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New York Firearm Laws

last updated: January 18, 2021

Firearm laws are posted here as a courtesy only and are updated as often as possible. Please check with the actual state website for any additions / revisions to law that may have been made. Up to date information can be found at http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/lawssrch.cgi?NVLWO:.

New York Constitution Article XII, Section 1

The defense and protection of the state and of the United States is an obligation of all persons within the state. The legislature shall provide for the discharge of this obligation and for the maintenance and regulation of an organized militia.

New York Civil Rights Law Article 2, Section 4

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms cannot be infringed.

General Business

Article 39-b - Imitation Weapons

§870 - Legislative intent

The legislature finds and declares that there exists an unreasonable risk of injury and death associated with the sale of toy weapons which are replica of and cannot be easily distinguished from actual weapons; that in recent years the sale and possession of these imitation weapons has grown; that in nineteen hundred eighty-seven, more than fourteen hundred toy imitation weapons involved in criminal incidents were confiscated by the police in New York city alone, nearly eighty percent more than four years earlier; that when such imitation weapons are perceived as actual weapons fear and dangerous defensive actions often result. The legislature further finds and declares that the purpose of this article is to safeguard the public from the unreasonable risk of death and injury that may result when imitation weapons are perceived as real, by banning the importation, manufacture, distribution and sale of such imitation weapons.

§871 - Definitions
  1. "Firearm" as used in this section shall have the same meaning as that term is defined by subdivision three of section 265.00 of the penal law and shall include machine guns, rifles and shotguns as those terms are defined by subdivisions one, eleven and twelve, respectively, of section 265.00 of the penal law.
  2. "Imitation weapon" means any device or object made of plastic, wood, metal or any other material which substantially duplicates or can reasonably be perceived to be an actual firearm, air rifle, pellet gun, or "B-B" gun; unless such imitation weapon
    1. is colored other than black, blue, silver or aluminum,
    2. is marked with a non-removable orange stripe which is at least one inch in width and runs the entire length of the barrel on each side and the front end of the barrel, and
    3. has a barrel at least one inch in diameter that is closed for a distance of not less than one-half inch from the front-end of its barrel with the same material of which the imitation weapon is made. "Imitation weapon" does not include any nonfiring replica of an antique firearm, the original of which was designed, manufactured and produced prior to eighteen hundred ninety-eight.
§872 - Prohibitions
  • No person, firm, corporation or agent or employee thereof shall import, manufacture, sell, hold for sale or distribute within the state any imitation weapon unless such device is imported, manufactured, sold, held for sale and distributed:
    1. solely for subsequent transportation in interstate commerce; or
    2. solely for lawful use in a theatrical production, including a motion picture, television or stage production.
§873 - Enforcement

Whenever the attorney general shall believe from evidence satisfactory to him that any person, firm, corporation or association or agent or employee thereof has violated any provision of this article, he may bring an action or special proceeding in the supreme court for a judgment enjoining the continuance of such violation and for a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for each violation. If it shall appear to the satisfaction of the court or justice that the defendant has violated any provision of this article, no proof shall be required that any person has been injured thereby nor that the defendant knowingly or intentionally violated such provision. In such action preliminary relief may be granted under article sixty-three of the civil practice law and rules. In connection with any such proposed application, the attorney general is authorized to take proof, issue subpoenas and administer oaths in the manner provided in the civil practice law and rules.

Article 39-DD - Sale Of Firearms, Rifles Or Shotguns At Gun Shows

§895 - Definitions

For the purposes of this article:

