The Fight Continues: Assembly Bill 03855/Senate Bill 05763 by John Elwood
The United States Constitution, ratified in 1788 and operationalized in 1789, is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. In it’s first three word ----- “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. Many people believe the Second Amendment, “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed”, is the most important amendment because it defends the rest of the Constitution.
In the 2008 case District of Columbia v. Heller, the Supreme Court held that the “Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.”
Since the creation of the United States Constitution, there have been periods in our history when different parties and organizations tried to circumvent the Second Amendment. A few examples of this include passage of the 2013 SAFE Act in NY State, the possible adoption of new merchant category codes for gun and ammunition purchases, the adoption of red flag laws, and Joe Biden’s continual promise to ban assault weapons.
To fight against this continual effort by the gun control advocates, organizations such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), New York State Rifle and Pistol Association NYSRPA), and Shooter’s Committee on Political Education (SCOPE) were founded. SCOPE’s mission statement states,” to protect, restore, and expand the gun rights of all New Yorkers.” Even with these gun control right organizations, gun control advocates continue their fight today. New York State Assembly bill 03855 and New York State Senate bill 05763 are examples.
New York State Assembly bill 03855 and companion bill Senate bill S05763 establish requirements to purchase a firearm, shotgun, or rifle. These requirements include:
Assembly bill 03855 was introduced and referred to the Assembly codes committee on January 3, 2024. To date, the codes committee has not debated/voted on the bill because the Assembly is working on the State budget. As of April 20, 2024, there will be 18 working days remaining in the legislative year. A03855 ‘s sponsor is Chantel Jackson, from Assembly district 79 located in Bronx, New York City. To date, Assemblywoman Jackson is the sole sponsor.
The same as bill to Assembly bill A03855 is New York State Senate bill S05763, sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker from Senate district 21 located in Brooklyn, New York. Senate bill S05763 was introduced on January 3, 2024, and referred to the Senate codes committee. Senator Parker is the sole sponsor for Senate bill S05763. Both bill sponsors are from New York City where there are no SCOPE chapters.
SCOPE’s position is to OPPOSE these two bills.
Assembly bill 03855 and Senate bill 05763 are good examples why SCOPE MUST continue to protect, restore, and expand gun rights of New York State citizens. Gun control advocates will continue their attempts to circumvent the Second Amendment until they get their way. ALL SCOPE members must write their legislators and oppose this legislation, bring new members into their chapters, and help write new legislation supporting the Second Amendment. If we fail in this mission, our sons, daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters will not have the same rights we have had in our lifetime. Get involved and make a difference.
