NY Proposed Airgun Ban – The ASA Takes Action!

Here’s an update on the NY proposed airgun ban situation. The ASA – the Airgun Sporting Association – is actively involved, as you can read here.

Earlier today, I spoke to Ed Schultz, the CEO of the Airgun Sporting Association. Here’s how the discussion went…

---

Hard Air Magazine: Ed, thanks for taking the time to talk about this NY proposed airgun ban. I know that you’re working non-stop on this issue behind the scenes. But first, can you please remind everyone about what the ASA is?

Ed Schultz: No problem, Steve.

Technically, the ASA is a non-profit business league as described in section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. That means that it’s an organization to promote the common business interests of its members, not individual companies.

Sure, the majority of ASA members today are household names in our industry – Pyramyd AIR and Umarex USA are among them – for example. But we also have individual members too and work for the benefit of all airgunners.

One important aspect of section 501(c)(6) accreditation is that the ASA is qualified to undertake lobbying or other political activity in support of the entire airgun community. That’s very significant for this discussion.

---

Hard Air Magazine: Ed, thanks for that background. So 501(c)(6) accreditation means that you can interact with legislators in New York State. Right?

Ed Schultz: Yes that’s exactly right. In fact that’s what we are doing already in the case of the proposed New York State Senate Bill S9215 and New York State Assembly Bill A10701.

These proposed Bills both aim to reclassify functional airguns as “imitation weapons”, requiring airguns to be transparent or brightly colored and have a plugged barrel, effectively banning current models as they would no longer be able to fire a projectile.

The ASA has been aware of these efforts for some weeks and has been working behind the scenes with legislators in New York to provide accurate information about airguns and their use, as well as to counter mis-understandings and mis-information.

We’re providing education on the topic to all who are willing to listen!

---

Hard Air Magazine: Where are we right now in the legislative process?

Ed Schultz: Both proposed Bills are in the “Committee Stage”. That’s the first stage of consideration for any Bill, before it passes to a vote.

In fact, the proposed Bills are with NY State’s Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection. That’s the stage at which any proposed legislation is discussed and examined. It’s a sort of “sanity check” phase.

This is precisely the time at which lobbying and education can be most effective. Don’t forget that many proposed Bills are rejected in Committee and never proceed to a vote in the main chambers, because of discussion in the Committee stage.

---

Hard Air Magazine: So what has the ASA been doing?

Ed Schultz: We have been talking to NY State Senators and Assemblymen, making sure that the views of regular airgunners are heard. This includes explaining why this proposed legislation is mis-directed, for example.

In addition, I have been able to explain more about airguns to legislators who may not be personally-knowledgeable themselves on this topic.

The good news so far is that they are all listening, willing to learn and have been open to the ASA’s perspective.

The ASA legal team is also deeply engaged, as I’m sure you would expect.

---

Hard Air Magazine: That’s great, but how can individual New Yorkers get their voice heard too?

Ed Schultz: NY State has a process by which residents can give their opinions and be kept informed of progress with proposed legislation. But some people can find it a little cumbersome to implement.

So the ASA has been working on an “app” that will make it much easier for New York State residents to give their input on these NY proposed airgun ban Bills. That app will be ready early next week and I encourage all legal NY residents to make use of it.

Don’t worry, Steve, we’ll have all the details for you here in Hard Air Magazine very soon!

---

Hard Air Magazine: I’ve had people outside NY State say to me that this is a local issue and doesn’t affect them. My reply has been that – if this legislation is passed – it’s likely to become the precedent that many other states could copy in future. In other words, this is a “test case” that could have nationwide ramifications. Do you agree?

Ed Schultz: Steve, you are spot-on with that analysis!

There have been previous attempts at similar, anti-airgun legislation in a number of states already – California (in 2012), Massachusetts, Florida (2015), and Maryland (2016) spring to mind. In each case, the proposed Bills failed. But we are not being complacent. New York is a high-profile state and we need to ensure that the right course is taken on this NY proposed airgun ban too.

Hold tight! There will be more news on this from the ASA after the weekend…

---

Hard Air Magazine: Ed, thanks for taking the time to explain. It’s great to see that the Airgun Sporting Association is really stepping-up to help airgunners – not only in New York – but across the USA.


The post NY Proposed Airgun Ban – The ASA Takes Action! appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

 

[PapaT]

Thanks for the information, standing by to spread app tidings next week.

 

[AtlasAirguns]

Thanks for this. It is a major issue as is all regulations surrounding airguns.

Regards

 

[007]

Here’s an update on the NY proposed airgun ban situation. The ASA – the Airgun Sporting Association – is actively involved, as you can read here.

Earlier today, I spoke to Ed Schultz, the CEO of the Airgun Sporting Association. Here’s how the discussion went…

---

Hard Air Magazine: Ed, thanks for taking the time to talk about this NY proposed airgun ban. I know that you’re working non-stop on this issue behind the scenes. But first, can you please remind everyone about what the ASA is?

Ed Schultz: No problem, Steve.

Technically, the ASA is a non-profit business league as described in section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. That means that it’s an organization to promote the common business interests of its members, not individual companies.

Sure, the majority of ASA members today are household names in our industry – Pyramyd AIR and Umarex USA are among them – for example. But we also have individual members too and work for the benefit of all airgunners.

One important aspect of section 501(c)(6) accreditation is that the ASA is qualified to undertake lobbying or other political activity in support of the entire airgun community. That’s very significant for this discussion.