  1. "Gun show" means an event sponsored, whether for profit or not, by an individual, national, state or local organization, association or other entity devoted to the collection, competitive use, sporting use, or any other legal use of firearms, rifles or shotguns, or an event at which
    1. twenty percent or more of the total number of exhibitors are firearm exhibitors or
    2. ten or more firearm exhibitors are participating or
    3. a total of twenty-five or more pistols or revolvers are offered for sale or transfer or
    4. a total of fifty or more firearms, rifles or shotguns are offered for sale or transfer. The term gun show shall include any building, structure or facility where firearms, rifles or shotguns are offered for sale or transfer and any grounds used in connection with the event.
  2. "Firearm exhibitor" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation or company that exhibits, sells, offers for sale, transfers, or exchanges firearms, rifles or shotguns at a gun show.
  3. "Gun show operator" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation or company that organizes, produces, sponsors or operates a gun show.
  4. "Firearm" has the same meaning as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3), but shall not include an "antique firearm" as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(16).
  5. "Rifle" has the same meaning as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(7).
  6. "Shotgun" has the same meaning as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(5).
§896 - Operation of a gun show
  1. A gun show operator shall:
    1. at all times during such show conspicuously post and maintain signs stating "A National Instant Criminal Background Check must be completed prior to all firearm sales or transfers, including sales or transfers of rifles or shotguns". Signs must be posted at all entrances to the gun show, at all places where admission tickets to the gun show are sold and not less than four additional locations within the grounds of the gun show;
    2. notify all firearm exhibitors in writing that a national instant criminal background check must be completed prior to all firearm sales or transfers, including sales or transfers of rifles or shotguns; and
    3. provide access at the gun show to a firearm dealer licensed under federal law who is authorized to perform a national instant criminal background check where the seller or transferor of a firearm, rifle or shotgun is not authorized to conduct such a check by
      1. requiring firearm exhibitors who are firearm dealers licensed under federal law and who are authorized to conduct a national instant criminal background check to provide such a check at cost or
      2. designating a specific location at the gun show where a firearm dealer licensed under federal law who is authorized to conduct a national instant criminal background check will be present to perform such a check at cost. Any firearm dealer licensed under federal law who performs a national instant criminal background check pursuant to this paragraph shall provide the seller or transferor of the firearm, rifle or shotgun with a copy of the United States Department of Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Form ATF F 4473 and such dealer shall maintain such form and make such form available for inspection by law enforcement agencies for a period of ten years thereafter.
  2. Whenever the attorney general shall believe from evidence satisfactory to him or her that a gun show operator has violated any of the provisions of this section, the attorney general may bring an action or special proceeding in the supreme court for a judgment enjoining the continuance of such violation and for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars. If it shall appear to the satisfaction of the court or justice that the defendant has violated any provisions of this section, no proof shall be required that any person has been injured thereby nor that the defendant intentionally violated such provision. In such action preliminary relief may be granted under article sixty-three of the civil practice law and rules. In connection with any such proposed application, the attorney general is authorized to take proof, issue subpoenas and administer oaths in the manner provided in the civil practice law and rules.
§897 - (2019) Sale of a firearm, rifle or shotgun at a gun show
  1. A national instant criminal background check shall be conducted and no person shall sell or transfer a firearm, rifle or shotgun at a gun show, except in accordance with the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 922(t), provided that before delivering a firearm, rifle or shotgun to any person, either (a) the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) or its successor has issued a "proceed" response to the seller or transferor, or (b) thirty calendar days shall have elapsed since the date the seller or transferor contacted NICS to initiate a national instant criminal background check and NICS has not notified the seller or transferor that the transfer of the firearm, rifle or shotgun to such person should be denied.
  2. No person shall offer or agree to sell or transfer a firearm, rifle or shotgun to another person at a gun show and transfer or deliver such firearm, rifle or shotgun to such person or person acting on his or her behalf thereafter at a location other than the gun show for the purpose of evading or avoiding compliance with 18 U.S.C. 922(t).
  3. Any person who knowingly violates any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor punishable as provided for in the penal law.

