BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI

North Country This Week

CANTON -- The St. Lawrence County legislature has voted in favor of a resolution to join an amicus brief filed by the state of Arizona on behalf of 26 states in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen. 

The vote, which passed with 12 in favor and two against on Monday, means that St. Lawrence County will join the amicus brief that will be included in legal arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 3. 

John Burke (R) and Margaret Haggard (D) both voted against the resolution. Tony Arquette was absent. 

The case is an attempt to define proper cause in the issuance of concealed carry licenses in 26 states that are considered “may issue” states. 

May issue states require an applicant to demonstrate a real and tangible need to possess and carry a handgun. An application is approved or denied by a governing body in these states and the individual counties within. 

In St. Lawrence County, concealed carry licenses are issued and revoked by the county court judge. 

Previously, Judge Jerome Richards issued concealed carry licenses with restrictions on them, limiting carriers to outdoor sporting uses only. With Judge Greg Storie’s victory in 2020, license holders can now apply to have restrictions removed and new applicants can apply for a license without restrictions. 

Following a brief introduction by county attorney Stephen Button, legislators were given an opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns. 

Burke voiced concern that the resolution and subsequent case would allow individuals to possess handguns without passing a background check. 

“I didn’t see the remedy being sought. It’s obvious the current law needs some work. I think it needs to be fixed. I think the right to bear arms should be available to all people. There shouldn’t be exorbitant fees to carry. On the other hand it’s nice to know that there will be background checks to ensure that those who shouldn’t have weapons, can’t,” Burke said.

“We don’t know what the end result will be, that’s my concern. I’m hesitant to side with a political entity not knowing what it is, what they’re really asking for and what might come down the pike. I guess my initial read is to not support something I’m wary of,” Burke said.

Legislator Joseph Lightfoot responded, stating that background checks would still be required to possess a concealed carry license. 

Lightfoot stated that during the course of a background check many things can come up that could prohibit the issuance of a license. 

He stated he could not recall a judge ever going against his recommendation to approve or disapprove of an application during his time of conducting said background checks. 

Lightfoot went on further, stating that mental health, acquaintances, employment and criminal history are all investigated during a background check before a recommendation is made to the judge. 

Arguments in NYSRPA v. Bruen will be heard before the Supreme Court on Nov. 3, with a ruling expected to be announced Nov. 7.