Albany, NY (WNY News Now) – Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio and Sen. George Borrello have introduced a bill to permit judges and town/village justices in New York to carry firearms inside courtrooms, aiming to enhance their safety and the security of those present.
The proposal, known as the 2022 Concealed Carry Improvement Act, seeks to amend the existing prohibition on carrying firearms into “sensitive locations,” which include courtrooms.
The original 2022 Concealed Carry Improvement Act had categorized courts as “sensitive locations,” banning the possession of firearms within their premises. However, the newly introduced bill seeks to exempt judges from this restriction. Assemblyman Giglio, the architect of the exemption, approached Sen. Borrello to champion the legislation in the Senate. The bill (S.7633) would enable judges possessing valid New York State pistol permits to carry firearms within these “sensitive locations,” including courtrooms.
The proposed legislation aims to offer a safer environment in rural courtrooms akin to the protection provided by law enforcement officers in more populous regions. The existing Concealed Carry Improvement Act had already granted exceptions for law enforcement officers and private security guards in “sensitive locations,” but no such provision was made for judges and town and village justices.
The lack of metal detectors in some rural town and village courts has further highlighted the precarious situation. Sen. Borrello pointed out concerns raised by the New York State Magistrates Association regarding the current security arrangements.
The lack of metal detectors in some rural town and village courts has further highlighted the precarious situation. Sen. Borrello pointed out concerns raised by the New York State Magistrates Association regarding the current security arrangements.
Sen. Borrello underscored the need to recognize that criminals do not adhere to such restrictions, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring the safety of judges and those within courtrooms.
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