Amended Chapter 55 (2019); Amended Chapter 129 (2019)

Article 39-DDD - Private Sale Or Disposal Of Firearms, Rifles And Shotguns

§898 - (2019) Private sale or disposal of firearms, rifles and shotguns
  1. In addition to any other requirements pursuant to state and federal law, all sales, exchanges or disposals of firearms, rifles or shotguns shall be conducted in accordance with this section unless such sale, exchange or disposal is conducted by a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer or licensed dealer, as those terms are defined in 18 USC § 922, when such sale, exchange or disposal is conducted pursuant to that person's federal firearms license or such sale, exchange or disposal is between members of an immediate family. When a sale, exchange or disposal is conducted pursuant to a person's federal firearms license, before delivering a firearm, rifle or shotgun to any person, either (a) the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) or its successor has issued a "proceed" response to the federal firearms licensee, or (b) ten business days shall have elapsed since the date the federal firearms licensee contacted NICS to initiate a national instant criminal background check and NICS has not notified the federal firearms licensee that the transfer of the firearm, rifle or shotgun to such person should be denied. For purposes of this section, "immediate family" shall mean spouses, domestic partners, children and step-children.
  2. Before any sale, exchange or disposal pursuant to this article, a national instant criminal background check must be completed by a dealer who consents to conduct such check, and upon completion of such background check, shall complete a document, the form of which shall be approved by the superintendent of state police, that identifies and confirms that such check was performed. Before a dealer who consents to conduct a national instant criminal background check delivers a firearm, rifle or shotgun to any person, either (a) NICS issued a "proceed" response to the dealer, or (b) ten business days shall have elapsed since the date the dealer contacted NICS to initiate a national instant criminal background check and NICS has not notified the dealer that the transfer of the firearm, rifle or shotgun to such person should be denied.
  3. All dealers shall maintain a record of such transactions conducted pursuant to this section and such record shall be maintained on the premises mentioned and described in the license and shall be open at all reasonable hours for inspection by any peace officer, acting pursuant to his or her special duties, or police officer.
  4. A dealer may require that any sale or transfer conducted pursuant to this section be subject to a fee of not to exceed ten dollars per transaction.
  5. Any record produced pursuant to this section and any transmission thereof to any government agency shall not be considered a public record for purposes of article six of the public officers law.
  6. Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor punishable as provided for in the penal law.

Amended: 2013 c.1 sec. 17. Amended 2019 Chapter 55

Penal Code

PART 1 - General Provisions

TITLE C - DEFENSES

Article 35 - Defense Of Justification

§35.00 - Justification; a defense

In any prosecution for an offense, justification, as defined in sections 35.05 through 35.30, is a defense.

§35.05 - Justification; generally

Unless otherwise limited by the ensuing provisions of this article defining justifiable use of physical force, conduct which would otherwise constitute an offense is justifiable and not criminal when:

  1. Such conduct is required or authorized by law or by a judicial decree, or is performed by a public servant in the reasonable exercise of his official powers, duties or functions; or
  2. Such conduct is necessary as an emergency measure to avoid an imminent public or private injury which is about to occur by reason of a situation occasioned or developed through no fault of the actor, and which is of such gravity that, according to ordinary standards of intelligence and morality, the desirability and urgency of avoiding such injury clearly outweigh the desirability of avoiding the injury sought to be prevented by the statute defining the offense in issue. The necessity and justifiability of such conduct may not rest upon considerations pertaining only to the morality and advisability of the statute, either in its general application or with respect to its application to a particular class of cases arising thereunder. Whenever evidence relating to the defense of justification under this subdivision is offered by the defendant, the court shall rule as a matter of law whether the claimed facts and circumstances would, if established, constitute a defense.
§35.10 - Justification; use of physical force generally

The use of physical force upon another person which would otherwise constitute an offense is justifiable and not criminal under any of the following circumstances:

