Gov. Andrew Cuomo is riding a school bus around New York State to highlight his proposal to allow parents or teachers to petition a judge to remove guns from the homes of troubled students.
The Democrat launched the tour Monday with stops on Long Island and in the Bronx. He was joined by local officials and New York City Public Defender Tish James, a Democratic candidate for attorney general.
Cuomo admits the bill isn't likely to pass the Republican-led state Senate, but says the state can't wait for the federal government to act.
"New York will not stand by and wait for Washington to take action against the gun violence and school shootings that have become all too common in this country," Cuomo said. "Parents should not have to fear sending their children to school every day and teachers should not have to wonder if they will return home from work. Together, we can and will pass this common sense gun legislation and we will continue to fight to ensure gun violence has no place in this great state."
The proposal would authorize teachers, school administrators and parents to ask a judge to evaluate a child they believe is a threat to themselves or others. The judge could then order the confiscation of firearms in the child's home.
