Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua County) today supported exempting retired police officers from the NY SAFE Act, and called for the repeal of the ill-conceived law. While Assembly bill 6356 would allow retired police officers who served for at least five years to carry firearms with magazines currently banned under the NY SAFE Act, restrictions on all other law-abiding citizens would be maintained.

“Today’s proceedings highlighted yet another mistake that was made when the NY SAFE Act was hastily passed back in January,” said Goodell. “While I agree that our retired law enforcement officers should be able to protect our citizens, Second Amendment rights should be applied to all law-abiding New Yorkers, not just a special group.”

Under the proposal, retired police officers, peace officers or federal law enforcement officers would be able to continue to possess and purchase high-capacity magazines for weapons they were trained on while in service.

The SAFE Act continues to apply to our highly trained retired military members and the thousands of other law-abiding residents.

“Had we been given the opportunity to review this bill before it was forced through the legislature, we could have addressed the numerous flaws which were brought to light by me and my colleagues at that time.”

“Since passage of the SAFE Act, my office has had an overwhelming response in opposition, and I will continue to work to protect the rights of our law-abiding gun owners and outdoorsmen,” concluded Goodell.

After its passage today in the Assembly, the legislation will go to the Senate for consideration.

Video of Assemblyman Goodell speaking on the legislation can be seen at: http://youtu.be/lijiqB74nr8.