Monday, February 6, 2017

Model Gun Show Procedures Bill Needs More Work, Before It Can Be Voted On!

Action Alert!!   Model Gun Show Procedures Bill Needs More Work, Before It Can Be Voted On!


Tonight, Monday February 6 at 7:00 PM, the Westchester County Board of Legislators will consider an alternative bill proposed by County Legislator Jim Maisano to require all Gun Shows held in Westchester County to meet Model Gun Show Procedures developed by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.    

While gun violence prevention advocates want Gun Shows banned completely at Westchester County Center, this alternative bill would potentially apply to any future gun shows held on PRIVATE land in Westchester County.   So, it could be an improvement over existing laws -- but only if strong amendments are made.

As the Model Gun Show Procedures bill stands right now, it is NOT READY TO BE VOTED ON by the full Board.
   

Gun violence prevention advocates want the bill SENT BACK to the legislative committees that are developing it, to add additional provisions to require strict legal enforcement and penalties for any violations.  

If possible, please call your County Legislator TODAY to urge that the Model Gun Show Procedures bill be sent back to the Public Safety and Social Services Committee (and Legislation and Parks Committees) for strengthening amendments.
    

The proposed Model Gun Show Procedures Law would require that:
1)  All guns brought into the gun show by private sellers are tagged so that, upon exiting, the operator can determine if guns were sold and that a proper background check was performed.
2)  The show sponsors must post conspicuous signs throughout the shows that give written notice to all dealers,  and lay out in online promotional materials that makes clear that New York State law requires that a National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) must be completed prior to all firearm sales or transfers, and it’s a crime not to do so.
3) The show sponsors  must inform all gun show staff of the requirements of posting signs and conducting background checks (NICS) and provide access to a dealer who is authorized to conduct a NICS at cost.
4) The show sponsors must limit the number of access doors at the show so that sellers and buyers have to enter and exit through an area where the NICS procedures can be monitored.
5) The show sponsors must use reasonable means, including police patrols, to prevent illegal gun sales outside of the building, including the parking lot, and have law enforcement at gun show to watch for illegal sales.
STATUS OF GUN SHOW BAN:  The status of the Gun Show Ban is that the bill was approved by the County Board of Legislators on January 9, by a vote of 9-8.  But unfortunately it was vetoed on January 21 by County Executive Astorino.

Advocates want the Board to vote to override the Astorino Veto, and uphold the ban; a total of 3 additional legislators’ votes will be needed to override the veto.

When you call, please also tell your legislator that you want he or she to vote to OVERRIDE COUNTY EXECUTIVE ASTORINO’S VETO and UPHOLD THE GUN SHOW BAN on any future gun shows at the Westchester County Center.   Government should not be in the business of hosting gun shows and promoting gun ownership.

                        WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS
                                         CONTACT INFORMATION

Name (Click to Email)
District
Represents
Phone
John G. Testa
(Minority Leader)
1
Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown
914-995-2828
2
Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers
914-995-2810
3
Mount Pleasant, North Castle, Pleasantville
914-995-2847
4
New Castle, Somers, Yorktown
914-995-2848
5
White Plains, Scarsdale, Harrison
914-995-2827
6
Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook
914-995-2834
7
Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Rye
914-995-2802
8
Elmsford, Greenburgh, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown
914-995-2833
9
Briarcliff Manor, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Ossining, Peekskill
914-995-2812
10
Eastchester, New Rochelle, Tuckahoe
914-995-2817
James Maisano
(Vice Chair)
11
New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor
914-995-2826
12
Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry,Edgemont, Hartsdale,   Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington
914-995-2821
13
Mount Vernon
914-995-2837
14
Yonkers, Mount Vernon
914-995-2815
Gordon A. Burrows
(Minority Whip)
15
Bronxville, Yonkers
914-995-2830
16
Yonkers
914-995-2829
17
Yonkers
914-995-2846




If you are not sure which legislator represents you, you can look them up here >>

Or check this page to find legislators and see which towns they represent >>

Tonight’s Agenda Item – Westchester County Board of Legislators
Board of Legislators
Regular Meeting
2/6/2017 7:00 PM 
 Legislative Chamber
148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor   White Plains, NY 10601

IV.
SPECIAL ORDERS
1.
A Proposed Local Law amending the Laws of Westchester County by adding a new Chapter 432 requiring gun show operators conducting events in Westchester County to follow and enforce certain procedures.
Submitted by COMMITTEES ON [LEGISLATION, PUBLIC SAFETY & SOCIALSERVICES AND LABOR, PARKS,PLANNING & HOUSING
LOCAL LAW INTRO No. 9842-2017                                           VOTE ___________

a.
b.
c.

There will likely be a public comment period at 7:00 PM for the first 10 people who sign up to speak.  You may need to get there at 5:30 – 6:00 PM to wait in line to get a public comment card, which are given out to the first 10 people who line up.