What's happening
This bill prohibits gun license applications and accompanying materials from containing explicit written warnings about firearm ownership or use.
Why it matters
Removes mandatory warnings. By prohibiting explicit written warnings on gun license applications and accompanying materials, the bill eliminates a layer of caution or educational messaging that might inform applicants of the risks or responsibilities associated with firearm ownership.
Shifts state messaging. The absence of warnings could be seen as a shift in the state's stance on firearm safety, potentially signaling a less precautionary approach and altering the tone of official government communication about guns.
May impact public understanding. Without explicit warnings, applicants—especially first-time gun owners—may have less exposure to information about the legal, safety, and health implications of owning or using a firearm, possibly affecting informed decision-making.
Could influence legal liability and education efforts. The change might limit the tools available to licensing officers and public safety officials to communicate important safety information, which could have downstream effects on efforts to reduce gun-related accidents or misuse.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Gun Application Warnings
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to codes
- Held for consideration in codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Remove Gun Application Warnings
In Senate Committee · Codes · Sponsor Robert Ortt
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1697
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 16, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. HAWLEY, BLANKENBUSH, DiPIETRO, FRIEND, LAWRENCE, MORINELLO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to gun license applications not containing warnings
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 3 of section 400.00 of the penal law, as amended by chapter 1 of the laws of 2013, is amended to read as follows:
(a) Applications shall be made and renewed, in the case of a license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver, to the licensing officer in the city or county, as the case may be, where the applicant resides, is principally employed or has his or her principal place of business as merchant or storekeeper; and, in the case of a license as gunsmith or dealer in firearms, to the licensing officer where such place of business is located. Blank applications shall, except in the city of New York, be approved as to form by the superintendent of state police. No applications, or the literature given therewith, shall be approved, distributed or used in any capacity which contain an explicit written warning regarding ownership or use of a firearm. An application shall state the full name, date of birth, residence, present occupation of each person or individual signing the same, whether or not he or she is a citizen of the United States, whether or not he or she complies with each requirement for eligibility specified in subdivision one of this section and such other facts as may be required to show the good character, competency and integrity of each person or individual signing the application. An application shall be signed and verified by the applicant. Each individual signing an application shall submit one photograph of himself or herself and a duplicate for each required copy of the application. Such photographs shall have been taken within thirty days prior to filing the application. In case of a license as gunsmith or
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02401-01-9
A. 1697 2
dealer in firearms, the photographs submitted shall be two inches square, and the application shall also state the previous occupation of each individual signing the same and the location of the place of such business, or of the bureau, agency, subagency, office or branch office for which the license is sought, specifying the name of the city, town or village, indicating the street and number and otherwise giving such apt description as to point out reasonably the location thereof. In such case, if the applicant is a firm, partnership or corporation, its name, date and place of formation, and principal place of business shall be stated. For such firm or partnership, the application shall be signed and verified by each individual composing or intending to compose the same, and for such corporation, by each officer thereof.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.