Governor Hochul Signs Landmark Legislative Package to Strengthen Gun Laws and Protect New Yorkers
State Senator Jamaal Bailey mentioned, “We can’t watch for the subsequent Buffalo or Uvalde to behave. With this package deal of laws, New York is main the nation in strengthening our gun legal guidelines to meaningfully deal with the scourge of gun violence. My invoice will set up a devoted activity drive throughout the New York Lawyer Common’s Workplace to research social media’s function in selling violent extremism and the usage of social media platforms to plan and facilitate acts of home terrorism. Along with my colleagues’ payments to require a allow and lift the age to buy a semiautomatic rifle, strengthen background checks for gun and ammunition gross sales, and enhance the reporting of hateful social media, this legislative package deal will save lives and forestall future tragedies. Thanks Governor Kathy Hochul for signing into regulation essentially the most strong package deal of payments to sort out gun violence in our state’s historical past, Majority Chief Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Carl Heastie, and my colleagues in each homes in your management on this second of disaster.”
State Senator Brad Hoylman mentioned, “We should do every little thing in our energy to stop gun violence in New York. We honor the recollections of the ten lives misplaced in Buffalo by the hands of a white supremacist, the 19 kids in Texas, and the tons of of New Yorkers that die from gun violence yearly with this package deal of gun security payments. I am honored and humbled to have sponsored two payments being signed by Governor Hochul right now, together with the brand new microstamping regulation (S.4116A/A.7926) and the invoice making it simpler prosecute instances the place a big capability journal was used (S.9229A/A.10428A). My sincerest gratitude goes to to Governor Hochul for championing and expeditiously signing these payments, Senate Majority Chief Andrea Stewart-Cousins for prioritizing gun security, and the advocates and anti-gun violence organizations with whom we work carefully together with, New Yorkers In opposition to Gun Violence, Everytown, Mothers Demand Motion, Brady, Giffords and the Coalition to Cease Gun Violence.”
State Senator Todd Kaminsky mentioned, “Those that threaten to inflict mass hurt on the general public have to be held accountable. Courts in our state have blocked prosecutions of those that make critical threats in opposition to our colleges, synagogues and companies so it was mandatory to shut this loophole. By signing this laws, we’re empowering regulation enforcement to prosecute those that make such threats to the fullest extent of the regulation. Our youngsters’s and our neighbors’ security demand nothing much less. Thanks to Governor Hochul and Assemblymember Wallace for his or her work on this.”
State Senator Anna M. Kaplan mentioned, “The racist home terrorist who murdered 10 harmless Black New Yorkers in a Buffalo grocery store was radicalized on-line in an setting the place hate speech is inspired and the place there are few choices for individuals of fine conscience to sound the alarm about what is going on on there. Everyone knows the expression “in the event you see one thing, say one thing,” however sadly, many social media platforms make it unimaginable to talk out if you see one thing harmful or dangerous on-line. My laws will empower social media customers to maintain digital areas safer for all by offering clear and constant reporting mechanisms to flag hate speech, and with the devastating penalties of hate throughout us getting worse by the day, we have to take this motion immediately. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s management in signing this laws together with the whole gun security package deal we handed final week, and I am grateful for my partnership with Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy on this invoice.”
State Senator Brian Kavanagh mentioned, “We’ll by no means absolutely rid our nation of atrocities just like the horrific shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde — or the day-to-day gun violence that plagues so lots of our communities — till the gun trade and their allies in Congress and in lots of states act responsibly and cease blocking legal guidelines that may cease the violence. However our actions over the past decade, and the legal guidelines Governor Kathy Hochul is signing right now, display that we’re keen and in a position to shield New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence. I thank Governor Hochul, Majority Chief Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Carl Heastie for his or her management, our colleagues within the government chamber and the legislature, and the numerous advocates, survivors, regulation enforcement professionals, and gun violence prevention specialists who’ve helped form our understanding of what must be carried out.”
