Rensselaer County Legislature Tuesday Members of the Rensselaer County Legislature have introduced a resolution affirming the rights provided under the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Legislators feel the recent state legislation was adopted in a rushed manner with adequate oversight or involvement by legislators and members of the public. The press release is below: Members of the Rensselaer County Legislature have introduced a resolution affirming support for the Second Amendment of the Constitution and the rights of law-abiding gun owners for consideration at the February meeting of the Legislature. The resolution also opposes gun control legislation proposed by the governor and adopted by the State Legislature, and various proposals on the federal level. The resolution will be considered at the Legislature’s February 8 meeting.

“This is legislation that impacts law-abiding citizens, and does little to disarm dangerous criminals or deal with the problems of the dangerously mentally ill,” said Legislator Lester Goodermote. “I have gotten many calls and correspondence from residents outraged by this legislation and the impact on their constitutional rights. They feel like their rights are being trampled on,” said Legislator Judith Breselor. In introducing the county legislation, county lawmakers said the state and federal legislation and proposals will unfairly infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens and also do little to improve public safety. Legislators said that a comprehensive approach to dealing with mental illness would be an effective way to begin dealing with recent incidences of violence. Legislators have introduced a resolution for the February meeting seeking an expansion of Kendra’s Law, which allows for treatment of dangerously mentally ill persons. Legislators also note the state legislation was adopted in a hurry and with little public comment or review. The federal proposals may be enacted via executive order, a move constitution and legal scholars have called into question. Legal challenges are being readied to challenge the state legislation.

“These laws are being introduced and adopted in a rush and the rights of residents deserve better. Since these laws were introduced, I have heard from hundreds of residents who are upset and feel as though their rights are being ignored,” said Legislator Leon Fiacco. “The legislative majority has supported the Second Amendment for years, and we are once again working to ensure the many law-abiding citizens in our county have their voice heard and rights protected,” said Legislator Thomas Walsh Sr.