BILL NUMBER: S8608
SPONSOR: MYRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to the purchase of
firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories
 
PURPOSE:
To amend the state finance law to update the firearm procurement proc-
ess.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 Amends the state finance laws by adding a new section 169
Firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories to define "Dealer,"
"Firearm," "Firearm accessory," and "Firearm Precursor Part." Sets
guidelines for state agencies and authorities to only purchase firearms,
ammunition, and firearm accessories from dealers who do not sell unseri-
alized gun build kits or firearm precursor parts. Requires and sets
guidelines for state agencies and authorities to submit a notice of
procurement or renew an existing procurement that includes copies of all
valid licenses, permits, or certificates. Requires that all state agen-
cies and authorities enter into a contract with a state agency for
firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories at the time a notice of
procurement or renewal to prevent, detect, and screen the transfer of
firearms in a straw purchase, and to an individual prohibited from
possessing a firearm by federal, state, or local law or court order.
Adds that the Commissioner and Attorney General will collaborate to
administer and assess persons that submit a bid to ensure adherence in
compliance to the contract rules and the creation of a public safety
value scoring system relating to firearms, ammunition, and firearm
accessories
for persons who submit a bid or offer.
Section 2 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The State of New York should use the power of its purse to incentivize
compliance with the laws and implementation of safe business practices
for firearms vendors vying for state procurement contracts and encourag-
ing reform where necessary. Firearms vendors have the ability to help
law enforcement prevent gun trafficking and gun violence by creating and
implementing policies to prevent, detect, and screen for straw purchas-
ers or firearm traffickers, to prevent sales to prohibited individuals,
to protect against the theft of guns and ammunition, to train vendor
employees and have reasonable policies designed to ensure maximum
compliance with the law, to assist law enforcement in the investigation
and prevention of criminal access to guns, and to promote public safety.
The State can use its buying power to motivate these life-saving
reforms.
This bill requires that any business contracting or seeking to contract
with the State for the sale of firearms, ammunition, or firearms acces-
sories provide information regarding compliance with all applicable laws
regarding firearms dealing and the use of specified practices designed
to prevent sales of firearms and ammunition to firearms traffickers,
straw purchasers, or prohibited persons; and prevent theft or loss of
firearms or ammunition.
As part of the procurement process, and before awarding any contracts to
businesses for the purchase of firearms, ammunition, and firearms acces-
sories, State officials should be provided with and consider all rele-
vant information and should assess the potential contractors to ensure
their responsible business practices and compliance with applicable
local, state, and federal laws.This bill creates a tool for the State to
ensure it is using taxpayer funds to purchase only from responsible
firearms vendors and to incentivize reform where necessary.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect April 1, 2027.