In the last regular meeting of the 2018 Town of Batavia Board, a resolution was passed opposing locally, any new legislation that restricts the rights of honest citizens to keep and bear arms, a right the 2nd amendment presently allows.
“I couldn’t find a better time than the last meeting of the year and I want to start the new year off with a clean slate,” says Town Supervisor Greg Post.
Post says the council will put it in writing as a group, drafting a letter and sending it to Governor Andrew Cuomo. Post says he will personally visit Albany to relay his opinions.
According to Post, there is apprehension in 2019 for legal gun owners after two bills were introduce in the NYS Assembly at the end of 2018 by Assemblyman N. Nick Perry of Brooklyn and Felix Ortiz also of Brooklyn.
Perry sponsored a bill that requires the submission of proof of liability insurance prior to the issuance or renewal of a license to carry a firearm.
Ortiz sponsored a bill that requires owners of firearms to obtain liability insurance in an amount no less than $250,000. The bill was co-sponsored in the Assembly by Ellen Jaffee of Pearl River, NY, Walter Mosley of Brooklyn, Rodneyse Bichotte of Brooklyn and Luis Sepulveda of the 32nd Senate District in Brooklyn.
According to Assemblyman Steve Hawley, the two proposed bills never came up for a vote and stayed in committee.
Hawley says there is a better chance both bills could be brought up for a vote in 2019 with Democrats controlling all three branches of government in New York State.
“We will see what happens when the new office holders take their seats,” says Hawley.
“It could be re-introduced by Assemblyman Perry or anyone else, or could have a “same as bill” in the Senate.” If there are sponsors in the Senate and it passes both houses, it would then go to the Governor for signature or veto.
After close to 40 years in the insurance business, Hawley says he is not sure insurance companies would agree to a liability insurance for gun owners. He says liability insurance for gun owners would be an umbrella policy to their home or auto insurance.
“I’m doing research to find out if bodily harm or death is covered under homeowners or umbrella. I don’t believe they will cover, so its a moot point.”
Hawley compares the idea to the “Dangerous Dog” law that says if you own a dog like a German Shepherd, a Doberman or Rottweiler that is more protective and bites some companies won’t insure that. Hawley says over the last 15 years his insurance company has paid out over 1 million dollars.
Hawley say the sponsors of the two bills are appealing to their constituents who are not in touch with reality.
Town of Batavia Supervisor Greg Post says the law would criminalize him.
“I would not be following state law, I won’t buy the insurance and I won’t give up my guns,” says Post.
Hawley says he is paying attention to the two proposed bills .
“I will be letting people know, especially if they get a Senate sponsor.”