---

Hard Air Magazine: Ed, thanks for that background. So 501(c)(6) accreditation means that you can interact with legislators in New York State. Right?

Ed Schultz: Yes that’s exactly right. In fact that’s what we are doing already in the case of the proposed New York State Senate Bill S9215 and New York State Assembly Bill A10701.

These proposed Bills both aim to reclassify functional airguns as “imitation weapons”, requiring airguns to be transparent or brightly colored and have a plugged barrel, effectively banning current models as they would no longer be able to fire a projectile.

The ASA has been aware of these efforts for some weeks and has been working behind the scenes with legislators in New York to provide accurate information about airguns and their use, as well as to counter mis-understandings and mis-information.

We’re providing education on the topic to all who are willing to listen!

---

Hard Air Magazine: Where are we right now in the legislative process?

Ed Schultz: Both proposed Bills are in the “Committee Stage”. That’s the first stage of consideration for any Bill, before it passes to a vote.

In fact, the proposed Bills are with NY State’s Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection. That’s the stage at which any proposed legislation is discussed and examined. It’s a sort of “sanity check” phase.

This is precisely the time at which lobbying and education can be most effective. Don’t forget that many proposed Bills are rejected in Committee and never proceed to a vote in the main chambers, because of discussion in the Committee stage.

---

Hard Air Magazine: So what has the ASA been doing?

Ed Schultz: We have been talking to NY State Senators and Assemblymen, making sure that the views of regular airgunners are heard. This includes explaining why this proposed legislation is mis-directed, for example.

In addition, I have been able to explain more about airguns to legislators who may not be personally-knowledgeable themselves on this topic.

The good news so far is that they are all listening, willing to learn and have been open to the ASA’s perspective.

The ASA legal team is also deeply engaged, as I’m sure you would expect.

---

Hard Air Magazine: That’s great, but how can individual New Yorkers get their voice heard too?

Ed Schultz: NY State has a process by which residents can give their opinions and be kept informed of progress with proposed legislation. But some people can find it a little cumbersome to implement.

So the ASA has been working on an “app” that will make it much easier for New York State residents to give their input on these NY proposed airgun ban Bills. That app will be ready early next week and I encourage all legal NY residents to make use of it.

Don’t worry, Steve, we’ll have all the details for you here in Hard Air Magazine very soon!

---

Hard Air Magazine: I’ve had people outside NY State say to me that this is a local issue and doesn’t affect them. My reply has been that – if this legislation is passed – it’s likely to become the precedent that many other states could copy in future. In other words, this is a “test case” that could have nationwide ramifications. Do you agree?

Ed Schultz: Steve, you are spot-on with that analysis!

There have been previous attempts at similar, anti-airgun legislation in a number of states already – California (in 2012), Massachusetts, Florida (2015), and Maryland (2016) spring to mind. In each case, the proposed Bills failed. But we are not being complacent. New York is a high-profile state and we need to ensure that the right course is taken on this NY proposed airgun ban too.

Hold tight! There will be more news on this from the ASA after the weekend…

---

Hard Air Magazine: Ed, thanks for taking the time to explain. It’s great to see that the Airgun Sporting Association is really stepping-up to help airgunners – not only in New York – but across the USA.


The post NY Proposed Airgun Ban – The ASA Takes Action! appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.

This was an awesome overview. Thank you!

 

[Powermonger1]

Most awesome to know as we stand by all airgunners including New York airgunners!!!!!

 

[Rick64]

This is why people need to stand up and voice their opinions, because when it happens in one state others will follow.

 

[Non Timebo Mala]

Funny how willing we are to censor those things of which we do not approve and how quickly we are offended when someone censors that which we enjoy. We are a hypocritical species, aren't we? Clearly NY needs a thump on the noggin.

 

[Madhatter]

Funny how willing we are to censor those things of which we do not approve and how quickly we are offended when someone censors that which we enjoy. We are a hypocritical species, aren't we? Clearly NY needs a thump on the noggin.

That's what I was saying back when smokers were getting band from everywhere. I said the Karen's are learning how to limit our freedom one thing at a time. I hate being around someone who is smoking but I defend their right to do it.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

 

[Non Timebo Mala]

That's what I was saying back when smokers were getting band from everywhere. I said the Karen's are learning how to limit our freedom one thing at a time. I hate being around someone who is smoking but I defend their right to do it.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Yeah you are right, you have to be careful what you talk about sometimes. It is just the way we humans are, we want to hear what we want to hear but we don't want to hear what we don't want to hear. Sometimes that is true to the point that they come for you simply because you are next. Sometimes is is about money. Sometimes it is about playing it safe. Sometimes it is about pleasing peers. Censorship is just fine, until it comes for us. Pretty much what you said there.

 

[RatSmacker]

I grew up In New York City Queens County to be exact and as far as I can remember Air Guns have always been Illegal In NYC, of course It didn't stop me from having BB and Pellet Guns while I was growing up! Me and my like minded friends got our parents to drive out to the suburbs and purchase Airguns where they have and still are legal to buy & possess. Problem Is the Democrats have a Super Majority In the New York State Assembly and the State Senate so I'm not surprised that they are trying to ban airguns! Hopefully New Yorkers can elect Bruce Blakeman (A Republican) In November!

 

[old navy]

That's what I was saying back when smokers were getting band from everywhere. I said the Karen's are learning how to limit our freedom one thing at a time. I hate being around someone who is smoking but I defend their right to do it.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

i think Kennedy said-If not now-when if not me --who