Bill > S03385

This bill, named "Francesco's law," establishes new legal requirements for safely storing rifles, shotguns, and firearms to prevent access by minors (individuals under 18) or prohibited persons (those legally barred from possessing firearms). The bill modifies existing penal law to create stricter storage regulations, requiring firearms to be securely locked in a safe storage depository or rendered incapable of being fired when not under immediate possession or control. It introduces a new violation for storing firearms in locations where minors or prohibited persons are likely to access them, with specific exemptions for situations like self-defense or lawful hunting. The bill also requires the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention to collect and analyze statistical data about injuries or deaths of minors resulting from unsafe firearm storage, including demographic information about the incidents. Violators of the safe storage provisions will receive safety materials developed by the gun violence prevention office, and the offense is classified as a violation or class A misdemeanor depending on the specific circumstances. The law will take effect in stages, with most provisions becoming active 90 days after enactment, reflecting a comprehensive approach to preventing unintentional firearm access by vulnerable populations.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3385