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Russell, Ritchie Face Off Over 'Mark's Law'

Story Published: Jan 11, 2013 at 3:39 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 13, 2013 at 6:35 PM EDT

Surrounded by emergency responders, Assemblywoman Addie Russell introduced an enhanced "Mark's Law" during a news conference Friday in Watertown.

"Mark's Law" is named after Cape Vincent emergency medical technician Mark Davis, who was shot and killed while responding to a call in 2009.

It's purpose: better protect EMTs

But the bill failed in the Assembly - twice.

Now, Assemblywoman Russell (D. - 115th District) is hoping to capitalize on the heated gun-control debate to push her version of the law through.

She is calling for some controversial additions, including limiting the amount of information available on the internet about pistol permit holders.

"You're going to have to the same amount of work you did before we had the internet. You're going to have to go down and request the information and get the name and the county they live in. You're going to have to go to the phone book and look them up," said Russell.

Senator Patty Ritchie, who first introduced Mark's Law, says she doesn't see how any additions will help.

"I honestly don't see how making this bill and adding more to it, more controversial elements, will improve the chances of getting it passed in the Assembly," said Ritchie, a Republican.

Senator Ritchie says she has been busy working to push through the original law - meaning right now there are two Mark's Laws being worked on.

"I've been contacted by several Assembly members who are interested in the bill, interested in picking up the original bill," said Ritchie.

Which bill will get to the Assembly is unclear, and the bigger question remains: will any version of Mark's Law ever be passed?
Saturday, May 25, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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