NY Assembly and Senate pass 10 gun safety bills, Gov. Hochul's signature still needed

Legislators in Albany spent Thursday voting on a package of new gun safety bills in the wake of the recent mass shootings across the United States.

News 12 Staff

Jun 3, 2022, 1:02 AM

Updated 853 days ago

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Legislators in Albany spent Thursday voting on a package of new gun safety bills in the wake of the recent mass shootings across the United States.
Ten bills have already passed through both state houses and are awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature.
One of the bills that passed the state Assembly and state Senate include a ban on the sale and purchase of body armor with exceptions for law enforcement, peace officers, military and others whose job requires a bulletproof vest.
The alleged shooter in Buffalo wore body armor, was shot by the supermarket's armed security guard, but was able to continues on his rampage.
The state Assembly and state Senate has also voted to raise the age to purchase a semiautomatic rifle from 18 to 21 and making large capacity magazines illegal.
Other issues included red flag laws and strengthening background checks.
Some Republicans came across the aisle to vote with Democrats on some bills, but the debate was still fierce.
State Sen. Todd Kaminky says there should be a combination of giving law enforcement more tools, schools more security and not allowing people to walk around with weapons of war.
Assemblyman David DiPietro, representing Erie and Wyoming counties, says lawful gun owners are being denied their right to protect themselves and their family for criminals who will find ways around the law.
Hochul issued a statement after the bills passed both houses, saying, "Just last night a deadly semiautomatic weapon was once again used to mercilessly kill innocent civilians, this time at a medical facility in Oklahoma. It was a scene all too familiar in this country, one we've seen everywhere from Uvalde, to Sandy Hook, to Parkland, to my hometown of Buffalo. We cannot keep living like this.
"We cannot be satisfied by New York's already tough gun laws. Shooting after shooting makes it clear that they must be even stronger to keep New Yorkers safe. This comprehensive package will close loopholes, give law enforcement the tools they need to prevent easy access to guns, and stop the sale of dangerous weapons to 18-year-olds. I am grateful to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and our partners in the legislature, and I look forward to signing these bills into law."
"Even as we take action to protect New Yorkers, we recognize that this is a nationwide problem. I once again urge Congress to seize this moment and pass meaningful gun violence prevention measures. We have no time to waste."