DiPietro calls for Safe Act repeal
A Western New York Assemblyman is working to repeal Governor Cuomo's Safe Act. YNN's Meg Rossman has more on David DiPietro's concerns and why the Lieutenant Governor says changes could be coming.
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — "I think it's the worst bill I've ever seen,” Republican Assemblyman David DiPietro said. "This bill did nothing to protect citizens from what they said it was going to do."
But the Assembly approved the Safe Act 104-to-43 on January 15. The bill made New York State the first to pass stricter gun regulations in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting in Connecticut. The law includes a tighter ban on assault weapons and limits on high-capacity magazines.
DiPietro said in their rush to pass it, legislators left out law enforcement.
"He's illegal right now. He's committing a misdemeanor or a felony. He has more than seven rounds in his gun, and that today is illegal. They didn't fix that defect."
We reached out to the governor's office for clarification, but haven't heard back. But, Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy said Friday that many concerns could be addressed.
"There is a series of chapter amendments being discussed with the Governor and the legislature, so there may be some adjustments made to that,” Duffy said. "Take a deep breath everybody; let the chapter amendments work through. The Governor is listening."
And the first on DiPietro's list, getting rid of language regarding pistol grips.
"Get rid of that pistol grip,” he said. “A lot of people with disabilities need that type of grip, okay, to be able to enjoy the sport."
In the meantime, he’s gathering signatures petitioning the governor to repeal the bill.
"Criminals don't obey the laws; all you've done is weaken the average citizen from protecting himself."
For more on DiPietro’s efforts, visit Safe Act Repeal.