Governor Hochul Signs New Gun Safety Laws Amid Declining Violence in New York

Governor Kathy Hochul signed several new gun safety measures into law in New York City on Wednesday, October 9th, aimed at strengthening the state’s already robust firearm regulations. The package of six bills includes requirements for gun sellers to post warning signs about the dangers of firearms and provisions to limit the use of devices that convert pistols into automatic weapons. Hochul emphasized that these laws will enhance public safety and urged Congress to pass similar nationwide reforms.

One of the key laws requires firearms dealers to post warnings similar to tobacco labels, detailing how guns increase the risk of suicide, domestic violence fatalities, and accidental deaths, particularly among children. The legislation also mandates that these warnings be distributed to buyers at the point of sale, along with information on suicide prevention resources. Hochul expressed pride in the state’s proactive stance on gun violence prevention, stating that New York continues to lead the nation with its comprehensive gun laws.

Another critical measure targets “pistol converters,” which can modify semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons. The law will hold gun manufacturers accountable for ensuring their products are not compatible with these illegal devices. Advocates, including former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, praised the new regulations, highlighting that they will save lives and reduce the threat posed by dangerous firearms.

Governor Hochul also highlighted a 47% reduction in gun violence since she took office in 2021, attributing the success to the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative and enhanced enforcement of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). These ERPOs have resulted in over 22,000 gun confiscations from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. New York law enforcement agencies have also seized more than 7,700 illegal firearms this year, including 569 ghost guns.

Hochul’s actions come at a time when gun violence remains a pressing issue nationwide. She called on Congress to follow New York’s example by enacting stronger federal gun safety legislation, emphasizing that gun violence is a national epidemic that requires urgent attention.