Bill > A00599

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to expand the definition of a "serious offense" for the purposes of firearm possession restrictions by adding certain felony offenses against animals to the list of disqualifying offenses. Specifically, the bill includes felony animal abuse offenses from the Agriculture and Markets Law (sections 351, 353-a, 360, and 361) and section 242.15 of the Penal Law as serious offenses that would prohibit an individual from possessing a firearm. This means that individuals convicted of these specific animal-related felonies would be legally barred from owning or possessing firearms. The change is designed to prevent individuals who have committed serious animal abuse crimes from having access to firearms. The bill will go into effect 90 days after it becomes law, giving time for law enforcement and judicial systems to prepare for the new provision.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A599