Buying Guns About to Get Harder In New York?

New bills being processed in New York State may soon become law, and it could change the way citizens purchase various firearms in New York.

Get our free mobile app

New York Senate Bill S1605 would require that a purchaser of any firearm, rifle, or shotgun submit to a mental health evaluation.

Section 1. Section 897 of the general business law is amended by
adding a new subdivision 1-a to read as follows:
1-A. BEFORE ANY SALE, EXCHANGE, OR DISPOSAL PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE,
A PURCHASER OF ANY FIREARM, RIFLE, OR SHOTGUN SHALL SUBMIT TO A MENTAL
HEALTH EVALUATION AND PROVIDE THE SELLER WITH PROOF OF HIS OR HER
APPROVAL TO PURCHASE SUCH FIREARM, RIFLE, OR SHOTGUN PURSUANT TO SUBDIVI-
SION (M) OF SECTION 7.09 OF THE MENTAL HYGIENE LAW.

Recently, there has been a surge in gun violence across Buffalo and Rochester. But would a bill like this, if passed, change any of that? There are some who would argue that this new law if passed, would have more of an effect on the law-abiding citizens and not offer a solution to the violence.

John_Gowrie •
This in an infringement of our rights and clearly targets gun owners to slow the process or discourage someone from practicing their right to own a firearm for sport or personal protection. Put this effort towards meaningful programs to assist people struggling with mental ailments rather than targeting every gun owner in NY State.

According to the New York Senate website, Bill S1605 is still in committee.