Bill > S04277

This bill seeks to prohibit the possession of 50 caliber weapons in New York State, defining such weapons as rifles capable of firing center-fire cartridges of 50 caliber or larger, or weapons that can fire projectiles with a muzzle energy of 12,000 foot-pounds or more. The legislation establishes a comprehensive framework for registering existing 50 caliber weapons owned before the law's effective date, with specific provisions for law enforcement officers who owned such weapons during their service. Owners of these weapons must register them with the state police within one year, providing detailed personal information, and must recertify every five years. The bill creates criminal penalties for manufacturing, transporting, disposing of, or possessing 50 caliber weapons, with most violations classified as class A misdemeanors. To help owners comply, the state police will implement a buyback program where individuals can turn in their weapons and receive payment up to $8,500 for the fair market value. The bill's legislative findings argue that 50 caliber weapons pose an imminent threat to public safety and have no acceptable purpose, and it includes exceptions for antique firearms, permanently inoperable weapons, and certain historically significant firearms. The law is designed to gradually remove these weapons from circulation while providing a legal pathway for current owners to divest themselves of such firearms.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4277