New York Assembly Bill A03863

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to the recertification process for firearms.

Summary

This bill amends New York’s Penal Law provisions governing firearm licensing records and recertification. Its central change is to remove the existing requirement that all licensees be recertified to the Division of State Police every five years, along with related recertification procedures, notice requirements, and consequences for failure to recertify. The bill also deletes the separate recertification requirement for licenses to purchase or take possession of a semiautomatic rifle and the special three-year recertification rule for certain licenses issued under subdivision two, paragraph (f). The bill retains and reorganizes the rules governing what information is collected on firearm license applications and how applicants may request an exception from public disclosure of that information. It continues to allow applicants to seek confidentiality based on safety concerns, protected status, or risk of harassment, and preserves the ability of law enforcement to access the information even when it is exempt from public disclosure. The measure also makes conforming edits to the statutory language, including updating pronouns and cross-references, and states that it takes effect immediately.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would substantially alter Penal Law section 400.00 by eliminating the statewide five-year firearm license recertification regime and related recertification provisions, including the semiautomatic rifle recertification requirement. That would reduce ongoing administrative obligations for license holders and the State Police, while leaving the underlying licensing, issuance, renewal, and revocation framework in place. The bill would also preserve the confidentiality exception process for license application information and the statutory limits on public disclosure, while maintaining law enforcement access to those records.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or recorded vote information was provided, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or formal support/opposition in the materials supplied. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to reflect a deregulatory approach to firearm licensing administration by easing recertification obligations. The absence of recorded votes or discussion means sentiment cannot be measured from the available context beyond the bill’s apparent policy direction.

Contention

The likely point of contention is the removal of mandatory firearm license recertification, especially the five-year recertification process and the separate semiautomatic rifle recertification requirement. Supporters would likely view these changes as reducing burdens on lawful gun owners and simplifying compliance, while opponents would likely argue that recertification helps keep licensing records current and supports public safety oversight. Another possible area of dispute is the continued handling of license information as public record subject to confidentiality exceptions, though the bill does not materially expand or contract those disclosure rules beyond conforming edits.