In light of the ongoing gun violence epidemic facing our country, state, and county, the Albany County Legislature introduced a local law to educate people on the public health and safety risks associated with firearms.

The Albany County Commitment to Ensuring a Safe Society, or ACCESS, law would require a warning sign displayed at all firearms dealers indicating the increased risk of violence that is associated with firearms as well as contact information for the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team and the National Suicide Hotline. The law also requires a written copy of the warning to be given with all firearm purchases and when anyone obtains a firearms license. Failure to display the warning label may result in imprisonment of not more than 15 days, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

“We have to do everything we can at all levels of government to stem the horrific tide of gun violence plaguing our nation,” said Albany County Legislator Dustin Reidy, sponsor of the ACCESS law. “The ACCESS law is a common-sense step toward the needed goal of gun violence prevention. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with the support of many Democratic colleagues. I hope parents, children, gun violence prevention advocates and every member of our communities know they are being heard here in Albany County.”

“Being informed and aware of the inherent risks of possessing firearms is more important than ever," said Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce. “Any opportunity to encourage thoughtfulness when purchasing firearms is critical to keeping people safe. This legislation is a sensible step forward and a key component of a comprehensive strategy to stop the flood of illegal guns reaching the youth in our communities, and continuing to call on the federal government to reenact the federal assault weapons ban to keep weapons of war out of the hands of civilians.”

“Gun violence is a preventable tragedy that has devastated our communities, our schools, and our places of business and worship across the nation. It is our responsibility to take action and as Majority Leader I am proud to support and co-sponsor the ACCESS law introduced by Legislator Reidy,” said Majority Leader Dennis Feeney. “This will require all weapon and firearm dealers to post disclosures regarding the safety risks of firearms in the home, including the risk of suicide, homicide, death during domestic disputes, and/or accidental deaths of children, family members and others, and include phone numbers for mental health services. Awareness and access to support services are important tools in our ongoing efforts to prevent tragedies caused by gun violence in our communities.”

Within the last 10 years, the firearm mortality rate has increased nearly 18 percent, with an average of 39,000 Americans dying from firearm violence each year from 2015 to 2019. In 2020, that number increased to over 45,000 Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an average of 483 deaths per year are from unintentional shootings.

“Increasing public awareness in Albany County about the risk of access to guns in the home is essential to keeping our families and loved ones safe,” said Tracey Fountain, a volunteer with the New York chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Whether it’s gun suicide, unintentional shootings by children, or domestic violence, this ordinance will help educate potential gun buyers and recipients of firearm licenses about those risks before they purchase a firearm. I am grateful to the county legislature for taking important action on this critical issue.”

The ACCESS law is modeled after similar legislation that was passed in May by the Westchester County Legislature.

The ACCESS law is being referred to the Law and Public Safety Committees for further review.