As you know, background checks for ammunition and firearms in New York State are now conducted by the New York State Police. This change took effect on September 13, 2023, and was instituted as a requirement of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act, legislation I strongly opposed and voted against.  

The Concealed Carry Improvement Act requires background checks for both firearm and ammunition purchases. The background checks are conducted by a new centralized bureau established within the State Police. As I mentioned, I oppose the State taking control of the background check process and implementing further steps and fees. I wanted you to know that I have introduced legislation removing background check requirements for ammunition purchases and preventing new fees from being passed on to retailers and consumers. 

My legislation, Senate Bill S.7650-A, would: 

• Require that all costs associated with the creation and maintenance of the background check system be borne by the State and prohibited from being passed on to either retailers or consumers, eliminating any possibility of new fees; 
• Eliminate new requirements that those purchasing ammunition submit to a background check; 
• Eliminate the creation of an ammunition purchase database, removing concerns about the State unnecessarily collecting data. 

I have heard from many of my constituents about the burdensome process and unreliability of the new background check system. Please know that I will continue to fight this State overreach and other legislation – like Bail Reform, the HALT Act, and the Concealed Carry Improvement Act – that undermine lawful gun owners and sportspeople while prioritizing criminals.