June 2025 SCOPE President Activities

June 2025 was an exceptionally active month for SCOPE initiatives.  The Erie County Chapter of SCOPE was reestablished under the leadership of Mr. Mark Drews.  SCOPE President John Elwood served as the guest speaker at multiple gun clubs and SCOPE chapters, including the Niagara County Second Amendment Forever organization, the Schuyler County Chapter of SCOPE and the Ulster County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs.  In June, meetings and coordination efforts included two sessions with the SCOPE Social Media Plan Committee and a meeting with an H&R Block representative regarding sales tax on potential future online merchandise sales by SCOPE.  As the 2025 legislative session concluded on June 16, 2025, the SCOPE legislative committee convened to review and assess SCOPE’s Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Legislation debated in the New York State Legislature.  Banquet coordination efforts continued Sunday, June 22, 2025, as the SCOPE Chairman and President attended a Cayuga County GOP event to meet with Congressman Michael Lawler and invite Congressman Lawler to speak at the 2025 SCOPE banquet.  Expanding SCOPE chapters in New York State is essential.  The organization’s President is currently prioritizing Niagara, St. Lawrence, and Putnam counties. Finally, preparations were made for the Jefferson/Lewis County Chapter of SCOPE as its members volunteered to participate in the Lewis County Fair 15-20 July 2025.

Erie County Chapter of SCOPE.  The Erie County Chapter of SCOPE was officially reestablished on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, under the leadership of Mr. Mark Drews.  Approximately 45 SCOPE members attended the meeting, which was held in Blasdell, New York.  Mark Drews opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and outlining the chapter’s future direction.  SCOPE ‘s President also addressed the group, discussing the organization’s five key priorities and its strategic path in 2025-2026.  The chapter plans to hold meetings monthly.

Niagara Second Amendment Forever Organization.  The SCOPE President served as the guest speaker at the Second Amendment Forever organization, with the goal of outlining SCOPE’s efforts to protect and defend the Second Amendment, presenting the organization’s key priorities, and encouraging new membership.  The SCOPE President also was the guest speaker at the Schuyler County Chapter of SCOPE on Thursday, June 5, 2025. 

SCOPE’s Social Media Plan Committee.  The committee began work developing a course of action for a SCOPE social media plan.  Proposed actions include launching multiple social media accounts – such as X, Reddit, and Rumble – developing additional “Alert Messages,” and potentially starting a podcast.  Once a proposed course of action is outlined, the committee will present it to the SCOPE Board of Directors for approval.  The plan will detail key elements such as the concept, costs, and required resources.  Upon approval, a dedicated SCOPE Social Media Task Force (SMTF) will be established to implement and manage the social medial strategy. 

H&R Block and Sales Tax.  To assess the feasibility of establishing a fourth revenue stream through online merchandise sales, research was conducted to determine whether a 501 c (4) organization is required to collect and remit sales tax in New York State.  A SCOPE official met with a senior executive from H&R Block to clarify whether sales tax would be required.  A sales tax is required for a 501 C (4) organization in New York State.  If the SCOPE Board of Directors approves the development of an additional revenue stream through online merchandise sales, several steps must be taken.  First, SCOPE would need to get a New York State sales tax vendor number, followed by applying for an online services agreement.  Sales tax would be remitted quarterly covering the periods March – May, June – August, September – November, and December – February.  Even if there were no sales during a quarter, a sales tax report is required.  Additional research is still needed before a final decision can be made.

Update To SCOPE’s Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Legislation Debated in the Legislature. The 2025 legislative session officially ended on June 16, 2025, when the New York State Assembly adjourned. At the start of the session in January, SCOPE personnel reviewed 69 firearms-related bills introduced in the legislature and identified the "Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Bills" for focused monitoring and opposition. One of these bills, Senate Bill S00362—which mandates a ten-day waiting period from the initial contact with the New York State National Instant Background Check System (NYS NICS) before a firearm, shotgun, or rifle can be delivered—passed the Senate through a full floor vote. However, its companion bill in the Assembly, A03233, did not advance out of the Codes Committee during the 2025 session.

With the session concluded and Senate Bill S00362 advancing, several SCOPE members met and began updating the "Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Bills" list in preparation for the 2026 legislative session. Two additional bills are being considered for inclusion on SCOPE’s updated list. The first is Senate Bill S00399 / Assembly Bill A00199, which would make it illegal for certain individuals to possess or sell a "pistol converter" or a "converted pistol." The term “convertible pistol” is defined as any semi-automatic pistol with a cruciform trigger bar that can be readily converted into a machine gun—either by hand or using common household tools—through the installation or attachment of a pistol converter. The second is Senate Bill S04954 / Assembly Bill A01089, which would prohibit the use of lead ammunition when taking wildlife on state-managed lands, including wildlife management areas, state forest preserves, state parks, and other state-owned lands open to hunting. The ban would also apply to lands that contribute surface water to the New York City water supply.

Banquet.  Banquet planning is ongoing. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the SCOPE Chairman and President attended a Cayuga County GOP event held in support of Congressman Michael Lawler, who is currently exploring a potential run for New York State Governor against Governor Hochul in 2026. During the event, Congressman Lawler was invited to be one of the featured speakers at the upcoming SCOPE Banquet, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Palmyra VFW in Palmyra, New York. 

Fundraising Season. SCOPE county chapters are actively planning and carrying out their summer and fall fundraising efforts. For example, the Jefferson/Lewis County Chapter is participating in the Lewis County Parade and hosting an informational table at the county fair. Activities at the event include playing “Plinko" game for a gun raffle, public education on current firearms legislation, and the distribution of U.S. Constitutions and voter registration forms. Proceeds from these efforts help fund legal challenges in support of the Second Amendment and contribute to local high school shooting sports programs. Successful fundraising strengthens SCOPE’s ability to protect and defend Second Amendment rights against ongoing efforts by gun control advocates.

Fourth of July. What a day!  Friday, July 4, 2025, marks the 249th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It’s a day to reflect on and celebrate the enduring significance of our nation’s independence. For nearly 250 years, our freedoms have been preserved through the dedication and sacrifice of generations of patriots who came before us.

We owe our liberty to the courage and perseverance of individuals like G.I. Joe and Rosie the Riveter—symbols of the countless men and women who gave their all for the country. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us remember the meaning behind it and honor those who made our freedom possible.

Thank You! I want to thank each member of SCOPE for volunteering to support and defend the Second Amendment with your time, talent, and treasure.  The world is full of examples of what happens to its citizenry when they lose their right to self-defense.  In 1787, when Mrs. Elizabeth Willing Powell asked Benjamin Franklin, "What do we have, a republic or a monarchy, Benjamin Franklin said, "A Republic, if you can keep it".  Enjoy your family and friends during your celebration of the Fourth of July and stay safe!

John
SCOPE President