ALBANY – It’s been a while since the SAFE Act was in the spotlight, but State Senator James Seward (R-Oneonta) is co-sponsoring a legislation package that proves out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind.

Seward, alongside Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica), unveiled bipartisan legislation on Monday intended to amend or repeal parts of the New York SAFE (Secure Ammunition Firearms Enforcement) Act, the contentious law that went into effect in January of 2013. In the two years since, Seward and Brindisi argue there’s been no substantial evidence to prove the law is having an effect when it comes to safety.

“This flawed policy has forced new, costly requirements on gun owners but has done precious little to make us safer from gun violence,” Seward said, noting his opposition to the law when it passed the state legislature two years ago. “I am the co-sponsor of legislation which would repeal the law entirely and, while the political landscape may make that a difficult fight to win, I am also working to chip away at several of the law’s worst provisions.”

Despite the uphill battle faced by the new proposal in the state’s capital, Brindisi cited frustration among his upstate constituents that warrants change in the current law.

Said Brindisi, “Over the past two years, I’ve received numerous letters and phone calls from constituents who are responsible gun owners, and who have some very valid objections to some of the most burdensome aspects of this law.”