Dear Community,
Last week, the Supreme Court made the reprehensible decision to overturn New York’s concealed carry law– despite tragedies in Uvalde, Buffalo, and the countless other shootings that we have experienced this year. Today, the Legislature passed S51001 as a response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in NYS Pistol and Rifle Association Inc. v. Bruen. We have the duty as a legislature to ensure that New Yorkers feel safe– and we did just that.
This omnibus bill bolsters the licensing requirements an applicant must meet to obtain a firearms license. This legislation protects New Yorkers from potential gun violence by enhancing training requirements, enumerating a list of sensitive locations where people cannot carry a firearm and safeguards private property rights by requiring owners to “opt in” to allow weapons on their property. Additionally, we strengthened safe storage laws by increasing the age limit from 16 to 18, as well as ensuring a person cannot leave a weapon outside of their possession in a car unless the weapon is safely secured in a lockbox. This legislation ensures that common-sense public policies will be used to reduce gun violence– and will ultimately save lives.
The Legislature also passed S51002 as a response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women's Health Organization during today’s special session. I was proud to vote yes for the passage of the Equality Amendment– taking the first step toward enshrining equal rights and justice in New York State’s Constitution. This amendment will provide crucial and explicit protection for women, LGBTQ New Yorkers, and New Yorkers of color. As the Supreme Court takes frightening steps to roll back the rights of millions, it is vital for New York to provide every protection possible.
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
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