[HISTORY: Adopted by the Suffolk County Legislature 9-14-1999 by L.L. No.
32-1999 (Ch. 382 of the 1985 Code). Amendments noted
where applicable. Uncodified sections of local laws amending these
provisions are included at the end of this chapter.]
A.Â
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that the use of pipe
bombs by individuals under 18 years of age is increasing and constitutes
a public threat to life and safety as evidenced by the recent killings
in Columbine, Colorado.
B.Â
This Legislature further finds and determines that the process of
using the main ingredients of pipe bombs, i.e. steel/PVC pipes and
caps, is advertised over the Internet, while the actual pipes and
caps are sold mainly by vendors throughout many Long Island communities.
C.Â
Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to prohibit the sale of
steel/PVC pipes and caps, the main components of manufacturing pipe
bombs, to minors under 18 years of age within the County of Suffolk
on a year-round basis in order to protect juveniles from each other
and to protect the public from death, destruction of property and
personal injuries, all pursuant to the authority of this Legislature
to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens
of this County.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Individuals; natural persons; partnerships; joint ventures;
societies; associations; clubs; corporations; unincorporated groups
of any members; officer, directors or stockholders or any kind of
personal representative thereof, in any capacity, acting for himself
or for any other person, under either personal appointment or pursuant
to law.
A.Â
No individual under 18 years of age shall purchase steel/PVC pipes
and caps within the County of Suffolk at any time of year.
B.Â
No person within the County of Suffolk shall sell or offer to sell
steel/PVC pipes and caps to an individual under 18 years of age within
the County of Suffolk at any time of year.
All persons within the County of Suffolk who sell or offer for sale steel/PVC pipes and caps shall post a conspicuous sign, containing all capital lettering not less than one inch in height on a contrasting background, summarizing the prohibitions contained in § 651-3 of this chapter and further stating "UNDER PENALTY OF CRIMINAL PROSECUTION."
Any intentional violation of § 651-3 of this chapter shall constitute an unclassified misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of up to $5,000.
This chapter shall apply only to actions occurring on or after
the effective date of this chapter.