Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) today announced that there is a new SAFE Act requirement taking effect. Pistol permit holders are now being required to recertify every five years in order to maintain a pistol permit. Previously, pistol permits were issued for life barring a felony conviction or mental illness.

Those with pistol and revolver licenses that were issued before January 15, 2013 must recertify by January 31, 2018. Others who were issued permits after Jan. 15, 2013 have five years from the date of which the permit was issued to recertify. There is no cost to recertify but gun owners face revocation for failure to do so. New York State police are expected to issue letters to pistol permit holders advising them of the requirement to recertify their pistol permits.

"The SAFE Act continues to punish law-abiding citizens and infringe on our Second Amendment rights by hassling and questioning responsible gun owners," said Barclay. "If pistol permit holders do not recertify, they could lose their permit. This is ludicrous and I am urging my colleagues in Albany to be sensible and repeal this onerous requirement."