The good and the bad
Good news/bad news scenarios are rampant in the state legislature and sportsmen's issues are not exempt.
Good news is represented by the fact that last Tuesday (April 8) the Senate passed S1284, the Youth Mentor Hunting Program.
The measure creates a program that allows licensed individuals ages 14 and older to hunt big game with a firearm so long as they are accompanied by a licensed mentor, age 21 or older.
On the bad news side, Senator Eric Schneiderman (D-31) is seeking to circumvent the committee process by petitioning Senate Bill 2404 out of committee to the floor.
This bill would impose impossible requirements and restrictions on federally licensed firearms dealers that could force virtually every one of them out of business.
The bill would require redundant reporting requirements already required by federal law, would mandate that all inventory be locked up in a safe when the store is closed (simply locking the building would not qualify), and would require all dealers to obtain exorbitant insurance policies to cover against any criminal activity that could occur after a firearm is legally sold.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, joined by the affiliated New York State Association of Firearms Retailers, is encouraging all sportsmen to contact their local Senators, urging them to strongly oppose this anti-business and anti-gun legislation along with the sponsor's attempt to bypass the committee process.
Frankly, the chance of either of these measures becoming law are as about as good as Ron Paul has of becoming President.
Regardless, voice your opinion to your local Assemblyman and/or Senator in regard to either or both bills.