Help Support NYS Junior Marksmen

*** IMPORTANT *** NYS residents, your help is required to correct a major FLAW in New York State Penal Law. This petition seeks to influence New York State Assemblymen to co-sponsor/support A1530a. Anyone of voting age (18-years or older) can sign the petition. Currently, A1530a is in the CODES COMMITTEE (the NYS Senate companion bill (S608) passed 61:1 in the Spring 2003 session). The bill provides for the issuance of junior licenses to facilitate training, target practice, hunting and shooting competition (inclusive of the Olympics, IPSC, IDPA, SASS, etc.). As a general matter, no person in New York State may even touch a handgun without a license to possess a firearm. There are exceptions for police officers, peace officers, and the military. There are even exceptions for non-residents who come to New York to participate in a sanctioned competition, including juniors. New Yorkers cannot even handle a handgun for safety training, target practice, or competition at a shooting range without a license. No other state in the nation imposes such strict regulations on its citizens. A significant number of colleges and universities, including the military service academy, offer scholarships in the shooting sports. These teams compete in rifle, shotgun and handgun events. In 2000, New York State enacted legislation that prohibits all persons under age 21 from being eligible for a pistol license. Prior to this legislation, there was no age restriction on eligibility for a firearm license. Instead, each county's issuing agent had the ability to decide applicants on a case-by-case basis. This petition seeks to restore the opportunity for juniors to obtain a limited license simply to handle another licensee's firearm under close supervision. Without this change, New York's juniors are unfairly denied the opportunity to engage in safe, wholesome sporting activities; to compete with their peers from around the country for scholarships; to obtain proper safety training; and to practice for Olympic events such as Free Pistol. Whether the activity is baseball, soccer, figure skating, gymnastics or shooting, such training must begin at an early age if one hopes to be a top-level competitor. Please get involved and help - Sign the petition. Additionally, send this to as many people in New York State as possible.