A New York lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require police to check the social media and online searches of handgun license applicants, and disqualify those who publish violent or hate-filled posts.
The bill, S9191, would require handgun applicants to turn over login information to allow investigators to look at three years’ worth of Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram posts. Google, Yahoo and Bing searches over the previous year also would be checked.
Licenses could be denied if investigators uncover threats of violence or terrorism or the use of racial or ethnic slurs.
Would this be constitutional? We discuss.
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Josh Blackman, associate professor of law at South Texas College of Law Houston; he tweets @JoshMBlackman
Kyleanne Hunter, vice president of programs for Brady Campaign and Center to Prevent Gun Violence; she tweets @RambaKy