Move to possibly challenge New York’s provision of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act approved by U.S. Supreme Court Justice
ALBANY, NY- The tug of war over New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act wages on, as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice just recently gave a thumbs up for a move that could potentially challenge the controversial legislation, which was constructed by the Democratic majority in Albany, NY.
Since word developed Tuesday that Justice Clarence Thomas granted a request for an emergency conference, in a case that Governor Kathy Hochul claims is designed to dismantle New York's Concealed Carry Improvement Act, there has been an outpouring of support from several Republican figures, including North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21).
“Gov. Hochul's state-run background check system and tax on Constitutional rights are causing serious delays and false denials,” she said. “The delays are also causing community firearm retailers to lose customers who say they aren't going to wait and instead go to neighboring states for ammunition to avoid the state registration and extra taxes.”
Read her full statement below:
"Last month, I led my New York Republican colleagues in demanding Governor Kathy Hochul delay her unconstitutional anti-Second Amendment action. Constituents in my Congressional District have made their frustration known loud and clear. Gov. Hochul's state-run background check system and tax on Constitutional rights are causing serious delays and false denials. I have heard from constituents, including former law enforcement officials, who have successfully purchased a firearm only to be denied the ability to purchase ammunition. The delays are also causing community firearm retailers to lose customers who say they aren't going to wait and instead go to neighboring states for ammunition to avoid the state registration and extra taxes. Taxing law-abiding New Yorkers and delaying and denying their Second Amendment rights must end - full stop. I applaud Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas for rightfully considering a challenge to New York's new illegal anti-2nd Amendment law. I will do everything possible to bring this unconstitutional siege on our God-given right to bear arms to a grinding halt.”
Elise Stefanik image.
Specifically, it seems a major point of conflict for this legislation revolves around the additional fees for each background check and ammunition purchase.
Yet, Governor Hochul has not budged from her stance of aiming to keep New Yorker’s safe. “And we don't want a situation where there's an incident, tempers flare, tensions rise, and instead of just a shove or an angry word, someone happens to have a concealed weapon on them,” she said during a news briefing Tuesday.
“That is not the New York we envision, not the New York we want, and not the New York that we'll stop fighting for.”
Read her full remarks below:
"Good afternoon, everyone. Before I begin with a summary of what we just talked about at our Cabinet meeting, I'd like to just share some news. Washington never ceases to amaze us, but we just learned in the last hour that Justice Clarence Thomas – yes, the one and only – granted a request for an emergency conference in a case that is designed to dismantle New York's Concealed Carry Improvement Act.
You're aware of why we had to, first of all, past such legislation, because after being on the books about 108 years, a law that protected New Yorkers, allowed a Governor to protect her citizens from having lawlessness, or having people carrying guns concealed, you know, in grocery stores and on subways, and in Times Square and in parks across our state.
When that was struck down by the Supreme Court, we sprung into action. We passed another law, the Concealed Carry Improvement Act, in order to meet the dictates of the Supreme Court. In our opinion, it passed muster, it was effective, and of course because it works, it was challenged in court. So we had a reprieve a short time ago with Justice Sotomayor, but the next step is that Clarence Thomas has moved for an emergency conference to try and dismantle this.
They are dead set on placating their NRA donors and supporters, and we are the ones left to clean it up. We are working really hard to ensure that New Yorkers are safe. What we talk about all day long – the safety of New Yorkers in our streets, in our public places, and in our homes. And we don't want a situation where there's an incident, tempers flare, tensions rise, and instead of just a shove or an angry word, someone happens to have a concealed weapon on them. That is not the New York we envision, not the New York we want, and not the New York that we'll stop fighting for.
I called a special session. We have laws on the books. They've tried a few times, but we expect this to continue to the U.S. Court of Appeals, the Second Circuit. But in the meantime, everyone should know that the current law remains in effect. But we are ready for any other efforts to thwart our efforts, state's efforts, state's responsibilities to protect our citizens.
That's what we're focused on. I will not allow their recklessness to affect the safety of New Yorkers, full stop. And we believe that our law is Constitutional, and we'll stand by it."
Governor Hochul image.
With that being said, Governor Hochul went on to state that the law remains in effect and she believes the legislation will stand long-term.
New York State Government headline image.
