Gun Violence in New York State Down 47 Percent Since Governor Hochul Took Office
New Law Requires Gun Sellers To Post Tobacco-Style Warnings Regarding Health and Safety Risks
New Law Takes Action Against Dangerous “Pistol Convertors” That Can Turn Handguns Into Automatic Weapons
New York State has Seized Over 7,700 Illegal Guns This Year
Alongside former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, New York government officials and other gun safety advocates, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that gun violence in New York State has declined 47 percent since she took office in 2021. Governor Hochul also signed a package of six bills that will strengthen New York’s nation-leading gun laws by requiring gun sellers to post tobacco-style safety warnings, taking action against dangerous “pistol convertors” and providing other new tools and resources to help protect more New Yorkers from gun violence.
“Gun violence is an epidemic that is tearing our country apart. Thoughts and prayers won't fix this, but taking strong action will,” Governor Hochul said. “That's why in New York, we're taking bold steps to protect the people of our State. I am proud to sign this bill package that will help enhance safety across New York. While we are taking expedient action to enhance New York State's nation-leading gun laws, we recognize that gun violence is a nationwide problem. I once again urge Congress to follow our lead and take immediate action to pass meaningful gun violence prevention measures. Lives depend on it.”
Shooting incidents with injury in New York City and communities served by the 28 police departments participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative have declined 47 percent during Governor Hochul’s administration, and the most recent data reported by GIVE agencies show gun violence has declined to pre-pandemic levels.
Governor Hochul also gave an update on New York’s progress in getting illegal guns off the street and keeping firearms away from those who pose a danger to themselves and others. The Governor highlighted that law enforcement agencies statewide have seized over 7,700 illegal guns so far this year, including 569 ghost guns. Additionally, courts across New York have utilized the State’s Red Flag law to issue over 22,000 extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) to date: 92 percent of them after Governor Hochul partnered with the Legislature to strengthen the State’s Red Flag law following the racially motivated murders at the Tops supermarket in Buffalo on May 14, 2022.
The legislation signed today by Governor Hochul included:
Legislation S6649/A2882 requires firearms dealers and gunsmiths to post warnings at sites where firearms are sold and distribute warnings at the time of sale. These warnings must state that firearms increase the risk of suicide, death during domestic disputes and/or unintentional death to children.
Legislation S7365B/A10053A adds the definition of “pistol converter” to Penal Law Section 265.00, which details definitions relating to firearms. Pistol converter is defined as a device that can be attached to the slide of a semi-automatic pistol and interfere with the trigger mechanism, allowing the user to discharge a number of shots rapidly or automatically with one continuous pull of the trigger. The legislation also amends General Business Law to require the gun industry to take “reasonable steps” to prevent the installation and use of pistol converters on their products.
Legislation S3340/A5873 requires the court to notify the statewide registry of orders of protection and warrants when a temporary and/or final extreme risk protection order (ERPO) is issued, ensuring that ERPOs are tracked in the statewide registry of orders of protection and warrants.
Legislation A7717B/S8589A allows police agencies instead of individual police officers to be listed as the petitioner in an ERPO proceeding.
Legislation S8479A/A9862A requires credit and debit card issuers to use the firearms and ammunition retailers merchant category code (MCC) created by the International Organization for Standardization in 2022 for businesses whose highest sales value is from the combined sale of firearms, firearms accessories, or ammunition, and it empowers the State Attorney General to bring an enforcement action for any violation that is not cured within 30 days, which can result in fines up to $10,000 for noncompliance. New York becomes the third state, joining California and Colorado, to enact this requirement.
Legislation S9760/A10356A requires a firearms licensing officer, upon the issuance of a license, to provide information about statewide resources related to safe storage of firearms, child access prevention and firearm violence prevention, as well as information on specific county and local laws and regulations related to child access prevention and safe storage of firearms. The legislation also requires the State to develop and implement a public awareness campaign regarding safe storage and child access prevention, requires those materials to be provided in digital format and available online, and mandates they be updated annually.
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