New York – Assemblymembers Brian Kavanagh and Michelle Schimel, who are Co-Chairs of State Legislators Against Illegal Guns (SLAIG) in New York, applauded the agreement announced by State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today under which 23 gun show operators across the state agreed to implement new safety standards.
The Attorney General’s Office developed the “Model Gun Show Procedures”, to promote uniform gun show operations and to ensure that legally required background checks are performed on all guns sold at the events. The 23 operators taking part in the Attorney General’s agreement oversee over 80% of the shows in the state, including more than 50 currently scheduled shows this year.
Schimel and Kavanagh said:
“We congratulate and thank Attorney General Schneiderman for a major accomplishment in the battle to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals.
“Nationally, gun shows are often a gateway for illegal sales of guns to people who would otherwise be prohibited from purchasing them, for example because the would-be buyer has a criminal record. While New York is one of the few states that require background checks for private sales at gun shows, the Attorney General has gathered important evidence that the rules have not always been followed here.
“The Attorney General and the gun show operators who have joined the agreement deserve great credit for taking this very constructive step to enforce and comply with the law.
“With today’s announcement, Attorney General Schneiderman, who has been a leader in the fight against illegal guns for many years, has once again made it clear that we in New York are serious about reducing gun crime through sensible laws and by encouraging responsible behavior among sellers.
“We are committed to working with the Attorney General and gun safety advocates towards the goal of universal adoption of the new gun show procedures in New York by the end of this year. All New York gun show operators who want to behave responsibly should sign on. And today’s agreement should be a model for other states.”
Under the Model Procedures, gun show operators will:
- Post conspicuous signs throughout the shows, and give written notice to all dealers that New York State law requires that a National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) be completed before the transfer of a gun at a gun show, including on the grounds of the show.
- Require that all guns brought into the gun show by private sellers are tagged so that, upon exiting, the operator can determine if the guns were sold and a NICS was performed.
- Provide access to a dealer who is authorized to conduct a NICS at cost.
- The dealer performing the NICS shall complete and file the ATF Form 4473 and maintain the forms for inspection by law enforcement agencies for ten years, per the Gun Show Law.
- Limit the number of access doors at the show so that sellers and buyers have to enter and exit through an area where the NICS procedures can be monitored.
- Use reasonable means to prevent illegal gun sales outside of the building, including the parking lot.
- Alert local law enforcement that a show will be held in their area, request periodic patrols in the parking lots to deter illegal sales, and call them if illegal sales are observed or suspected.
State Legislators Against Illegal Guns (SLAIG) is a bipartisan coalition of state legislators committed to working together to find innovative ways to stop gun violence. The New York Chapter includes members of both the State Senate and the State Assembly.
