The legislation was introduced during a special session called by the governor.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday night that she has signed legislation — which lawmakers just passed tonight — in response to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on concealed carry laws.
The legislation includes making concealed carry illegal in "sensitive locations." Sensitive locations include airports and public transportation, entertainment venues, bars and restaurants, houses of worship and Times Square etc. "We are taking swift and bold action to protect New Yorkers. After carefully reviewing the NYSRPA vs. Bruin decision and having extensive discussions with constitutional and policy experts, advocates, and legislative partners, I am proud to sign passed this landmark legislative package that will strengthen our gun laws and strengthen restrictions on concealed carry," the governor said in a statement.
"I want to thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and all of our partners in the Legislature for their willingness to address this critical issue with urgency and precision. I will continue to do everything in my power to combat gun violence Pandemic.”
The new bill will come into effect on September 1, 2022.
Hochul signed the bill after the New York State Senate passed legislation on Friday banning concealed carry of firearms in "sensitive locations" such as Times Square and all public transportation. The legislation was introduced during a special session earlier in the day.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul speaks to reporters in the Red Room of the State Capitol in Albany, New York, July 1, 2022 on legislation passed during the special legislative session
The bill was before the Supreme Court The move comes after a ruling struck down a state law that limited who could obtain a concealed carry permit to those with "good cause."
“While this ruling by the Supreme Court’s conservative majority invalidates concealed carry license restrictions, the decision allows states to issue licensing requirements to carry firearms. In light of this decision, the Senate majority is taking action to address the invalid regulations and counter this the potential impact of this ruling on public safety," the New York State Senate Democratic majority said in a statement.
Under the legislation, sensitive places where guns cannot be carried include subways, trains, buses and ferries, as well as government buildings, houses of worship, schools, libraries, public playgrounds, parks, zoos, homeless shelters and polling stations.
Lawmakers are considering new gun regulations for concealed carry permits during a special legislative session at the State Capitol in Albany, New York, June 30, 2022.
On Wednesday, Governor Hochul announced lawmakers' intention to Enact “sensitive venues” legislation. The bill was introduced in the state Senate during a special session called by Hochul that began Thursday. The bill also seeks to tacitly prohibit the carrying of firearms on all private property unless the owner of the property has a sign permitting firearms or otherwise expresses consent to allow firearms.
The law provides exceptions for law enforcement officers, peace officers, active military personnel and security personnel, who can carry firearms in sensitive locations. People engaged in legal hunting may also carry firearms in sensitive locations.
The statewide license and records database created and maintained by police will be checked monthly to determine ongoing accuracy and whether a person is no longer a valid license holder. These records will be checked against records of criminal convictions, criminal prosecutions, mental health, extreme risk protection orders and protection orders.
The bill would also add vehicle requirements to existing secure storage laws, requiring gun owners to lock their firearms in a suitable secure storage that is not visible on the outside of their vehicle and to remove ammunition from their firearms. Otherwise, gun owners would not be allowed to remove their firearms from items or cars in their immediate possession.
