Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a series of gun safety measures Thursday aimed at countering Trump administration rollbacks of federal firearms regulations.
Earlier this year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said it would roll back more than 30 federal firearms regulations.
Hochul said New York will respond by increasing enforcement and education while also pursuing legislative changes.
As part of the immediate actions, the New York State Police will prioritize inspections of firearms dealers linked to guns used in crimes. The state will also expand its Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns and launch an education campaign reminding gun dealers that New York’s firearms laws remain in effect despite changes at the federal level.
Hochul also said she will pursue legislation when lawmakers return to Albany in January that would require all firearm sales in New York to be conducted in person. The proposal comes after federal regulators moved to allow online firearm sales.
The governor also plans to introduce legislation to tighten the state’s background check requirements for firearm purchases by aligning them with the stricter rules already in place for ammunition sales.
Under the proposal, firearms dealers would have to receive an affirmative approval before completing a sale, rather than being allowed to proceed if no determination is made within the review period.
The ATF said rescinding several Biden-era regulations would reduce unnecessary burdens on law-abiding gun owners and firearms dealers.
Hochul criticized the proposed changes, saying they “make it easier for dangerous individuals to obtain firearms.”
“Time and time again, we see the Trump Administration concede to the gun lobby, and these rollbacks are yet another giveaway that will have devastating and dangerous effects across the country,” Hochul said in a statement. “While the federal government paves the way for increased firearm trafficking and putting guns in the hands of those who should not have them, New York State is taking action to blunt their efforts by bolstering our nation-leading gun laws and committing to closing the loopholes that put lives in jeopardy.”
Since taking office, Hochul has partnered with 11 other states to intercept weapons along the I-95 corridor, strengthened New York’s Red Flag Law to keep guns away from people deemed a risk to themselves or others, and tightened the state’s concealed carry laws, according to her office.