In the wake of recent tragedies in New York State and in our country, Governor Kathy Hochul, Majority Leader of the New York State Senate Andrea Stewart Cousins, and Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl Heastie, took swift and decisive action by crafting and passing legislation to strengthen gun laws in New York State.

The new law makes possession of a firearm in “sensitive locations”, such as airports, public transportation, bars, and houses of worship, illegal. The law exempts retired police officers from this rule. However, the law does not include retired peace officers within this exemption.

Peace officers represent some of the most highly trained and qualified law enforcement officers in New York. These include the tens of thousands of officers that are employed to protect our courts, hospitals, jails, prisons, and schools.

We ask specifically that the law be changed as follows:

Penal law § 265.01-e (3) d is amended to read as follows:  

 (d) persons who were employed as police officers as defined in subdivision thirty-four of section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law or who were designated peace officers by section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law but are retired;

265.01-d (2)c is amended to read as follows:

(c) persons who were employed as police officers as defined in section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law, or who were designated peace officers by section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law but are retired;

The heroic actions of off-duty officer David Donegan that took place in New York City during Independence Day celebrations (https://nypost.com/2022/07/03/off-duty-correction-officer-shot-at-queens-motorcycle-party/), show that the presence of seasoned and armed officers has the potential of saving many lives. Increasing the number of trained law enforcement individuals who are equipped to react to emergencies that may occur in these sensitive locations is vital in maintaining public safety.

Please sign this petition to call upon Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to enhance public safety by amending this new law to allow experienced and certified retired peace officers to protect us in sensitive areas.