Bill > S00658

This bill requires individuals possessing firearms to obtain a firearms safety certificate through a comprehensive training and certification process. Under the proposed law, applicants must complete a seven-hour training course consisting of five hours of classroom instruction on firearm safety, safe storage, and applicable laws, plus two hours of live-fire range training. Applicants must then pass a written examination administered by local law enforcement, scoring at least 75%, to receive a two-year certificate. The certificate is non-transferable and must be stored with the firearm or carried when the firearm is outside the owner's residence. The bill mandates that no person can sell or transfer a firearm to someone without a valid safety certificate. Certain groups are exempt from this requirement, including police officers, peace officers, licensed firearms dealers, and nonresidents participating in recreational shooting activities. The law introduces new penalties for firearm possession without a certificate and establishes a revocation process for certificates if the holder violates firearm laws or becomes disqualified from firearm ownership. The bill will take effect on the first day of January following its passage, with a transitional provision allowing current firearm owners time to recertify their licenses.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S658