New York Senator Fred Akshar is out with the result of his survey concerning legislation that would require anyone applying for or renewing a pistol permit license to allow their social media accounts and search engine history of the past one to three years to be reviewed as part of the background check.

Graphic provided by N.Y.S. Senator Fred Akshar's office
Graphic provided by N.Y.S. Senator Fred Akshar's office
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An overwhelming number of the 5,700 responses were opposed to the proposal.

Surprisingly, 335 more responses to the Republican’s online survey came from New Yorkers living outside the 52 District than those responding in Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware Counties.

Within the district, 79% opposed the proposal from Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) while 21% supported it.  Respondents from around the country were 97% opposed with only 3% supporting.

Akshar’s office says the majority of those responding said they felt the legislation was an invasion of privacy and unconstitutional.

The Binghamton Republican says in the upcoming legislative session he will introduce measures to strengthen penalties for criminal use of a firearm and criminal possession of a firearm, increase access to school-based mental health services and expand Kendra’s Law to better connect people who need mental health treatment with services.

In a news release from the Senator’s office:

Full Survey Results

Question: Do you support NY State requiring anyone applying for or renewing a license to carry or possess a pistol to submit to an investigation of their social media posts and search engine searches for the past 1-3 years as part of the mandatory background check?

 

  • 52nd Senate District (2,689 Responses)
    • Yes 21%
    • No 79%

 

  • Broome County Only (1,707 Responses)
    • Yes 22%
    • No 78%

 

  • Tioga County Only (552 Responses)
    • Yes 21%
    • No 79%

 

  • Chenango County (399 Responses)
    • Yes 17%
    • No 83%

 

  • Delaware County (31 Responses)
    • Yes 19%
    • No 81%

 

  • Responses from New York State Residents Outside of the 52nd Senate District (3,024)
    • Yes 3%
    • No 97%

Question: Would you support social media and search engine background checks for applications and renewals if the applicant did not have to provide his/her username and password?

 

  • 52nd Senate District (2,689 Responses)
    • Yes 28%
    • No 68%
    • No Answer 4%

 

  • Broome County Only (1,707 Responses)
    • Yes 29%
    • No 66%
    • No Answer 5%

 

  • Tioga County Only (552 Responses)
    • Yes 25%
    • No 71%
    • No Answer 3%

 

  • Chenango County (399 Responses)
    • Yes 23%
    • No 73%
    • No Answer 4%

 

  • Delaware County (31 Responses)
    • Yes 32%
    • No 61%
    • No Answer 6%

 

  • Responses from New York State Residents Outside of the 52nd Senate District (3,024)
    • Yes 6%
    • No 93%
    • No Answer 1%

 

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