Court of Appeals Reverses Handgun License Residency Limit

New York state’s highest court ruled that part time residents can get handgun licenses.

The Court of Appeals concluded that New York pistol permits, which are issued by cities or counties, are not limited to people whose primary residence is in New York, reversing a 1993 decision by a midlevel state court.

Alfred Osterweil’s license application was denied in 2009 by a Schoharie County judge because Osterweil only had a part-time vacation residence there. His primary home is in Louisiana.

“It’s a great victory for part-time New Yorkers,” said Daniel Schmutter, his attorney. “Now the Court of Appeals has made clear that part-time residents of New York cannot be denied their right to keep and bear arms as a class because of their part-time residency.”