New York Assembly Bill A00360

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to establishing additional requirements to purchase a firearm, shotgun or rifle; requires a person to apply for a hunting license prior to the purchase of a shotgun or rifle; establishes additional requirements for all firearms, shotguns and rifles including taking a five hour gun safety course and exam, passing a shooting range test with 90% accuracy, providing notarized proof of a passed drug test and mental health evaluation, providing proof of purchase of firearm and ammunition safe storage depositories and passing a criminal background check.

Summary

Bill A00360 proposes amendments to the penal law and environmental conservation law in New York, establishing additional requirements for individuals seeking to purchase firearms, shotguns, or rifles. Key provisions include mandatory completion of a five-hour firearms safety course, passing a shooting range test with at least 90% accuracy, and obtaining notarized proof of a passed drug test and mental health evaluation. Furthermore, applicants must provide proof of a safe storage depository for firearms and ammunition and undergo a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a review of mental health records.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the existing framework for firearm purchases in New York by introducing stricter eligibility criteria and procedural requirements. It not only mandates that applicants for firearms licenses must meet comprehensive safety and health standards but also ties the purchase of rifles and shotguns to the possession of a hunting license, which now requires compliance with the new provisions outlined in the penal law. This could lead to a decrease in firearm ownership among individuals who do not meet the new criteria, potentially impacting gun sales and ownership statistics in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00360 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing that the stricter regulations are necessary for public safety and to prevent gun violence. Opponents, however, express concerns about the potential infringement on Second Amendment rights and the feasibility of meeting the new requirements, particularly for law-abiding citizens. The lack of recorded votes or committee discussions may indicate that the bill is still in the early stages of consideration, with ongoing debates likely influencing its future.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the perceived burden of the new requirements on lawful gun owners and the implications for personal freedom and rights. Supporters of the bill argue that these measures are essential for ensuring responsible gun ownership, while critics contend that they may disproportionately affect individuals seeking to exercise their right to bear arms without posing a threat to public safety. The debate centers around balancing public safety with individual rights.