New York Assembly Bill A07024

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/25
• Refer: 3/18/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Exempts retired judges from the crime of criminal possession of a firearm, rifle or shotgun in a sensitive location.

Summary

A07024 would amend New York’s Penal Law to add a new exemption from the crime of criminal possession of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in a sensitive location. Specifically, it would allow retired judges to possess a pistol or revolver in sensitive locations if they are duly licensed under section 400.00 of the Penal Law. The bill defines the covered retired judges broadly, including retired judges from the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, Court of Claims, County Court, Surrogate’s Court, Family Court, New York City courts, District Court, and city courts outside New York City. The bill also makes a technical change to the existing sensitive-location exemptions list in section 265.01-e by adding this new category alongside current exemptions for persons participating in military ceremonies, funerals, and honor guards, and for persons engaged in biathlon training or competition. It would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would narrow the reach of New York’s sensitive-location firearm prohibition by creating a new statutory defense/exemption for a specific class of former judicial officers. It would not broadly change firearm licensing law, but it would alter criminal liability under Penal Law section 265.01-e for retired judges who are otherwise licensed to carry pistols or revolvers. The practical effect would be to permit those retired judges to possess covered firearms in places that are otherwise designated sensitive locations under state law.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill is targeted and relatively limited in scope, with no recorded committee debate or vote history provided. The caption indicates a policy rationale of exempting retired judges from sensitive-location firearm restrictions, which implies support for extending a narrow carry privilege to former judicial officers. Because there are no transcripts or votes, there is no documented opposition or broader legislative sentiment in the provided materials.

Contention

The main point of contention likely concerns whether retired judges should receive an exemption from sensitive-location firearm restrictions at all, and whether that exemption should be limited to judges who remain licensed under state law. Supporters would likely argue that retired judges retain security concerns and professional status that justify the carveout, while critics may view it as an additional exception to New York’s sensitive-location rules and question why retired judges should be treated differently from other licensed firearm owners. The bill’s narrow class-based exemption may also raise concerns about consistency and fairness in the state’s firearm regulatory scheme.