Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday night that she has signed legislation — just passed by lawmakers tonight — that was created in response to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on concealed carry laws.
The legislation includes illegal concealed carry in “sensitive locations.” Sensitive locations include airports and public transportation, entertainment venues, bars and restaurants, temples, and Times Square, among others.
“We are taking swift and bold action to protect New Yorkers. After careful review of the NYSRPA v. Bruen decision and extensive discussions with constitutional and policy experts, advocates, and legislative partners, I am proud to sign this landmark legislative package that will strengthen our gun laws and strengthen restrictions on the concealed carry of weapons.” the governor said in a statement.
“I want to thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Hastie and all of our partners in the Legislature for their willingness to tackle this critical issue with urgency and precision. I will continue to do everything in my power to fight the epidemic of gun violence.”
The new bill will enter into force on September 1, 2022.
The bill was signed by Hochul after the New York State Senate passed legislation on Friday that would ban the concealed carry of handguns in “sensitive locations,” including Times Square and all mass transit. The legislation was introduced earlier in the day during a special session.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks to reporters about legislation passed during a special legislative session, in the Red Room of the State Capitol, July 1, 2022 in Albany, New York
Hans Pennink/AP
The bill comes after a Supreme Court ruling struck down a state law that limits who can get concealed carry permits to people who have “good cause.”
“While this decision, issued by the Supreme Court’s conservative majority, invalidates the concealed carry permit restrictions, the decision allows states to issue licensing requirements for carrying firearms. In light of this decision, the Senate Majority is taking action to address the invalid provisions and counter the potential effects of this decision on public safety,” the New York State Senate Democratic Majority said in a statement.
Sensitive gun-free places include subways, trains, buses and ferries, as well as government buildings, temples, schools, libraries, public playgrounds, public parks, zoos, homeless shelters and polling stations, according to the legislation.
The House of Assembly is pictured as the house stands quietly during a special legislative session as lawmakers consider new firearms regulations for concealed carry permits at the state Capitol, June 30, 2022, in Albany, New York
Hans Pennink/AP
Gov. Hochul announced lawmakers’ intent to create “sensitive sites” legislation on Wednesday. The legislation was introduced in the state Senate during a special session called by Hochul that began Thursday.
The bill also seeks to ban the carrying of guns on all private property by default, unless the property owner has signs allowing guns or has otherwise expressed consent for guns to be allowed.
The law makes exceptions for law enforcement, peace officers, active duty military and security personnel who will be allowed to carry weapons in sensitive locations. Those engaged in legal hunting are also permitted to carry weapons in sensitive locations.
The law would make it a felony to carry a gun in restricted areas.
A statewide database of licenses and records established and maintained by the police will be checked monthly to determine continued accuracy and whether an individual is no longer a valid license holder. Records should be checked against records of criminal convictions, criminal charges, mental health, extreme risk protection orders, and protection orders.
The new legislation makes changes to an existing law that creates an ammunition database to verify ammunition sales in New York.
Sellers and dealers of arms and ammunition will also have to keep records of all their transactions involving arms and ammunition.
The bill would also add a vehicle requirement to existing safe storage laws, requiring gun owners to lock their guns in an appropriate safe storage facility, out of sight from outside the vehicle, and to remove ammunition from the weapon. Otherwise, gun owners would not be allowed to leave their firearm outside of their immediate possession or in a car.
Hochul, introducing the legislation Wednesday, said the measure aims to reduce gun thefts from cars.
New York law currently requires gun owners to provide safe storage for their guns by keeping them locked if they have children at home under the age of 16. The new legislation raises the age requirement to 18.
Matt J. ABC News’ Foster contributed to this report.
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