Lawmakers Push Gun Laws, School Safety

March 19th, 2018

In the wake of the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Albany lawmakers spent much of last week arguing about gun-control and school security.

Democrats in the state Legislature called for a new package of gun-control laws, including “extreme risk” protective orders against people who have guns; banning bump stocks; expanding background checks; and banning individuals who been convicted of hate crimes from purchasing or possessing guns.

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-Suffolk County) said that the Senate is working on a “comprehensive school safety plan that will ensure the state provides the support necessary to strengthen school security and keep students safe.” The Senate’s plan will include security cameras, hardening of school doors, a police officer or an armed resource officer in every school that wants one, and better emergency response plans and greater coordination by law enforcement.