State Senator Tim Kennedy mentioned, “Whereas Washington continues to fail to behave, New York is stepping as much as the plate,” mentioned Senator Tim Kennedy. “One of many Metropolis of Buffalo’s darkest days is main to vary, and we’re giving voice to people who we misplaced by effecting actual and substantive reforms that may assist to stop future tragedies and save lives. Whereas our work is much from over, I am proud that the Legislature was in a position to swiftly come collectively on this challenge, and I thank Governor Hochul for her management and for signing these payments into regulation.”
State Senator Sean Ryan mentioned, “Because the Buffalo neighborhood continues to mourn, dozens of different communities like ours have misplaced harmless lives to mass shootings. It has lengthy been clear that our nation must take daring motion to stop these assaults, confront white supremacy and hateful ideology, and do every little thing potential to avoid wasting lives. Whereas we watch for the federal authorities to behave, it’s as much as particular person states to do our half. Right here in New York, we regarded carefully at what occurred in Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas to develop commonsense reforms that may make a distinction and assist forestall tragedies like these from occurring sooner or later.”
State Senator Luis Sepúlveda mentioned, “I am honored Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into regulation my invoice S9456, which modifications the definition of firearms to incorporate “Ghost Weapons”. Ghost Weapons are, unequivocally, an enormous element of the rising gun violence that’s plaguing our communities. This regulation is a transcendental step in our combat to make sure public security. Governor Hochul has chosen the Bronx because the situation to ship a transparent message to the whole State and the remainder of the Nation: we is not going to stand idly by with out performing for the peace and tranquility of our communities. At present, we’re giving hope to tens of millions of individuals and proving that it’s potential to return collectively to offer our communities the instruments they want and the safety they need to dwell in peace.”
State Senator James Skoufis mentioned, “Our gun security package deal sends a clarion message within the wake of Buffalo, Uvalde, and numerous different violent tragedies: New York will do what’s wanted to maintain our communities secure. The ‘pink flag’ growth invoice that I sponsored permits well being and psychological healthcare professionals to file for excessive threat safety orders to assist maintain firearms out of the fingers of harmful people. I applaud the Governor for signing this and different key measures to guard our households and communities.”
State Senator Kevin Thomas mentioned, “Because the federal authorities sits idly, New York State is as soon as once more stepping up and taking motion to guard our residents from gun violence. The tragedies in Buffalo and Uvalde have proven there’s a correlation between mass shootings and younger individuals having unfettered entry to semiautomatic weapons. I’m proud to have been the first sponsor of S.9458, which might successfully increase the age to buy semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21. New York continues to be a pacesetter in implementing powerful widespread sense gun legal guidelines. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this life-saving legislative package deal into regulation right now to make sure communities throughout New York stay secure.”
Assemblymember Kenny Burgos mentioned, “Gun violence is a nationwide epidemic and a plague on our communities. And when any harmless life is misplaced on the barrel of a gun, it’s a failure of our authorities and our humanity. It is why I’m heartened by the tireless work of my legislative colleagues and the Governor in passing essentially the most complete package deal of gun security reforms within the nation. This consists of my very own invoice which closes a harmful loophole and expands the definition of firearms to maintain up with the disturbingly-innovative minds within the gun trade. New York stepped up at this distressing time in our nation’s historical past, and I reiterate my name for Congress to do the identical.”
Assemblymember Patrick Burke mentioned, “As a father, I do know the worry and nervousness mother and father really feel when sending their children to high school. The “have a pleasant day” hugs are being held just a bit bit longer. We want widespread sense gun reform on the federal stage however New Yorkers can relaxation assured that their Legislature Majority and their Governor will do every little thing of their energy to guard them and their households from gun violence.”
Assemblymember Kevin Cahill mentioned, “When an individual is in disaster, the oldsters greatest geared up to establish them and assist out are psychological well being professionals. By strengthening the Pink Flag Regulation and increasing the flexibility to file Excessive Threat Safety Orders, we’ll assist be sure that those that current a right away hazard to themselves or our communities do not stay within the shadows and may start to obtain the eye and remedy they want.”
