What's happening
This bill requires at least five regional public hearings before any gun control legislation can be voted on in New York.
Why it matters
Increases public participation. By mandating at least five regional hearings, the bill ensures that residents from across New York State—not just those near Albany—can voice opinions and concerns on gun control legislation, potentially capturing a broader range of perspectives.
Slows legislative action. The required 30-day minimum waiting period and multiple hearings could delay the passage of gun control bills, making it harder to enact such laws quickly in response to urgent circumstances or public outcry.
Enhances transparency and accountability. The requirement that all testimony be compiled and published in a public report increases government transparency, making it easier for the public and media to scrutinize both the content of proposed laws and the legislative process.
Broad definition of “gun control”. The bill applies to any legislation that changes, restricts, or amends an individual's right to own, possess, carry, or use firearms—potentially affecting a wide range of bills, from minor regulatory tweaks to sweeping reforms.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Hearings on Gun Laws
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to investigations and government operations
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 Hearings for Gun Laws
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor William A. Barclay
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7780
IN SENATE
February 19, 2020
Introduced by Sens. JORDAN, ORTT -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations
AN ACT to amend the legislative law, in relation to requiring public hearings prior to the passage of any legislation relating to gun control
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The legislative law is amended by adding a new section 32-b to read as follows:
§ 32-b. Gun control legislation; public hearings. After introduction and a minimum of thirty days prior to voting on any bill relating to gun control the senate codes committee and the assembly codes committee jointly or separately shall conduct a minimum of five public hearings on such bills. Such hearings shall be conducted regionally to provide individuals and organizations throughout the state with an opportunity to comment on such bills. The committees shall make every effort to hear all those who wish to present statements at such public hearings. The chairs of the committees jointly or separately shall publish a schedule of hearings. The testimony from such hearings shall be compiled into a report and posted on the assembly's website and senate's website for public review. For purposes of this section the term "gun control legislation" shall mean any legislation which amends, restricts, or in any other manner changes an individual's right to own, possess, carry, or fire any pistol, handgun, rifle, shotgun, or other firearm.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10948-02-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the legislative law, in relation to requiring public hearings prior to the passage of any legislation relating to gun control
Purpose or general idea of bill
To make sure that legislation seeking to restrict the rights of gun owners is not passed without the opportunity for public comment
Summary of provisions
The legislative law is amended by adding a new section 32b requiring a series of public hearings prior to voting on any bill related to gun control
Justification
The SAFE Act was passed in the dead of night, under a "message of neces- sity" in order to reduce the ability for the public to review and comment on the bill. Responsible gun owners were completely excluded from the discussion.
As a result of the political makeup of the state, legislation is often adopted without input from those on both sides of the issue. Gun control is an especially divisive issue, with those who reside in cities having little exposure to the hunting and shooting traditions that are so important to many New Yorkers. This bill seeks to make sure that all perspectives are heard when proposals to restrict second amendment rights are considered.
This legislation would require that after introduction and a minimum of 30 days prior to voting on any bill related to gun control, the Senate and Assembly shall hold at least five public hearings throughout the state.
Prior legislative history
New Bill
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
Minimal
Effective date
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.