New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D-NY) recent signing of a bill allowing credit card companies to track ammunition purchases marks a troubling step toward eroding Second Amendment rights and infringing on the privacy of law-abiding gun owners. By enabling this invasive measure, the state government is taking another dangerous step toward a slippery slope of excessive government oversight. This move doesn’t target criminals who acquire ammo through illegal means; it punishes responsible, legal gun owners who simply want to exercise their constitutional rights without unnecessary scrutiny.
Describing the new law as one that “[refines] how credit card companies track purchases at gun dealerships,” Hochul said the new law gives authorities “the opportunity to find out exactly who may be stockpiling ammunition.”
However, critics say the restrictive law on ammunition purchases is seen as an infringement on America’s fundamental Second Amendment rights. Many argue that such drastic measures could lead to increased government surveillance of law-abiding gun owners.
Hochul announced that credit card tracking would be implemented through a new merchant code, which will monitor ammunition purchases and firearms transactions. In addition, she is pushing for an extra $370 million in the state’s upcoming budget to fund further gun control measures.
“We’re taking action to drive down gun violence in the State of New York — protecting our communities and making our streets safer,” the governor said. “Public safety is my number one priority, and by giving law enforcement additional tools to stop gun violence in its tracks, we’re building on our promise to put the safety of New Yorkers first.”
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Another one of the governor's extreme gun control measures includes requiring gun dealers to issue new “warnings” to customers about the risks of owning firearms. Additionally, her third proposal seeks to ban devices known as “Glock switches,” even though these devices are already prohibited under federal law. Assembly Member Michaelle Solages praised Hochul’s legislation as a “bold step” to keep track of New York citizens to prevent gun violence.
Critics of the law argue that it marks the start of a more significant push for government control over private transactions. Some concerns tracking ammunition purchases could eventually extend to firearms and other personal purchases, further infringing on individual liberties. Opponents warn that this could set a troubling precedent for government overreach.