Assemblymember William Conrad mentioned, “We as Individuals can completely uphold our Second Modification rights whereas on the identical time securing important protections in opposition to gun crimes. A recommitment to the Pink Flag Regulation, sensible rules across the possession and use of semiautomatic weapons, complete records-sharing amongst and for the advantage of regulation enforcement companies – these are among the common sense measures that may each help accountable gun possession and supply the improved controls demanded by the overwhelming majority of our residents. The disaster of gun violence, which so grievously touched Buffalo on Could 14, might be addressed with a multi-faceted strategy that features greater than tightened entry to firearms. However I imagine the laws handed this 12 months in New York State represents the suitable rapid response to such violence. We can’t benefit from the freedom our forefathers supposed for us with out the assurances of fundamental security and safety.”
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy mentioned, “We now have seen an excessive amount of hate and misinformation unfold throughout social media networks, and too typically that vitriol spills over into violence offline and may culminate into the kind of tragedy that occurred in Buffalo final month. With over 4.75 billion posts made on Fb alone day-after-day and greater than 70 % of Individuals having some type of social media account, we’d like social media platforms to place into place clear, concise insurance policies on learn how to report and deal with hateful content material. This laws sends a robust message to social media platforms and corporations; that they need to take actual motion to guard New Yorkers from the unfold of harmful hate speech and misinformation each on-line and offline.”
Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson mentioned, “As in far too many different mass shootings, the gunman in Buffalo went into the shop carrying a bulletproof vest so he can be secure whereas he slaughtered harmless victims. The shop’s armed safety guard shot at him, however the shooter was unhurt and returned hearth, killing the safety guard. It is a very pro-law enforcement invoice. Until your occupation places you at a particular threat of gun violence, there is no such thing as a purpose you want a bullet proof vest. This invoice will assist maintain them out of the fingers of those that need to shield themselves from regulation enforcement or different safety officers whereas harming others. If we will not cease these criminals from taking pictures, the least we are able to do is take away their safety.”
Assemblymember Chantel Jackson mentioned, “It is time to transfer from simply providing ideas and prayers to victims of gun violence. The Governor and legislature is dedicated to taking each step to safe the security of all New Yorkers. The invoice I sponsored would require individuals to be 21 years previous and licensed to buy or take possession of a semiautomatic rifle.”
Assemblymember Karen McMahon mentioned, “Communities throughout the nation and in Western New York are nonetheless reeling from mindless and horrific gun violence. Practically a decade for the reason that Sandy Hook bloodbath, we’re incomprehensibly in the identical place, struggling the implications of inaction. Right here in New York State, nevertheless, I am proud that my colleagues and I’ve taken a stand and mentioned ‘no extra.’ Collectively, we handed a sequence of payments that may crack down on weapons of conflict and physique armor, shut loopholes for acquiring a weapon, combat hate speech on-line, and extra. With the Governor’s signature, we take a step in the appropriate path towards much-improved gun security and duty in New York State.”
Assemblymember Demond Meeks mentioned, “The core tenet for the state of New York is Excelsior, “ever upward.” Initially of COVID-19, New York took the lead in passing measures and protections to fight the unfold of this unknown virus. We acted shortly and we moved ahead whereas doing what we believed was proper to avoid wasting lives all through our state. That is no totally different because it pertains to mass homicide and the rising charges of gun violence, one other lethal illness overtaking our communities. As an epidemic, we should shield the members of our communities by implementing restorative reforms to extend public security. We now have to take care of our initiatives and push for rules and tips that may safeguard the individuals of New York State from additional acts of mindless violence. Collectively, we should take a stand in opposition to hatred and prejudice, striving ever upward for our residents and households.”