  1. A parent, guardian or other person entrusted with the care and supervision of a person under the age of twenty-one or an incompetent person, and a teacher or other person entrusted with the care and supervision of a person under the age of twenty-one for a special purpose, may use physical force, but not deadly physical force, upon such person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to maintain discipline or to promote the welfare of such person.
  2. A warden or other authorized official of a jail, prison or correctional institution may, in order to maintain order and discipline, use such physical force as is authorized by the correction law.
  3. A person responsible for the maintenance of order in a common carrier of passengers, or a person acting under his direction, may use physical force when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to maintain order, but he may use deadly physical force only when he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent death or serious physical injury.
  4. A person acting under a reasonable belief that another person is about to commit suicide or to inflict serious physical injury upon himself may use physical force upon such person to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to thwart such result.
  5. A duly licensed physician, or a person acting under a physician's direction, may use physical force for the purpose of administering a recognized form of treatment which he or she reasonably believes to be adapted to promoting the physical or mental health of the patient if
    1. the treatment is administered with the consent of the patient or, if the patient is under the age of eighteen years or an incompetent person, with the consent of the parent, guardian or other person entrusted with the patient's care and supervision, or
    2. the treatment is administered in an emergency when the physician reasonably believes that no one competent to consent can be consulted and that a reasonable person, wishing to safeguard the welfare of the patient, would consent.
  6. A person may, pursuant to the ensuing provisions of this article, use physical force upon another person in self-defense or defense of a third person, or in defense of premises, or in order to prevent larceny of or criminal mischief to property, or in order to effect an arrest or prevent an escape from custody. Whenever a person is authorized by any such provision to use deadly physical force in any given circumstance, nothing contained in any other such provision may be deemed to negate or qualify such authorization.
§35.15 - Justification; use of physical force in defense of a person
  1. A person may, subject to the provisions of subdivision two, use physical force upon another person when and to the extent he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to defend himself, herself or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by such other person, unless:
    1. The latter's conduct was provoked by the actor with intent to cause physical injury to another person; or
    2. The actor was the initial aggressor; except that in such case the use of physical force is nevertheless justifiable if the actor has withdrawn from the encounter and effectively communicated such withdrawal to such other person but the latter persists in continuing the incident by the use or threatened imminent use of unlawful physical force; or
    3. The physical force involved is the product of a combat by agreement not specifically authorized by law.
  2. A person may not use deadly physical force upon another person under circumstances specified in subdivision one unless:
    1. The actor reasonably believes that such other person is using or about to use deadly physical force. Even in such case, however, the actor may not use deadly physical force if he or she knows that with complete personal safety, to oneself and others he or she may avoid the necessity of so doing by retreating; except that the actor is under no duty to retreat if he or she is:
      1. in his or her dwelling and not the initial aggressor; or
      2. a police officer or peace officer or a person assisting a police officer or a peace officer at the latter's direction, acting pursuant to section 35.30; or
    2. He or she reasonably believes that such other person is committing or attempting to commit a kidnapping, forcible rape, forcible criminal sexual act or robbery; or
    3. He or she reasonably believes that such other person is committing or attempting to commit a burglary, and the circumstances are such that the use of deadly physical force is authorized by subdivision three of section 35.20.
§35.20 - Justification; use of physical force in defense of premises and in defense of a person in the course of burglary
  1. Any person may use physical force upon another person when he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate what he or she reasonably believes to be the commission or attempted commission by such other person of a crime involving damage to premises. Such person may use any degree of physical force, other than deadly physical force, which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary for such purpose, and may use deadly physical force if he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of arson.
  2. A person in possession or control of any premises, or a person licensed or privileged to be thereon or therein, may use physical force upon another person when he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate what he or she reasonably believes to be the commission or attempted commission by such other person of a criminal trespass upon such premises. Such person may use any degree of physical force, other than deadly physical force, which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary for such purpose, and may use deadly physical force in order to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of arson, as prescribed in subdivision one, or in the course of a burglary or attempted burglary, as prescribed in subdivision three.
  3. A person in possession or control of, or licensed or privileged to be in, a dwelling or an occupied building, who reasonably believes that another person is committing or attempting to commit a burglary of such dwelling or building, may use deadly physical force upon such other person when he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of such burglary.
  4. As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
    1. The terms "premises," "building" and "dwelling" have the meanings prescribed in section 140.00;
    2. Persons "licensed or privileged" to be in buildings or upon other premises include, but are not limited to:
      1. police officers or peace officers acting in the performance of their duties; and
      2. security personnel or employees of nuclear powered electric generating facilities located within the state who are employed as part of any security plan approved by the federal operating license agencies acting in the performance of their duties at such generating facilities. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "nuclear powered electric generating facility" shall mean a facility that generates electricity using nuclear power for sale, directly or indirectly, to the public, including the land upon which the facility is located and the safety and security zones as defined under federal regulations.
§35.25 - Justification; use of physical force to prevent or terminate larceny or criminal mischief

A person may use physical force, other than deadly physical force, upon another person when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate what he or she reasonably believes to be the commission or attempted commission by such other person of larceny or of criminal mischief with respect to property other than premises.

