As expected, the New York state Assembly on Jan. 9 passed a package of anti-gun bills that would negatively impact law-abiding firearms retailers as well as gunowners statewide. The package of six anti-gun bills was sponsored by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and includes the following legislation:

A-673A, which creates a new crime of failure to store a firearm “safely” and for negligent storage;

A-2302, which prohibits the retail sale of a handgun that does not contain a “child proofing” or integrated safety device;

A-4471, which bans the sale, use and possession of .50-caliber firearms;

A-2837, which outlaws many types of ammunition commonly used on shooting ranges and for safety and training purposes;

A-2466A, which drastically expands the state’s ban on so-called assault weapons, and

A-9280, which imposes criminal penalties and legal liability on licensed firearm dealers for any criminal activity that occurs after the retailer has sold the firearm to a qualified buyer, requires the retailer to obtain exorbitant insurance policies to pay for the actions of criminals, and requires retailers to place all firearms in fire-proof safes or vaults during non-business hours.

The bills all move to the state Senate.