Assemblymember Amy Paulin mentioned, “There’s a thriving underground marketplace for unlawful weapons all through this nation, together with in New York State.This laws will enhance the sharing of crime gun data by requiring state and native regulation enforcement companies to submit crime gun data to federal databases. Moreover, since we all know that roughly 25% of crime weapons have been obtained inside New York, this laws establishes safety, coaching, and recordkeeping requirements for retail gun sellers within the state. These measures will tremendously improve the State’s means to stop the illegal sale of firearms, fight gun trafficking by means of complete traces of crime weapons, and finally save the lives of New Yorkers. I’m thrilled that this laws has been signed into regulation and thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her steadfast dedication to lowering gun violence in New York State. As tragic as these previous couple of weeks have been, I’m heartened to be a part of a State legislature that provides not simply ideas and prayers however takes concrete motion and passes legal guidelines to stem gun violence.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera mentioned, “Identical to we regulate the sale of alcohol to minors, so too ought to we regulate the sale of computerized weapons to minors. The great gun-bill package deal that Governor Hochul will signal into regulation represents widespread sense measures that each one law-abiding gun homeowners ought to be capable to help, together with banning the sale of semiautomatic rifles to anybody beneath 21 by requiring a license, prohibiting the acquisition of physique armor by anybody not engaged in an eligible occupation, and strengthening Pink Flag Legal guidelines by increasing the checklist of people that can file for Excessive Threat Safety Orders. Mass shooters have lately used loopholes in state legal guidelines to devastate communities and tear households aside. By closing them, New York is taking one more step ahead in defending its residents from the scourge of gun violence that continues to destroy communities throughout our nation, as motion on the federal stage has been frozen and mired in a political stalemate.”
Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal mentioned, “Gun violence is the primary main explanation for demise amongst our nation’s younger individuals. Our inaction within the face of a lot preventable carnage is a nationwide embarrassment. In gentle of the continued federal paralysis, New York is taking the lead as soon as once more to crack down on weapons. Microstamping is a crucial software that may assist regulation enforcement remedy crimes. With a clearance charge on gun crimes of 30% in New York Metropolis, microstamping will assist get harmful criminals and their weapons of the streets. This is likely one of the greatest methods to finish the viscous cycle of violence. I’m grateful to Speaker Heastie for his management on this challenge and to Governor Hochul for signing it into regulation.”
Assemblymember Monica Wallace mentioned, “After the devastating assaults in Buffalo after which Uvalde, the individuals of New York State demanded motion to finish mindless gun violence. We delivered by passing widespread sense gun management legal guidelines that may maintain individuals secure and save lives. I thank Governor Hochul for her management on this challenge and for signing my laws making it against the law to threaten to commit an any mass taking pictures.”
Erie County Govt Mark C. Poloncarz mentioned, “Giant numbers of Individuals help widespread sense gun legal guidelines that shield our residents, shut loopholes, and forestall weapons of mass violence from being utilized in our communities. As everyone knows too properly, too many lives have been destroyed, households devastated and far ache suffered by victims, their family members and communities from gun violence to let this second cross. This regulation is a serious achievement and an announcement to America that New York State is united and centered in opposition to gun violence. I thank Governor Hochul and our state Meeting and Senate management for his or her swift motion. This complete legislative package deal will assist to avoid wasting lives, shield our residents, and take weapons out of the fingers of people that shouldn’t have them.”
New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams mentioned, “The sea of gun violence doesn’t have a single level of origin, however these 10 legal guidelines will dam among the rivers resulting in that sea. Working in partnership with our investments in each prevention and intervention, I’m assured that this set of legal guidelines will proceed the discount in shootings we have seen over the past two months throughout New York Metropolis. I beforehand supported and fought for a lot of of those efforts, together with microstamping, within the Legislature, and I’m glad we’re right now taking motion to stop New York Metropolis from turning into the subsequent Buffalo, Uvalde, Orlando, Columbine, or Sandy Hook. I thank Governor Hochul and our legislative leaders for transferring with urgency to avoid wasting lives.”
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown mentioned, “On this present day, motion was taken in New York State towards smart gun reform so that each New Yorker can really feel safer going to the shop, going to high school and visiting locations of worship with out having to think about the potential for a mass shooter wielding a weapon made for conflict. The mass taking pictures victims in Buffalo and throughout the nation should not be in useless. We’ll proceed to make our voices heard and urge the Federal authorities to comply with New York’s lead in order that no neighborhood has to really feel ache and loss like Buffalo, Uvalde, Philadelphia and so many different locations round our nation.”
