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A congressman representing portions of Western New York is proposing new legislation to undo restrictions found within New York's Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act.
U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, R-Clarence, unveiled the bill Monday that would do away with a state's authority to regulate rifles and shotguns commonly used by hunters. Known as the Second Amendment Guarantee Act, legislation would prevent states from implementing regulations on such weapons that are more restrictive than what federal law requires.
Local governments also wouldn't be able to regulate, prohibit or require registration and licensing for the sale, manufacturing, importation, transfer or possession of a rifle or shotgun.
Collins said his bill protects Second Amendment rights of New Yorkers "taken away by Gov. Andrew Cuomo." Responding to legislation, the governor said it would put New Yorkers in harm's way.
U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, said Monday that he didn't get the chance to read Collins' bill. But Reed said he would support legislation that takes out the SAFE Act and protects the Second Amendment.
"It's something I feel very passionate about," Reed said. "I will stand for the Second Amendment as one of our individual, fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution each and every day I'm in Congress."
Cuomo said New York rose to the occasion following the 2013 tragedy at Sandy Hook by passing the toughest gun safety laws in the nation. Cuomo said there's no basis for Collins' bill.
"The courts have resoundingly upheld New York's law as consistent with the Constitution," he said. "We understand that Washington is in turmoil right now -- we just ask that they don't do anything to set back the progress we've been able to make despite them."
Collins' bill would also void any future laws enacted by a state that exceeds federal law for rifles and shotguns.
A bill in the New York State Legislature proposed to undo the SAFE Act in upstate communities, but it never gained any traction this year. The bill was introduced by Central New York Assemblyman Marc Butler and state Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda. The bill had 19 cosponsors in the Senate, including state Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean. Twenty-two Assembly members signed on including Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown, and Joseph Giglio, R-Gowanda.
Goodell said he supports the congressman's intent to undo the SAFE Act. However, Goodell said he's not sure the federal government has that kind of authority to override state penal law provisions.
"I don't think there are any document improvements to the safety or reduction of gun violence anytime whatsover," Goodell said regarding the SAFE Act. "But to directly overturn the SAFE Act, I doubt the federal government can do that."