FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(ALBANY, NY) -- Today, the New York State Assembly passed the Concealed Carry Gun law (A41001) that would protect New Yorkers in public spaces like schools, government buildings, places of worship, grocery store, museums, stadiums, public transportation, and establishments that serve alcohol. This Law was introduced following the Supreme Court's decision to dismantle New York's 100 year-old concealed carry law.

The Assembly also passed the Equality Amendment (A41002) which would would amend Section 11 of Article 1 of the New York State Constitution to expand the constitutional prohibition against discrimination in civil rights to include additional protected classes.

"Time and time again we hear of guns everywhere. This can also mean there is potential for gun violence everywhere.

"While we have been forced to live within the new set of parameters set by the Supreme Court's decision to dismantle the concealed carry law, we must do what ever is necessary to maintain a level of safety. Requiring restrictions in sensitive areas along with providing some flexibility to businesses and property owners to continue to keep guns off-premise will provide some level of comfort to New Yorkers.

"Safe storage regulations are especially essential. There are situations where guns stolen from legal owners are then used in criminal activities or in unexpected tragic accidents. We know that guns that are not safely stored lead to children being shot - 7 per day, on average.

"These regulations are meant to protect everyone, and that includes law-abiding gun owners. These are the “common sense gun laws” that 90% of Americans say we need.

"Regarding the Equality Amendment, in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, this amendment also protects New Yorkers from discrimination based on pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive care decisions."

“To keep New Yorkers safe and address the havoc wrought by the recent Supreme Court decision on concealed carry permits, the Assembly Majority passed legislation to establish sensitive places where guns are not be permitted, such as mass transit, schools, hospitals, government buildings and establishments that serve alcohol, and allows private business owners to decide whether to allow guns on their property. The legislation will also implement new live-training requirements as part of the concealed carry licensing process and expands the list of crimes that would preclude a person from being eligible for a concealed carry permit. These new safety standards establish a uniform statewide policy for obtaining a handgun license. The bill also requires safe storage of firearms in households that include a person under 18 years of age (A.41001).

“New York State has always been a leader for our nation on policies that uplift and treat people with the equality we all deserve. Today we build on that record by passing an Equality Amendment that will protect New Yorkers from discrimination (A.41002). This concurrent resolution will ensure that the New York State Constitution protects individuals against discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, religion or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Most notably, in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s disastrous decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, this amendment also protects New Yorkers from discrimination based on pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive care decisions. To become law, the measure must pass both houses of the Legislature again in the next legislative session before it goes before the voters as a ballot referendum. 

Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn covering Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She is currently the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), Chair of the Task Force on Women's Issues and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Education, Banks, Health, and Higher Education. She also sits on Governor Hochul's Domestic Violence Advisory Council and Mayor Adams MWBE Task Force.

As a current Assemblymember, District Leader, and Chair of Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has been an outspoken advocate on issues concerning immigration, education, economic development, unemployment, education reform, health care access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, school safety, women's and LGBTQ rights, as well as other issues affecting the quality of life in the community.

and www.rodneysebichotte.net