Legislation pre-filed in New York by State Senator James Sanders will require anyone wishing to purchase a firearm to first pass a mental health evaluation. Senate Bill 7065 has been referred to the New York Senate Consumer Protection Committee where it awaits a hearing.

Take Action Today! New York sportsmen should call their state senators and ask them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 7065. New York members can contact their senators by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Directory.

Current New York law requires the use of a licensed firearms dealer and passage of a federal background (NICS) check to transfer any firearm. SB 7065 would require the mental health check prior to initiating the background check. The implementation of a mental health evaluation for firearm transfers constitutes unprecedented government regulation and overreach. The mental health requirement would even apply to a father giving a treasured firearm to his son or daughter.

Violators of the new law would face non-violent Class D felony charges and up to 7 years in prison. Some other non-violent Class D felonies in New York include robbery, burglary and vehicular manslaughter. If you are convicted of any felony, you lose your right to own a firearm and your right to vote.

“In addition to the clear violation of Second Amendment rights, this legislation unfairly targets the hunting and sport shooting community by creating barriers that limit access to the outdoors,” said Jacob Hupp, associate director of state services for the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “As it becomes more difficult to legally obtain a firearm in New York, it also becomes more difficult to drive participation in hunting and shooting sports.”

About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.  Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.