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans mentioned, “I need to commend and thank Governor Hochul and our representatives within the New York State Legislature for adopting these common sense measures to strengthen New York’s gun legal guidelines. These complete reforms will work to maintain weapons out of the fingers of those that intend to make use of them to kill or hurt others and cut back the circulation of unlawful weapons by means of the iron pipeline that’s fueling the unprecedented ranges of violence on our streets. I’m proud to dwell in a state that’s main the way in which on gun security, which is shaping as much as be some of the vital coverage debates of our time”
Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino mentioned, “New York State regularly acts as a pacesetter in our nation on the subject of taking motion to guard our residents in opposition to gun violence. As soon as once more, we’re main the way in which. The brand new legal guidelines Governor Hochul signed right now give attention to preserving our neighbors secure. They give attention to preserving kids in colleges secure. They put residents’ high quality of life forward of politics. They’re an acceptable motion to fight the horrors which might be plaguing not solely the Western New York neighborhood, but in addition the whole nation. I applaud Governor Hochul and help her dedication to shut loopholes in our present gun legal guidelines. These new measures will assist to guard individuals attempting to dwell their on a regular basis lives, whether or not they’re searching for groceries or praying at a church. Governor Hochul put individuals first when she signed these new legal guidelines.”
Mayor Ben Walsh mentioned, “New York State is exhibiting the nation learn how to strengthen protections in opposition to the epidemic of gun violence. We have already got powerful gun legal guidelines, however the threats are evolving and rising. I commend Governor Hochul, the New York State Legislature and Lawyer Common James for taking a complete strategy to lowering the danger of gun violence and for transferring shortly to enact new protections.”
Director of the Mayor’s Workplace to Scale back Gun Violence in Syracuse Lateef Johnson-Kinsey mentioned, “I want to thank Governor Hochul and the Legislature for placing neighborhood security first and for being a forerunner in change for stronger and complete gun legal guidelines. This package deal of payments is a step in the appropriate path to creating our communities safer.”
Manhattan District Lawyer Alvin Bragg mentioned, “It is going to take an all-hands-on-deck strategy to fight gun violence in our state, and these measures symbolize a important step ahead to preserving our communities secure. I applaud Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie and Majority Chief Stewart-Cousins for recognizing the significance of this second and taking swift motion. My Workplace will proceed working carefully with neighborhood leaders, lawmakers and our regulation enforcement companions to get weapons off our streets and maintain violence drivers accountable.”
Bronx District Lawyer Darcel D. Clark mentioned, “Something we are able to do to stem the carnage of mass shootings, and the on a regular basis gun violence that plagues our communities have to be carried out NOW. I applaud Governor Hochul Speaker Heastie and Majority Chief Stewart-Cousins for taking motion on the state stage and hopefully Congress will act too.”
Brooklyn District Lawyer Eric Gonzalez mentioned, “Latest mass shootings have shocked the nation, and I commend the Legislature and Governor Hochul for taking fast and decisive motion by passing new legal guidelines to make our neighborhoods safer. From loophole closures and a stronger Pink Flag Regulation, to obligatory microstamping and a invoice to fight hate on social media, New York continues to guide the nation with commonsense laws to cease gun violence.”
Queens District Lawyer Melinda Katz mentioned, “Gun violence is a illness that has affected each a part of our nation. New York State, as typical, is main the way in which on the subject of laws that effectuates actual change. I used to be proud to hitch Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers, who’ve come collectively on a path ahead for our nation by strengthening gun management measures. The extra we restrict entry to firearms, the extra lives are saved. I thank the Governor and the Legislature for his or her actions.”
