Bill > A07810

This bill establishes a comprehensive private civil legal mechanism for individuals to sue people who manufacture, distribute, transport, import, sell, or transfer certain types of firearms, specifically machine-guns, assault weapons, disguised guns, ghost guns, and unfinished frames or receivers. Under the bill, any person (except government employees) can bring a civil lawsuit against someone who knowingly violates the law's prohibitions, with potential damages of at least $10,000 per weapon, plus mandatory attorney's fees. The bill severely restricts government enforcement, making private civil action the exclusive enforcement mechanism. Key provisions include broad standing for plaintiffs, a four-year statute of limitations, and explicit limitations on potential defenses such as ignorance of the law or belief that the requirements are unconstitutional. The bill also includes extensive severability clauses to ensure that if any part of the law is found unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will remain in effect. Notably, the bill creates a unique legal framework that shifts enforcement of firearm regulations from government agencies to private citizens, essentially creating a novel mechanism for civil litigation around firearm possession and transfer.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7810