What's happening
This bill requires privately made firearms in New York to have a unique serial number and be registered with authorities.
Why it matters
Targets untraceable “ghost guns”. By requiring privately made firearms to have a serial number and be reported to the state, the bill aims to close a loophole that allows individuals to own and transfer untraceable guns, which are a growing concern in criminal investigations.
Introduces significant legal penalties. Violating this law is classified as a class C felony, meaning individuals could face serious criminal charges and substantial prison time if they fail to comply, signaling the state’s intention to strongly deter non-compliance.
Increases government oversight. The requirement to submit detailed information—including the serial number, firearm size, and a photograph—to the Department of Criminal Justice Services enables law enforcement to better monitor and track privately made firearms, aiding in crime prevention and investigations.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Serial Numbers on Guns
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 7
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to 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.
Require Serial Numbers on Homemade Guns
In Assembly Committee · Codes · Sponsor Charles Lavine
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2419
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 24, 2019
Introduced by Sen. KAPLAN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to requiring all firearms manufactured, crafted or built by private individuals to have an identifying serial number
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The penal law is amended by adding a new section 265.50 to read as follows: § 265.50 Failure to identify a firearm.
(1) Firearms manufactured, crafted, assembled or built by private individuals shall have an identifying serial number engraved, casted, stamped (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placed on the frame or receiver of the firearm. The serial number must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed, and must not duplicate any serial number placed by the individual on any other firearm.
(2) The individual shall submit the firearm's serial number to the department of criminal justice services with the firearm's size and a photograph of the firearm.
Failure to identify a firearm is a class C felony.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04583-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to requiring all firearms manufactured, crafted or built by private individuals to have an identi- fying serial number
Purpose
To require that all firearms manufactured, crafted, assembled or built by private individuals have an identifying serial number engraved, tast- ed, or impressed on the frame or receiver of the firearm.
Summary
The penal law is amended by adding a new section 265.50
Justification
In 2015, New York State charged three residents for illegally assembling and selling untraceable military-grade assault weapons known as "Ghost Guns." These ghost guns are assembled and require no serial number, therefore, causing concern that non-law abiding citizens can easily make completely untraceable firearms. State Attorney General Eric T. Schneid- erman has stated that these ghost guns are the next frontier of illegal firearm trafficking. Currently, there are no federal laws requiring private individuals to report a weapon they have made, or assembled at home when the firearm has been produced without the intent to sell. However, as the evolution of technology continues to progress, legiti- mate safety concerns need to be remedied.
Fiscal implication
None.
Legislative history
A2725 of 2017-2018; referred to codes.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.