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Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Print number 6711a
- Amend and recommit to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to possession of firearms on property owned by or held in trust for SUNY ESF
In Assembly Committee · Codes · Sponsor William Magee
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S6711A
Title of bill
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to possession of firearms on property owned by or held in trust for SUNY ESF
Purpose or general idea of bill
To restore hunting rights on SUNY ESF property.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 amends Section 265.01-a of the penal law pertaining to criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds. The bill adds the language "held in trust" when describing exemptions under this provision of the law.
Section 2 shall make the effective date immediately.
Justification
In the fall of 2013, SUNY ESF announced that it would ban hunting on 5,300 acres of its property in the North Country. This land had been regularly used by SUNY ESF's students and faculty for research and as well as being a popular location for small and big game hunters.
SUNY ESF's announcement was due to the firearm possession changes that were created under the NY SAFE Act. Under the SAFE Act, penalties were added for possessing a rifle, shotgun or firearm in or upon a building or grounds, used for educational purposes. While the law provided an exemption for land owned by SUNY ESF, it did not contain an exemption for property that is held in trust for SUNY ESF which includes 5,300 acres in the Adirondacks. Without mention of "land held in trust," under the law, an individual who possesses a shotgun, rife or firearm on theses premises in the Adirondacks could face a Class E Felony.
As a result, SUNY ESF made the decision to announce the hunting ban for its Adirondack properties to prevent hunters and outdoor sports enthusiasts from being potentially charged with a felony under the SAFE Act.
This legislation makes the technical changes that will once again open up these areas for hunting of big and small game.
Prior legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None to the state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.