A Democratic state lawmaker who represents the North Country region of New York is concerned the state's new concealed carry law for firearms is too broadly written and will criminalize gun ownership in the Adirondack Park.
The concerns raised by Assemblyman Billy Jones have been in part clarified by the governor's office earlier this year after Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers approved a new concealed carry measure in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that struck down a century-old law in the state.
And lawmakers who support the measure also contend the law exempts firearms carried on private property, knocking criticism as "fear tactics" by opponents.
“The bill language does not specifically reference the Forest Preserve, which is distinguished both in statute and the state constitution from all other public parks in New York state,” Hochul's office said last month.
Still, Jones is concerned further clarity is needed for park residents as the law goes into effect on Thursday.
"Lawful gun owners should not be afraid that they are committing a crime just because the state passed this ill-advised bill without properly vetting it," Jones said. "This legislation will not only impact local residents, but raises important questions on conservation easements, shooting sports during upcoming world championships, and the availability of training facilities and trainers. This is a bipartisan issue that impacts all residents of the North Country and it’s time that our questions are answered."
The concealed carry law approved this year placed a series of restrictions on where guns can be carried by someone with a permit. The law banned possession on places like mass transit systems, voting locations and public parks. New training and background checks procedures were also devised in the measure.
The Adirondack Park is not a park in a traditional sense, but a sprawling wilderness area home to thousands of people. The unique status has often led to conflicts in the Adirondacks, usually over land use proposals and conservation measures.
The Supreme Court in a concurrent opinion this summer acknowledged states like New York could approve exemptions for where guns can be carried, but added large geogaphic areas could not be included.
“The Adirondacks are a unique landscape," said Gerald Delaney, the executive director of the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board. "Press releases do not offer answers. Releasing guidance on where a valid permit holder can carry, and the circumstances that a valid permit holder can carry, will start to calm the anxiety of not knowing.”
Jones represents a conservative area of the state where gun rights have been a key issue for voters and is facing re-election this November.