New York Assembly Bill A07382

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

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

Caption

Prohibits the possession of concealed firearms in any national park or national wildlife refuge system; imposes a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for a violation thereof.

Summary

This bill would amend New York’s parks, recreation and historic preservation law to prohibit the possession or introduction of concealed firearms in any national park or national wildlife refuge system located in the state, unless an exception applies. The bill’s stated purpose is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by reducing the risk posed by concealed firearms in these recreational and conservation areas. The prohibition would apply to carrying a concealed firearm on one’s person or keeping one in a vehicle or other storage location within the covered areas. It would not apply to federal, state, or municipal law enforcement officers authorized to carry concealed firearms, to firearms used in lawful hunting, or to privately owned residences within those systems. A violation would be treated as a civil offense subject to a penalty of up to $1,000, and the act would take effect on November 1 following enactment.

Impact

The bill would add a new section 13.32 to the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, creating a state-level restriction on concealed firearms in national parks and national wildlife refuge systems in New York. It would establish a civil penalty for violations and carve out specific exceptions for law enforcement, lawful hunting, and private residences. The measure would affect visitors, hunters, firearm owners, and law enforcement operating in those protected areas, while reinforcing state policy favoring firearm restrictions in these recreational and wildlife settings.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the available context suggests a straightforward public-safety rationale rather than a contested legislative record. The sponsor’s findings frame the measure as a health and safety protection for park visitors and wildlife, indicating support from advocates concerned about firearms in shared outdoor spaces. No opposing arguments, amendments, or recorded votes are provided in the materials, so the overall sentiment appears to be precautionary and safety-oriented, with no documented legislative controversy in the available record.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are the restriction on concealed carry in public recreational lands and the extent to which the bill overlaps with hunting and firearm rights. Supporters would likely emphasize visitor safety and wildlife protection, while opponents could argue that the measure burdens lawful gun owners, may complicate self-defense in remote areas, or intrudes on activities already regulated by federal and state law. The bill addresses some of these concerns by exempting law enforcement, lawful hunting, and private residences, but the scope of the prohibition in national parks and wildlife refuges remains the central issue.