BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

North Country Assemblyman Scott Gray, R-Watertown, wants to ease the burden of purchasing ammunition for lawful gun owners in the State of New York.

The bill, A.8161, proposes that "a background check for the initial purchase of ammunition would still be required, however, upon approval, a certification will be issued that can be used for a twelve-month period."

Lawful gun owners would then be allowed to use the certificate for future purchases in that 12-month window instead of going through "another arduous background check" when purchasing further ammunition.

Since Sept. 13 anyone buying a firearm or ammunition in New York has had to pay additional fees to the state in order to receive a background check.

Fees for ammunition background checks are $2.50 per transaction, while a background check for firearms is $9 per transaction.

Lawmakers supporting the bill at the time of passage said that the measure was included to ensure that unauthorized persons would not be able to obtain firearms and ammunition.

Critics argue the need for additional background checks for ammunition is unnecessary and redundant. They say the checks are another way for the state to limit or deny who can purchase ammunition and are equate to a tax on purchases.

Gray has argued the new ammunition background check and fee is burdensome to law-abiding gun owners.

He recently introduced legislation that would "minimize the delay and confusion surrounding the new restrictions," which were enacted in September.

Numerous gun shops and citizens attempting to legally purchase ammunition have voiced displeasure with the system, citing delays in obtaining ammunition, Gray previously said.

“While I do not support the new Concealed Carry Improvement Act provisions, I aim to make some improvements,” Gray said.

“Protecting the rights of gun owners while executing proper safety protocols is a delicate balance. There is a way to do it, and I believe this legislation will ease the strain of this new process on gun owners,” he said.

“If not alleviated, the current standards, as we have heard, will continue to result in many traveling out of state to Pennsylvania, Vermont and elsewhere to make their purchases. The downstream effects of this must be considered, including loss of business and the continuation of the New York hostile business climate.”

Gray said hunting in New York is a "treasured pastime and a big business."

“I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as the governor, to pass and sign this common-sense compromise,” Gray said.