§35.27 - Justification; use of physical force in resisting arrest prohibited

A person may not use physical force to resist an arrest, whether authorized or unauthorized, which is being effected or attempted by a police officer or peace officer when it would reasonably appear that the latter is a police officer or peace officer.

§35.30 - Justification; use of physical force in making an arrest or in preventing an escape
  1. A police officer or a peace officer, in the course of effecting or attempting to effect an arrest, or of preventing or attempting to prevent the escape from custody, of a person whom he or she reasonably believes to have committed an offense, may use physical force when and to the extent he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to effect the arrest, or to prevent the escape from custody, or in self-defense or to defend a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of physical force; except that deadly physical force may be used for such purposes only when he or she reasonably believes that:
    1. The offense committed by such person was:
      1. a felony or an attempt to commit a felony involving the use or attempted use or threatened imminent use of physical force against a person; or
      2. kidnapping, arson, escape in the first degree, burglary in the first degree or any attempt to commit such a crime; or
    2. The offense committed or attempted by such person was a felony and that, in the course of resisting arrest therefor or attempting to escape from custody, such person is armed with a firearm or deadly weapon; or
    3. Regardless of the particular offense which is the subject of the arrest or attempted escape, the use of deadly physical force is necessary to defend the police officer or peace officer or another person from what the officer reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of deadly physical force.
  2. The fact that a police officer or a peace officer is justified in using deadly physical force under circumstances prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subdivision one does not constitute justification for reckless conduct by such police officer or peace officer amounting to an offense against or with respect to innocent persons whom he or she is not seeking to arrest or retain in custody.
  3. A person who has been directed by a police officer or a peace officer to assist such police officer or peace officer to effect an arrest or to prevent an escape from custody may use physical force, other than deadly physical force, when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to carry out such police officer's or peace officer's direction, unless he or she knows that the arrest or prospective arrest is not or was not authorized and may use deadly physical force under such circumstances when:
    1. He or she reasonably believes such to be necessary for self-defense or to defend a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of deadly physical force; or
    2. He or she is directed or authorized by such police officer or peace officer to use deadly physical force unless he or she knows that the police officer or peace officer is not authorized to use deadly physical force under the circumstances.
  4. A private person acting on his or her own account may use physical force, other than deadly physical force, upon another person when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to effect an arrest or to prevent the escape from custody of a person whom he or she reasonably believes to have committed an offense and who in fact has committed such offense; and may use deadly physical force for such purpose when he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to:
    1. Defend himself, herself or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of deadly physical force; or
    2. Effect the arrest of a person who has committed murder, manslaughter in the first degree, robbery, forcible rape or forcible criminal sexual act and who is in immediate flight therefrom.
  5. A guard, police officer or peace officer who is charged with the duty of guarding prisoners in a detention facility, as that term is defined in section 205.00, or while in transit to or from a detention facility, may use physical force when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent the escape of a prisoner from a detention facility or from custody while in transit thereto or therefrom.

PART 3 - Specific Offenses

TITLE P - OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY

Article 265 - Firearms And Other Dangerous Weapons

§265.00 - (2020) Definitions

As used in this article and in article four hundred, the following terms shall mean and include:

