The much anticipated pistol permit privacy forms have arrived in Erie County.
The County Clerk's office received the new "opt-out" forms from New York State Police. County Clerk Chris Jacobs says under the state's tough new gun control laws, pistol owners can now ask that their records be sealed.
"This is very clear. It empowers the individual to be able to make sure their individual pistol permit information is private," Jacobs said. "This legislation clearly states the individual has the right to opt out and have their information kept private."
Many area gun owners were outraged last month when the Buffalo News issued a Freedom of Information request to the clerk's office seeking a list of pistol owners. But now the law provides 60-days for permit holders to exercise this "option" provision.
The new forms are available online or at local auto bureaus.