A piece of Republican-driven legislation should receive serious consideration from Democrats when the next legislative session begins in January.

We refer to Assemblyman Joseph Angelino’s bill to exempt hunters and concealed-carry permit holders from additional background checks when they purchase ammunition. The additional check and associated fees are required in the Concealed Carry Improvement Act passed by the state Legislature in 2022 and which took effect in September. The law has been challenged at least twice in federal court, including once by Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, William Ortman of Stow and Assemblyman David DiPietro, R-Buffalo.

Angelino’s says those who already carry a pistol permit or who have earned a semi-automatic rifle endorsement have been through a significant background check and are required to recertify that permit– meaning they have been through the background check again. It’s hard to argue with Angelino’s logic.

The state has a legitimate public interest in keeping firearms out of the hands of those who would harm others. But making those who have repeatedly earned the state’s trust to carry a weapon undergo even more background checks isn’t making the public safer. It’s a hassle and a money grab from a group people who have done nothing wrong. If the background checks are that important, require them for people who aren’t already in the state’s system.

A court will decide whether the ammunition tax and background checks to purchase ammunition are legal — but in our view requiring the checks from those who have already been cleared by the state is bad policy either way.