BILL NUMBER: S10438
SPONSOR: RYAN C
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to allowing certain phys-
ically disabled individuals to complete live-fire range training course
and proficiency demonstration requirements for a concealed carry license
while sitting
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill ensures that every New Yorker, even those with a mobility
impairment, can fully participate in the live-fire ranging portions of a
concealed carry firearm safety training in order to obtain their
concealed carry license.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivision 19 of Penal Law 400, as added by chapter
371 of the laws of 2022, to allow a participant in a concealed carry
firearm safety training who has a physical disability that prevents them
from being able to stand up or remain standing to complete the live-fire
range training course and proficiency demonstration requirements may be
completed while sitting down.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Current law requires applicants for a concealed carry license to
complete live-fire range training and a proficiency demonstration, but
does not address individuals with physical disabilities who are unable
to stand for extended periods of time. As a result, otherwise qualified
New Yorkers with mobility impairments may face unnecessary barriers to
completing the required training.
This bill provides a reasonable accommodation by allowing individuals
whose disability prevents them from standing to complete the live-fire
training and proficiency demonstration while seated, including from a
wheelchair, if necessary. The bill does not waive or reduce any training
or safety requirements; participants must still demonstrate safe handl-
ing and proficiency with a firearm under instructor supervision.
Allowing disabled individuals to train and qualify in the manner they
would actually use a firearm promotes accessibility, fairness, and equal
treatment under the law while maintaining the integrity of New York's
concealed carry licensing standards.
 
PRIOR HISTORY:
2024: Same Bill (A.8061/Lunsford) Died in Codes
2023: Same Bill (A.8061/Lunsford) Died in Codes
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S10438: 400.00 penal law, 400.00(19) penal law