Bill > A08920

This bill establishes new legal restrictions on the sale of flare guns in New York State, creating two new criminal offenses related to selling flare guns to individuals under 21 years old. Specifically, the bill defines "criminal sale of a flare gun in the second degree" as selling a flare gun to someone under 21, which is punishable by a fine of up to $500. A subsequent violation becomes "criminal sale of a flare gun in the first degree," a class A misdemeanor. The bill also amends the general business law to require sellers to verify the buyer's age through government-issued photo identification before selling a flare gun and imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for violations. The definition of a flare gun is broad, including handheld signaling devices designed to fire pyrotechnic flares for maritime, emergency, or recreational use. The law provides exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and supervised training programs, ensuring that legitimate uses of flare guns are not hindered. This legislation aims to prevent access to flare guns by minors and reduce potential misuse of these signaling devices.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8920