BILL NUMBER: S3981
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the penal law and the environmental conservation law, in
relation to establishing additional requirements to purchase a firearm,
shotgun or rifle
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
In relation to establishing additional requirements to purchase a
firearm, shotgun, or rifle
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Subdivisions 1 and 4-c of section 400.00 of the penal law,
subdivision 1 as separately amended by chapters 371 and 669 of the laws
of 2022, and subdivision 4-c as amended by chapter 371 of the laws of
2022, are amended.
Section 2: The penal law is amended by adding a new section 400.25.
Section 3: Subdivision 1 of section 11-0701 of the environmental conser-
vation law is amended by adding a new paragraph c.
Section 4: Subdivision 3 of section 11-0713 of the environmental conser-
vation law is amended by adding a new paragraph a-1.
Section: This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day
after it shall have become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Mass shootings account for a small fraction of gun related deaths in the
U.S. What has catapulted them to the top of the discussion list is the
fact that they are uniquely terrifying because they occur without warn-
ing in the most mundane places. Due to the rise in mass shootings, many
New Yorkers are rushing to protect their families and homes by applying
for pistol permits in order to purchase a firearm.
Although the need to have protection is understandable, the notion that
every citizen should possess a firearm is absurd. New York is one of six
states whose constitution does not explicitly protect the right of the
people to keep and bear arms. Being a "May Issue" policy state, the
issuance of a firearm is at the discretion of the issuing officer.
This legislation will implement changes to the process by which licens-
ing for a firearm can be obtained. The changes address training, stor-
age, and mental health. All key issues gun control activist are speaking
about. Perhaps making the process a tad bit more detailed and lengthier
may also assist in discouraging purchases made in anger.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S5763- Referred to Codes
2021-22: S3018 - Referred to Codes
2019/20: S1412- Referred to Codes
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become law.