Agenda No.
RESOLUTION NO.        OF 2004

       RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING THE SENTIMENTS OF THE ORANGE COUNTY LEGISLATURE AS TO CERTAIN PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO STATE LAW UNDER CONSIDERATION BY GOVERNOR GEORGE E. PATAKI AND THE STATE LEGISLATURE CONCERNING ESTABLISHING A STATE LICENSING FEE ON PISTOL AND REVOLVER PERMITS AND AN EXPIRATION DATE FOR ALL GUN LICENSES. 

      WHEREAS, there is now pending before the New York State Legislature Bill Nos. A09556 and S6056 entitled "Budget Bill" which sets forth amendments to various provisions of state law so as to increase revenue streams for the State of New York for the purpose of balancing its budget; and
      WHEREAS, included in the Budget Bill is an amendment to N.Y.S. Penal Law Section 400.00 which would impose a $100 state licensing fee for new and renewal pistol or revolver licenses and gunsmith and dealer licenses and a $25 fee for each permit amendment.  The Bill also seeks to establish a five year expiration for gun licenses issued outside of New York City and Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties; and
      WHEREAS,  the measures under contemplation would, if enacted, result in an undue and unwarranted new form of taxation on the residents of Orange County so as to offset state budget deficits resulting from an already overburdened Medicaid program in New York State.  
      NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby
      RESOLVED, to express the emphatic sentiments of this Legislature to Governor George E. Pataki and to the New York State Legislature, that we most strongly oppose the subject measures now contemplated ; and specifically oppose the proposed amendments to Penal Law Section 400, and any other State law thus involved as would be required to enact such measures; and it is further
      RESOLVED,  that individual copies of this resolution be conveyed to the Governor of the State of New York and to each member of the State Senate and Assembly whose districts includes all or part of Orange County, that they may be apprised hereof and take all necessary and appropriate action to prevent the enactment of such measures.  


APPROVED:  FEBRUARY 5, 2004


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EDWARD A. DIANA, COUNTY EXECUTIVE
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