Albany – New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin [D-88] took part in a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the Capitol Building’s East Capitol Park with New Yorkers Against Gun Violence [NYAGV] and members of State Legislators Against Illegal Guns [SLAIG] in an effort to bring about greater gun safety legislation.

Paulin is the lead sponsor of the Child Access Prevention and Safe Weapons Storage Law [A8293], which is also known as Nicholas’ Law. The bill is named after Nicholas Naumkin, a Saratoga Springs resident who was shot and killed in December of 2010 while on a play date. This legislation would require all guns in the home to have a lock or be in a safe so they cannot be fired accidentally.

"Last year we led the nation by enacting groundbreaking gun legislation to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons and potentially dangerous mental health patients, and ban high capacity magazines and assault weapons,” Paulin said. “We need to continue our efforts to combat gun violence and prevent the future loss of innocent lives by expanding current law to require the safe storage of guns in all households, where children are or may be present.

“Unlocked guns are a tragedy waiting to happen. Adding this common sense, reasonable requirement to our law will go a long way to protecting our children and help us prevent unintentional shootings, homicides and suicides."

Students from Crown Heights, Washington Heights and Harlem who participated in NYAGV’s reACTION Youth Program also took part in the press conference.

"The young leaders who came to the capital today know that although we've made progress in reducing gun violence, our work making communities safe is not done,” said Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh, who is the Co-Chair of SLAIG. “I stand with these impressive advocates, NYAGV, and my colleagues in government as we all for the sensible gun safety reforms detailed in our legislative agenda. Together, we continue to work to ensure New York's role as a national leader in gun violence prevention."