A New York law passed this year that takes aim at shooting crimes and suicide requires that rifles and shotguns sold in the state come with prominent consumer warnings regarding the risk of death or suicide in homes where firearms are present.

The law, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in April 2025, requires those who sell rifles and shotguns in New York to post and distribute within their shops conspicuous warnings of the dangers of having firearms accessible in the home.

Specifically, materials must warn of the higher rates of suicide and death during domestic disputes and accidental deaths to children and others in homes where firearms are present.

The notifications must be posted at the entrances to gun shops; given to the buyers of guns, rifles and shotguns, and posted in an additional location within the store, the law states.

The law comes amid heightened anti-gun efforts by the NYPD and the Richmond County District Attorney’s office, which have respectively reported historic lows in shooting incidents and high rates of domestic violence on Staten Island.

For the first 11 months of the year, New York City had the lowest number of shooting incidents and victims in recorded history, as well as the safest November on our subways outside the pandemic period, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced earlier in the month.

And in October 2025, Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said that domestic violence is a main driver of violent crime on Staten Island.

State law

The bill was introduced in the New York State Assembly by Jeffrey Dinowitz, a Democrat representing the 81st Assembly District in the Bronx. It was co-sponsored by Queens Democrats David Weprin of District 24; Catalina Cruz, of District 39, and Rebecca A. Seawright, representing Manhattan’s 76th District.

The required warning reads: “Access to a rifle, shotgun or firearm in the home significantly increases risk of suicide, death during domestic disputes, and/or unintentional deaths to children, household members and others. If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.”

The law requires that the notice be provided to anyone receiving a license to sell firearms, shotguns or rifles in the State of New York upon issuance of the license.

Firearms dealers in the five boroughs must hold city and federal licenses in order to legally sell guns or ammunition.

Any person, firm, or corporation found guilty of failing to post or distribute required warnings faces imprisonment of up to 15 days or $1,000 in fines, or both, the law states. Each violation will be deemed a separate offense.