press conference highlighted her commitment to implementing new regulations in the wake of recent gun violence.
National Implications and Ongoing Legal Battles
The passage of these bills in New York is part of a broader trend where states with strong gun control inclinations are enacting laws that could set precedents for other states. As these laws come into effect, they are likely to face legal challenges that could bring them before the Supreme Court once again, setting the stage for ongoing battles over Second Amendment rights.
2A Rights Forever Challenged
People in the comments are angry about this: “One error of the Founders was not making infringement of the Bill of Rights a Capital Crime.”
Another commenter added: “Our 2A rights will be challenged in every state forever.”
One person concluded: “Tired of living in a state that looks for new ways to step on its citizens and tax them to no end. Of course she will sign it, she loves being the all mighty governor we didn’t vote for.”
An Escalation in Firearms Regulation
New York’s latest package of gun control bills represents a significant escalation in the state’s efforts to regulate firearms. By instituting measures like the 10-day waiting period, expanding ERPOs, and introducing new merchant codes, the state is pushing back against federal judicial protections of gun rights. These actions not only reflect the state’s determination to impose stricter gun control but also set the stage for potential legal confrontations that could have national implications.
Impacts on 2A Rights Nationwide
What do you think? What are the potential long-term impacts of New York’s new gun control measures on Second Amendment rights nationwide? How might these laws affect the relationship between state and federal judicial systems, particularly regarding the enforcement of Supreme Court rulings? What are the ethical implications of requiring individuals to voluntarily waive their Second Amendment rights, and how might this affect vulnerable populations?
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