Establishes a safety course requirement for firearm license

4 Co-sponsors

• Shirley L. Huntley
• Diane J. Savino
• José M. Serrano
• Toby Ann Stavisky

Title of bill

An act to amend the penal law and the environmental conservation law, in relation to requiring completion of a gun safety course as a condition for a license to possess a pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun

Summary of specific provisions

This legislation amends section 3-0301 of the environmental conservation law directing the department to promulgate minimum standards for a three hour weapons safety training course which will be administered by local licensing officers. After the completion of such a course, individuals will be issued a certificate of participation.

Section 400.00 of the penal law is amended by adding a new subdivision 2-a to require the completion of a three hour weapons safety training course certified by the department of environmental conservation to be administered by the local licensing officer.

The instructors for the safety course shall have completed the municipal police training council's firearm instructors training course and be certified, qualified instructors. The council, an agency within the State's Department of Criminal Justice Services, is the appropriate body to train instructors for this safety course as they are charged with the responsibility of designing and approving training criteria for instructors at police training schools.

There will be a fee charged for the firearm safety course which shall be set by the municipality administering the course and be deposited in the county or city treasury to be used to cover the costs of administering the course and to enhance law enforcement efforts.

Justification

One of the most remarkable aspects of buying a weapon is that no experience is necessary. It is inconceivable that before you can obtain a license to drive a car, the State requires a person to complete a five hour safe driving course, but you can purchase a deadly weapon without understanding the inherent dangers in owning one.

The certificate of participation proves that the applicant or prospective purchaser has received adequate instruction in the safe handling of firearms, rifles and shotguns and ensuring both the State's, as well as the purchaser's interests are met through the safe and responsible use of the weapon.

Fiscal implications

This act will have unknown, but likely positive, fiscal implications to municipalities administering the course.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall become a law.