Ortt, Hawley issue statements on new background check mandates for ammunition
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley have both issued statements about a new background check to buy ammunition.
Statement from Rob Ortt:
“Last week, the latest attack on New Yorkers’ 2nd Amendment rights went into effect, with new taxes, fees and burdensome new requirements for background checks on ammo purchases. The latest infringement has led to long delays, increased costs, and even forced some businesses throughout the state to close their doors for good.
“Not surprisingly, consumers and businesses are frustrated. I voted against this latest infringement on our 2nd amendment rights.
“Despite what Albany politicians would have you believe, these ridiculous new mandates – which are being challenged in court – will do nothing to curb illegal gun violence in our state. All it will do is drive out small businesses and make it more difficult for New Yorkers to exercise their constitutional right to protect themselves at a time when New York continues to become more dangerous.”
Statement from Steve Hawley:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) bashed New York state’s new ammunition background check mandate.
Beginning September 13th, a background check is required prior to the purchase of firearm, rifle or shotgun ammunition and the responsibility for initiating NICS background checks for firearm, rifle or shotgun purchases has shifted to the State Police.
Gun dealers and licensed ammunition sellers must now contact the State Police online to process these background checks, which include an additional fee. An automated phone system is expected to be active sometime next month.
Hawley is disappointed that the Supreme Court did not recognize the state’s overreach on our Second Amendment rights and is committed to reversing this mandate in the State Assembly.
For any questions or concerns about this new background check provision, please contact the New York State Police directly either by phone, 1-877-NYS-NICS, or email, nysnics@troopers.ny.gov.
“This new mandate from the state government is yet another attempt to infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens of New York,” Hawley said. “Policies like this are pushing New Yorkers out of our state and putting our small businesses in a difficult situation. Already we are seeing business owners reporting hours-long wait times for background check approvals. Businesses would never do things this way on their own and the state is now forcing them to operate in this new inefficient and confusing system.
“While this mandate is currently in effect, I will not stand for our rights being chipped away at piece by piece. I would encourage anyone who has questions to go through the proper avenues and contact the state police so that they can properly navigate this new regulation. As your assemblyman, I will continue to fight for your rights and reverse disastrous policies like this.”
