Raffle ban proposed

Nonprofits across the state use firearm lotteries to raise funds, buy equipment

Assemblywoman wants to halt using guns as prize for games of chance.

Organizations in New York hoping to raise money by raffling off firearms would be forced to find funds elsewhere if new legislation currently moving through the state Assembly becomes law.

Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon, D-brooklyn, has proposed a ban on using guns as a prize for games of chance. The potential restriction would affect a wide range of nonprofit groups across New York, including fire departments, Boy Scout troops and fraternal organizations.

The bill’s memorandum makes the case that a ban is appropriate because “firearmrelated violence is a significant public health and safety problems.” It also claims that these games of chances are often open to individuals regardless of age, implying that underage New Yorkers could obtain a gun as a prize.

This rationale was rejected by Assemblyman Brian Miller, a central New York Republican who noted that state law only allowed a person to take possession of a firearm — even as a prize — through a legal transfer overseen by a licensed dealer. A raffle winner would still be required to meet existing standards for gun ownership in New York, pass a background check and obtain the necessary permits to take possession of their prize.

“This bill would only hurt charities and organizations that rely on fundraising in order to operate, and I am very opposed to it,” Miller said in a statement. “We have said it again and again, but it bears repeating: Criminals are not getting access to illegal firearms through these raffles. These bills only punish law-abiding citizens.”

Sen. Pamela Helming, a Finger Lakes Republican, said the bill has more to do with politics than public safety.

“This bill would deny many organizations an important tool they use to raise funds to support scholarships and other community activities,” Helming said in a statement. “In fact, many local fire departments rely on this funding to purchase the equipment needed to keep their members safe and to protect our community, helping to reduce the burden on taxpayers.”

Craig Reynolds, chief of a Finger Lakes fire department, said in a statement that their annual gun raffle brings in about $15,000 for the department to purchase personal protective gear and equipment that wouldn’t be covered by municipal revenue.

In 2014, Grace Baptist Church in Lansingburgh gave away a gun as part of a free raffle to show support for Second Amendment rights.

Nonprofits are currently only banned from offering alcoholic beverages for winning a game of chance, according to the state’s general municipal law.

The proposal, which doesn’t have a sponsor in the state Senate, is in the Assembly’s committee process.