The legislation includes illegal concealed carry in “sensitive locations”. Sensitive locations include airports and public transportation, entertainment venues, bars and restaurants, houses of worship, 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 Heastie and all of our partners in the Legislature for their willingness to address 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 Senate passed legislation on Friday that would ban the concealed carry of weapons in a “sensitive location,” 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 at the State Capitol, July 1, 2022, in Albany, NY Hans Pennink/AP The bill comes on the heels of a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a state law that limited who could get concealed carry permits to people who had “good cause.” “While this decision by the Supreme Court’s conservative majority invalidates concealed carry permit restrictions, the decision allows states to enact permit requirements for carrying handguns. In light of this decision, the Senate Majority is taking action to addressing the repealed provisions and addressing the potential impact of this decision on public safety,” the New York State Senate Democratic Majority said in a statement. Sensitive places where guns cannot be carried include subways, trains, buses, and ferries, as well as government buildings, houses of worship, schools, libraries, public playgrounds, public parks, zoos, homeless shelters, and polling places. according to the law. The Assembly chamber is pictured as the house is quiet during a special legislative session as lawmakers consider new firearms regulations for concealed carry permits at the state Capitol, June 30, 2022, in Albany, NY Hans Pennink/AP Gov. Hochul announced lawmakers’ intent to introduce “sensitive parts” 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 posted 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 personnel and security, who will be allowed to carry guns in sensitive places. Those engaged in legal hunting are also allowed to carry guns in sensitive locations. The law would make it a felony to bring weapons into the restricted areas. A national database of licenses and records created and maintained by the police will be checked on a monthly basis for continued accuracy and whether a person is no longer a valid license holder. Records must be checked against records for criminal convictions, criminal charges, mental health, extreme 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 a record 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 area out of sight outside the vehicle and remove ammunition from the weapon. Otherwise, gun owners will not be allowed to leave their gun outside of their immediate possession or in a car. Hochul, introducing the legislation on Wednesday, said the measure is intended to curb the theft of guns from cars. New York law currently requires gun owners to have safe storage for their guns, keeping them locked, if they have children 16 and under in the home. The new legislation lifts this age requirement to 18 years. ABC News’ Matt J. Foster contributed to this report.
