County Legislature backs Collins’ federal bill to repeal SAFE Act in NY

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 September 2017 at 11:32 am

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature stated its support for federal legislation proposed by Congressman Chris Collins that would repeal the SAFE Act, a gun control measure passed in New York State on Jan. 15, 2013.

The County Legislature on Feb. 13, 2013, unanimously passed a resolution opposing the SAFE Act and calling for its repeal.

Collins, R-Clarence, said the “Second Amendment Guarantee Act” would limit the authority of states and localities to regulate or impose penalties or taxes in relation to rifles or shotguns.

File photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Sept. 8, 2014 shows a rally against the SAFE Act in Albion. About 200 people attended that rally outside the Albion Gun Shop on Hamilton Street.

The Collins’ bill would prevent local governments from enacting restrictions on any part of a rifle or shotgun, including any detachable magazine or ammunition feeding device and any type of grip or stock design.

“Any current or future laws enacted by a state or political subdivision that exceeds federal law for rifles and shotguns would be void, including the NY SAFE Act,” according to the county resolution approved on Wednesday.

In effect, Collins said SAGA would serve as a means to repeal the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act at the federal level. He said repealing the SAFE Act has been a priority for more than four years.

County Legislator Don Allport said Orleans County was the first county to go on the record as “100 percent opposed” to the SAFE Act. Orleans was recognized at a state SCOPE (Shooters Committee On Political Education) for its distinction having all county, town and village elected boards oppose the SAFE Act, Allport said.

Collins on July 30 said the SAFE Act is a “blatant encroachment of citizens’ Second Amendment rights.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called the push by Collins “a blatant political ploy.”

“This disturbing bill puts New Yorkers in harm’s way – and to make it worse, there is no basis for it. None,” Cuomo said in a statement on July 31. “The courts have resoundingly upheld New York’s law as consistent with the Constitution. We understand that Washington is in turmoil right now – we just ask that they don’t do anything to set back the progress we’ve been able to make despite them.”

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