Bill > A01584

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to increase penalties for criminal use of a firearm in the first degree by expanding the definition of the offense and increasing mandatory sentencing. Specifically, the bill now includes drug-related felony offenses (such as drug sale or possession offenses) in addition to violent felonies as triggering circumstances for the charge. The mandatory consecutive sentence for this offense has been increased from five to ten years, and the bill removes previous judicial discretion that allowed judges to waive the additional sentence based on circumstances. The bill also stipulates that the additional ten-year sentence must be served in full, without eligibility for parole or conditional release, and prohibits district attorneys from dismissing this offense during plea bargaining. The legislation aims to create stricter consequences for individuals who commit drug-related felonies while possessing or displaying a firearm, whether the weapon is loaded or unloaded, with the goal of reducing firearm-related crime. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1584