New York: Gun Owners Escape Session With No Damage

Gun owners can quietly celebrate the 2025 legislative session drawing to a close without a gun control bill going to the Governor. Although the Senate passed several bad bills, the Assembly did not reciprocate, stalling bad legislation for this year. Be aware the legislature can come back into session, so it's important to remain diligent. An overview of firearm related legislation considered this year and its status is below: 

S.1026A/A.198A establishes a voluntary waiver of the right to purchase firearms, rifles, and shotguns. S.1026A passed the Senate 47-15, the Assembly version remained in the Assembly Rules Committee.

S.1455A/A.1191A requires the Division of Criminal Justice Services to study the technological viability of personalized handguns. The Senate passed the S.1455 40-19, and neither bill advanced out of the Assembly.

S.1472 attacks NRA instructors and would have upended the entire concealed carry process in New York. The bill moved responsibility for curriculum and certification to the Division of Criminal Justice Services. The Senate passed the bill 42-20, and the Assembly did not act. 

S.4954/A.1089 prohibits the taking of game with lead ammunition on state lands. The bills failed to pass the chambers of origin. 

S.362/A.3233 establishes a 10-day waiting period for the purchase of any firearm. S.362 passed the Senate 40-22, but the Assembly bill, A.3233, remained in the Senate Codes Committee as session ended.

S.399/A.199 bans “machine gun conversion devices” and “convertible pistols.” This bill was especially bad because of the broad language, which would have banned a whole class of commonly owned pistols. Fortunately, both bills remained in committee and did not advance.

One positive development for sportsmen was the passage of full inclusion crossbow hunting. S.6360A passed the Senate 57-2 last week, and A.8330A passed the Assembly on the last day of session. The bill will go to the Governor for her signature.

The regular session has ended, but NRA members should continue to follow NRA-ILA alerts for the latest news impacting New York gun owners.