Bill > S07258

This bill establishes a new class A-I felony offense called "criminal use of a firearm" which applies when a person commits a class A felony or violent felony and either possesses a loaded deadly weapon capable of causing death or serious physical injury, or displays what appears to be or is a firearm (such as a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, or machine gun). The bill repeals the previous offenses of criminal use of a firearm in the first and second degrees, which were separate statutes, and consolidates them into this new single offense. Additionally, the bill makes corresponding amendments to other sections of New York law, including updating references in lists of serious crimes for purposes of licensing, disqualification, and other legal proceedings. The new criminal use of a firearm statute provides a clear and more streamlined approach to prosecuting firearm-related offenses during the commission of serious crimes, with the intent of creating a more comprehensive and uniform legal standard. The act will take effect on the first of November following its passage, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7258