BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed six bills into law to strengthen the state's gun laws.

In a release from Hochul's office dated Oct. 9, state officials lauded the legislation, saying all six laws would save lives.

“Gun violence is an epidemic that is tearing our country apart. Thoughts and prayers won't fix this, but taking strong action will,” Governor Hochul said.

“That's why in New York, we're taking bold steps to protect the people of our State. I am proud to sign this bill package that will help enhance safety across New York. While we are taking expedient action to enhance New York State's nation-leading gun laws, we recognize that gun violence is a nationwide problem. I once again urge Congress to follow our lead and take immediate action to pass meaningful gun violence prevention measures. Lives depend on it.”

The first law, S6649/A2882, requires gun dealers and gunsmiths statewide to post warning signs that state firearms increase the risk of suicide, death during domestic disputes and/or unintentional death to children.

Bill S7365B/A10053A adds the definition of "pistol converter" to Penal Law Section 265.00, the section of penal law related to the definition of firearms.

A "pistol converter" is a device that can be "attached to the slide of a semi-automatic pistol and interfere with the trigger mechanism, allowing the user to discharge a number of shots rapidly or automatically with one continuous pull of the trigger."

The legislation also amends General Business Law to require the firearms industry take “reasonable steps to prevent the installation and use of pistol converters on their products."

Bill S3340/A5873 requires the court to notify the statewide registry of orders of protection and warrants when a temporary or final extreme risk protection order (ERPO) is issued.

Officials say the legislation will ensure ERPOs are tracked in the statewide registry of orders of protection and warrants.

An ERPO, also known as "Reg Flag Laws" were signed into law first by former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2019 before Hochul signed additional legislation in 2022 to enhance the laws.

Red Flag Laws are utilized in the event an individual presents a risk to themselves or those around them, creating a legal process by which to remove firearms from the home through a court order.

In line with S3340/A5873, bill A7717B/S8589A allows police agencies instead of individual police officers to petition courts for an ERPO.

The legislation was sponsored by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton with the intention of protecting the identity of law enforcement officers "as they carry out these vital orders to protect our communities," she said.

Bill S9760/A10356A requires firearms licensing officers, like those who issue concealed carry licenses, to provide information regarding state resources related to safe storage of firearms, child access prevention and firearm violence prevention.

Information regarding specific county and local laws and regulations related to child access prevention and safe storage of firearms.

Under the new law, the state is to develop and implement a public awareness campaign regarding safe storage and child access prevention as well.

“Gun violence is a uniquely American problem that is destroying families and communities across the country. By signing these pieces of legislation into state law, New York continues to lead the nation in common sense and responsible gun ownership and safety. At the federal level, I wrote the anti-gun trafficking statute included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and I am proud to see that this legislation is already making New York streets safer, taking more than 3000 illegal guns off the street and leading to charges against more than 400 defendants. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to pass meaningful federal legislation to stop the scourge of gun violence," Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said.

North Country Assemblyman Scott Gray was critical of the legislation, saying the new laws fail to strike at the root cause of gun violence. 

​“This coupling of gun control bills claims to enhance safety in New York, but in reality, most of these bills fail to address the root cause of gun violence—crime and criminals. Many of the new laws lack clear consequences for offenders and instead place unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens, small business owners, and gun dealers. For example, the bill on pistol converters doesn’t specify what happens if someone is caught violating it. It’s not thought-out legislation,” Gray said.

Gray was also critical of Democrats for “misrepresenting” the bills when they were originally debated. 

 “The majority conference also engaged in arguably questionable tactics by misrepresenting bills. Instead of focusing on real consequences for criminals, these bills amount to word salad that penalizes responsible gun owners while ignoring the very people who are driving violent crime. We’re already seeing people go out of state for ammunition, and these laws will only push them to do the same for firearms and accessories. These bills fail to address the root cause of crime”