The state says it will increase inspections of gun dealers linked to guns used in crimes, expand its interstate task force on illegal firearms, launch an education campaign for gun dealers, and pursue legislation requiring all firearm sales to be conducted in person.
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“Bad actors think these new federal changes will give them cover to sell guns to anyone without a thorough background check.” Governor Hochul said during a news briefing on Thursday.
“A background check is everything. It’s so critical. Also, mental health screening. We need to know if there’s people who should not have a gun in their hands, and the federal government doesn’t give a damn. But we do.”
The governor also says she is proud to have the “toughest state-level gun laws in America.”
State officials say the measures are intended to maintain existing gun safety standards despite proposed changes at the federal level.
2 On Your Side has reached out to Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman for a response to Thursday’s announcement. A spokesperson says he is on the road and hasn’t reviewed the announcement yet, but we do expect to hear more from him on this.