Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) issued a statement today following news of proposed legislation mandating current firearm owners and potential owners to take out a $1 million liability insurance policy. Coming on the heels of the controversial NY SAFE Act, Barclay commented that the proposed Assembly bill (A3908) is another slap in the face to law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen.

“The legislation proposed in the Assembly today is a shot at all legal, responsible gun owners and sportsmen,” said Barclay. “Requiring this outrageous insurance policy is yet another way to try and limit sportsmen and deter people from owning any firearms. This legislation runs counter to the Second Amendment right of all our residents.

“The fact of the matter is that the majority of gun owners are not involved in any crime. This bill again fails to address the real issue behind gun violence, which is the prevalence of illegal guns in this state.

“There is a long and storied tradition of sportsmen and gun ownership in our state that is being ignored in favor of political expediency. I strongly oppose this legislation and will continue to work to protect the rights of all responsible, legal gun owners.”