Bill > A00202

This bill amends New York's penal law to expand existing criminal prohibitions on weapon purchases and disposal to explicitly include ammunition. Currently, the law makes it a class D felony for individuals to purchase, acquire, or dispose of firearms, rifles, or shotguns when they are legally prohibited from possessing such items due to prior convictions or outstanding arrest warrants. The bill modifies the language throughout Section 265.17 to add "ammunition" alongside firearms, rifles, and shotguns in all relevant contexts. This means that a person who knowingly purchases ammunition for themselves or another person who is legally ineligible to possess firearms due to a prior conviction or outstanding warrant would now be committing a criminal offense. The modification closes a potential legal loophole by making the prohibition on weapon-related transactions more comprehensive, ensuring that individuals with certain legal restrictions cannot circumvent the law by acquiring ammunition even if they cannot legally purchase firearms. The amendment takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A202