One month has passed since the ammunition background check law was enacted, and my office is still receiving calls from worried residents across the district. Visiting gun shops in light of these recent legal changes was an eye-opening experience. As someone who enjoys their Second Amendment rights and grew up in a rural culture that involved exposure to hunting and firearms, I was provided an opportunity to understand the perspectives of those on the other side of the register: employees and gun shop owners. 

One of the most significant takeaways from these visits and conversations was the program being used is horrific. The current system is undeniably flawed, marked by frustrating delays and unexplained denials. When employees reach out to customer service with questions and concerns, they are generally met with a long waiting period or plain disregard. It's evident that the New York state troopers' involvement in these background checks has been creating frustration with all parties involved in what’s meant to be a simple one-stop transaction.

Furthermore, the impact of this system reaches far beyond the local community. Long-distance customers are also subjected to prolonged delays, affecting their experience and potentially discouraging future transactions. One owner discussed a recent transaction with a regular customer. The customer had their firearm license for decades with no criminal record or issues. They made sure to have everything done right, by the book. However, for some reason, when they made an ammunition purchase with this new system, they were forced to wait 14 days for approval.

There is chatter that the system picks and chooses whom to perform background checks on due to the extreme differences in waiting times. The pain of having to take an extra 15 minutes to input data is added to the inconvenience of taking time to write down customers' contact information and follow up with the results. For any small business, time is simply money. The limbo state this law is causing is creating a hassle that is clearly an unneeded barrier for legal gun owners.

To add to the financial implications of this law, the burden of fees charged to stores exacerbates the problem. Businesses are losing money with each transaction. This is especially true as they are also eating the credit card processing fees, which further strains their finances. Shops with surrounding Amish populations are also cut off from selling to that customer base. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone, and you’re forced to ask yourself at what cost?

Many also voiced concerns about the need for clear, consistent and transparent laws, which would not only make it easier for them to conduct business but also ensure the responsible use of firearms. They were concerned about striking the right balance between safeguarding public safety and respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. The need for more collaboration between the industry and policymakers to achieve this balance was a recurring theme. 

Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of these visits was the sense of community and belonging these gun shops fostered. They were more than just places to buy firearms; they were hubs of education, training and support for responsible gun ownership. The sense of being stigmatized in society was palpable, and there was a genuine desire to engage with the community to correct misconceptions and foster responsible practices. 

In reflecting on these visits, I am reminded of the complexity of the gun debate in our state. It's not a black-and-white issue, but a multifaceted one that involves passionate individuals who are deeply committed to their industry and their rights. These visits taught me that open dialogue is essential for understanding and finding common ground on the issues surrounding firearms. There are now reports of “ghost guns” that are 3D printed and used to commit crimes. I must reiterate that gun control is not crime control. Public safety does not have to come at the cost of responsible gun ownership. Those who go through the barriers to get their firearms legally are not criminals. 

In the end, my visits to these gun shops were a reminder of the importance of engaging with and trying to understand different perspectives, even when the subject matter is divisive. An urgent intervention is imperative to address these issues and streamline the system for the benefit of all stakeholders. It's through dialogue that we can work toward solutions that respect individual rights while prioritizing public safety. I want to thank everyone who shared their concerns with me and I will continue to be available and address these issues with my colleagues in the Capitol.