Staten Island District Lawyer Michael E. McMahon mentioned, “As our nation mourns within the wake of a number of mass shootings, and we see an increase within the violent devastation attributable to the flood of unlawful weapons on our Metropolis’s streets, particularly within the fingers of our youth, the combat to strengthen gun legal guidelines and forestall future tragedies has by no means been extra pressing. This complete invoice package deal handed by the State Legislature and signed into regulation right now by Governor Hochul is important to aiding regulation enforcement in preserving our communities secure and guaranteeing firearms don’t fall into the fallacious fingers. On the Staten Island District Lawyer’s workplace, my prosecutors will proceed to work zealously to carry accountable those that possess and use unlawful firearms and to ship justice for the victims of those violent crimes. On the identical time, the nationwide challenge of gun violence calls for rapid consideration, and I urge our leaders on the federal stage to enact related measures to assist curb mindless killings like we witnessed in Uvalde, Buffalo, and in far too many different mass shootings from latest reminiscence. Defending New Yorkers and all Individuals from the scourge of gun violence should stay a high precedence for leaders throughout authorities. On Staten Island, my workplace will proceed working with a myriad of companions, from regulation enforcement, to elected leaders, anti-violence teams, and the healthcare neighborhood, to advertise safer communities, present extra psychological well being assets, and work to stop gun violence from spreading on our streets by means of vigorous precision policing and prosecution.”
New York State United Academics President Andy Pallotta mentioned, “The ache New York’s schooling neighborhood feels after the horror of Buffalo and Uvalde is deep. However what offers us hope is the willingness of New York’s leaders to place politics apart and enact widespread sense measures to assist deal with the scourge of gun violence and mass shootings that plagues this nation. We thank Governor Hochul and the Legislature for heeding the requires change and can proceed working with them to assist our communities heal.”
United Federation of Academics President Michael Mulgrew mentioned, “We help widespread sense gun management measures to maintain our youngsters, colleges, streets and communities secure. Our college students are demanding we act.”
Giffords Regulation Middle Deputy Chief Counsel David Pucino mentioned, “The payments signed into regulation right now will make New Yorkers safer. They shut gaps within the regulation, introduce new improvements to assist remedy gun crime, and strengthen gun security. No single coverage will make the shootings cease, however these payments symbolize important progress in the direction of defending our communities from gun violence. We thank Governor Hochul for her brave management within the wake of unspeakable tragedy. Her efforts, and the efforts of our leaders in Albany, are a testomony to New York as a pacesetter in gun violence prevention.”
Govt Director of New Yorkers In opposition to Gun Violence Rebecca Fischer mentioned, “Confronted with a surging gun violence disaster, Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature have as soon as once more made it a precedence this week to guard New Yorkers by passing a robust, life-saving slate of gun violence prevention payments. These measures will assist maintain weapons away from individuals in disaster to stop mass shootings, suicide and different gun violence, would require a license to buy or possess a semi-automatic rifle wherever on this state, and can present regulation enforcement with a brand new tracing software to cease gun trafficking and maintain rogue gun sellers accountable. As New Yorkers and Individuals, we must always not should worry gun violence each day in our neighborhoods or properties, in our subways, our supermarkets, our colleges, our homes of worship, or wherever else. Whereas Congress continues to stall on significant nationwide gun reform, we’re grateful to have excellent gun violence prevention champions main our state authorities. Thanks Governor Hochul for signing these payments into regulation and preserving our youngsters and all New Yorkers secure.”
Youth Over Weapons Co-founder and Govt Director Luis Hernandez mentioned, “As our communities face tragedy and grief we should discover options to deal with the looming gun violence epidemic. At present is a historic day for the State of New York as we proceed to guide the nation with strong, and customary sense insurance policies. Youth Over Weapons is proud to face alongside Governor Kathy Hochul as we work to make sure the wellbeing and security of younger individuals throughout the state. It is a exceptional step ahead, and we invite our Federal representatives to look to NY for steerage. At present and all the time, we name for an finish to this carnage just because we need to develop up.”
Brady President Kris Brown mentioned, “It is a historic day for New York and simply the most recent instance of the state main the nation in enacting common sense and daring gun violence prevention legal guidelines. Governor Hochul has championed gun violence prevention and right here reacted decisively following the tragic taking pictures in Buffalo to ship life-saving insurance policies that New Yorkers constantly agree on. Her management is an instance to the nation, and we applaud the legislature, Governor Hochul, and the numerous native and grassroots advocates who’ve supported these insurance policies and ensured that they develop into regulation.”
