Marion Bae, FISM News
After taking major losses on gun reform in the U.S. Supreme Court, New York is trying once more to restrict the gun rights of law-abiding citizens by enacting “gun-free zones” and rummaging through applicants’ social media for years.
In June, the Supreme Court made a number of decisions regarding gun rights, spurred by their decision to overrule a New York law that required concealed carry applicants to provide “proper cause” for needing a gun. The Court found the hundred-year-old gun law to be a violation of the 2nd Amendment, additionally declaring for the first time that there were constitutional protections for the right to carry a firearm in public.
After this decision, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appeared on CBS Mornings, where she was asked about her response to the ruling.
“We believe that the decision was shocking in its scale, and also reprehensible given that we are experiencing a nationwide gun violence crisis,” Hochul said. “This is not a recently enacted change in how we manage our licensing, we’ve always done this. The only thing that has changed is the political composition of the Supreme Court.”
Hochul assured viewers that she and the other legislators were prepared to act.
“We have legislation being drafted, we plan to go to a special session next week,” she said.
Speaking to her opposition, Hochul insisted that she was not taking away anyone’s right to gun ownership, but was instead enforcing the right the government had to decide “…who has it, and where they use this gun.”
After the special session, Hochul signed new gun legislation with the laws set to go into place on Sept. 1.
“Our state will continue to keep New Yorkers safe from harm, even despite this setback from the Supreme Court,” Hochul said.
With the new laws, gun ownership in New York will require 15 hours of training at a firing range, as well as background checks for ammunition purchases. For those looking to purchase a handgun, there is an additional stipulation. They will need to provide their personal social media information for 3 years, in the state’s new effort to flag “dangerous behavior.”
There are also new laws regarding where guns can be carried. These new laws included a list of “sensitive locations” where guns will not be allowed, including Times Square, public transportation, schools, government buildings, parks, places of worship, hospitals, and others. Places of business are also off limits for those concealed carrying unless the store owner posts a sign allowing it.
Hochul posted the list of prohibited locations on her Twitter today, with the caption, “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority. Starting tomorrow, concealed weapons will no longer be permitted on subways, in bars, and the following sensitive locations.”
Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority.
Starting tomorrow, concealed weapons will no longer be permitted on subways, in bars, and the following sensitive locations. pic.twitter.com/RKExUOBlrT
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 31, 2022
New York Republicans, a minority in the state’s lawmaking body, opposed these measures. During the session, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh argued in opposition.
I think it is unconstitutional, I think it will be challenged. I think it really is gonna criminalize people who should not be criminalized, and at the same time not address the sincere problems with violence that we have in our communities all across the state.