Bill > A00437

This bill amends the New York penal law to expand existing firearm warning requirements to include rifles and shotguns, mandating that firearms dealers post and distribute warnings about the risks associated with having firearms in the home. Specifically, dealers must display prominent warnings (in at least 26-point type on an 8.5x11 inch sign) that state: "WARNING ACCESS TO A RIFLE, SHOTGUN, OR FIREARM IN THE HOME SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES THE 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." These warnings must be posted at the sales location and distributed to purchasers at the time of sale, and licensing officers must also provide a similar warning when issuing or amending firearm licenses. The bill includes a penalty of up to 15 days imprisonment or a $1,000 fine for non-compliance, with each day of violation considered a separate offense. Additionally, the bill adds a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law remains in effect, and specifies that these requirements do not prevent local jurisdictions from implementing even stricter notification requirements.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A437