FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2023
The following statement is from Assemblymember Michael Reilly (R,C-Staten Island) on the passage of legislation to exempt certain retired peace officers from the state’s sensitive location law…
“Today, the New York State Legislature took action to correct a significant oversight that, for almost the past year, has prohibited retired law enforcement officers from carrying their handgun in ‘sensitive locations’ such as government buildings, public parks, and medical facilities, as well as on public transportation, despite meeting the H.R. 218 qualifications which authorize them to carry a concealed handgun.
We cannot forget that agents of some of our state’s most critical law enforcement agencies fall under this specific peace officer status, such as Correction Officers and Court Officers. These retired law enforcement officers are granted a concealed carry license because during their careers they may have received threats due to their work and those potential threats extend into their retirement.
Let me be clear, this is the same exemption that is already provided to both active police and peace officers meeting the H.R. 218 qualifications, as well as retired police officers.
I have proudly led the fight, along with Senator Mario Mattera, to correct this oversight since last summer, when the sensitive location law was impulsively rammed through the legislature. That said, I want to thank Governor Hochul and her public safety team for making this a priority throughout budget negotiations.”