  1. "Machine-gun" means a weapon of any description, irrespective of size, by whatever name known, loaded or unloaded, from which a number of shots or bullets may be rapidly or automatically discharged from a magazine with one continuous pull of the trigger and includes a sub-machine gun.
  2. "Firearm silencer" means any instrument, attachment, weapon or appliance for causing the firing of any gun, revolver, pistol or other firearms to be silent, or intended to lessen or muffle the noise of the firing of any gun, revolver, pistol or other firearms.
  3. "Firearm" means
    1. any pistol or revolver; or
    2. a shotgun having one or more barrels less than eighteen inches in length; or
    3. a rifle having one or more barrels less than sixteen inches in length; or
    4. any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise if such weapon as altered, modified, or otherwise has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches; or
    5. an assault weapon. For the purpose of this subdivision the length of the barrel on a shotgun or rifle shall be determined by measuring the distance between the muzzle and the face of the bolt, breech, or breechlock when closed and when the shotgun or rifle is cocked; the overall length of a weapon made from a shotgun or rifle is the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore. Firearm does not include an antique firearm.

    3-a. "Major component of a firearm, rifle or shotgun" means the barrel, the slide or cylinder, the frame, or receiver of the firearm, rifle, or shotgun.

  4. "Switchblade knife" means any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife.
  5. "Gravity knife" means any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device.

    5-a. "Pilum ballistic knife" means any knife which has a blade which can be projected from the handle by hand pressure applied to a button, lever, spring or other device in the handle of the knife.

    5-b. "Metal knuckle knife" means a weapon that, when closed, cannot function as a set of plastic knuckles or metal knuckles, nor as a knife and when open, can function as both a set of plastic knuckles or metal knuckles as well as a knife.

    5-c. "Automatic knife" includes a stiletto, a switchblade knife, a cane sword, a pilum ballistic knife, and a metal knuckle knife.

    5-d. "Undetectable knife" means any knife or other instrument, which does not utilize materials that are detectable by a metal detector or magnetometer when set at a standard calibration, that is capable of ready use as a stabbing or cutting weapon and was commercially manufactured to be used as a weapon.

  6. "Dispose of" means to dispose of, give, give away, lease-loan, keep for sale, offer, offer for sale, sell, transfer and otherwise dispose of.
  7. "Deface" means to remove, deface, cover, alter or destroy the manufacturer's serial number or any other distinguishing number or identification mark.
  8. "Gunsmith" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation or company who engages in the business of repairing, altering, assembling, manufacturing, cleaning, polishing, engraving or trueing, or who performs any mechanical operation on, any firearm, large capacity ammunition feeding device or machine-gun.
  9. "Dealer in firearms" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation or company who engages in the business of purchasing, selling, keeping for sale, loaning, leasing, or in any manner disposing of, any assault weapon, large capacity ammunition feeding device, pistol or revolver.
  10. "Licensing officer" means in the city of New York the police commissioner of that city; in the county of Nassau the commissioner of police of that county; in the county of Suffolk the sheriff of that county except in the towns of Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip and Smithtown, the commissioner of police of that county; for the purposes of section 400.01 of this chapter the superintendent of state police; and elsewhere in the state a judge or justice of a court of record having his office in the county of issuance.
  11. "Rifle" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger.
  12. "Shotgun" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger.
  13. "Cane Sword" means a cane or swagger stick having concealed within it a blade that may be used as a sword or stilletto.
  14. * "Antique firearm" means:

    Any unloaded muzzle loading pistol or revolver with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system, or a pistol or revolver which uses fixed cartridges which are no longer available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.

    * NB There are 2 sb 14's

    * 14. "Chuka stick" means any device designed primarily as a weapon, consisting of two or more lengths of a rigid material joined together by a thong, rope or chain in such a manner as to allow free movement of a portion of the device while held in the hand and capable of being rotated in such a manner as to inflict serious injury upon a person by striking or choking. These devices are also known as nunchakus and centrifugal force sticks.

  15. "Loaded firearm" means any firearm loaded with ammunition or any firearm which is possessed by one who, at the same time, possesses a quantity of ammunition which may be used to discharge such firearm.

    15-a. "Electronic dart gun" means any device designed primarily as a weapon, the purpose of which is to momentarily stun, knock out or paralyze a person by passing an electrical shock to such person by means of a dart or projectile.

    15-b. "Kung Fu star" means a disc-like object with sharpened points on the circumference thereof and is designed for use primarily as a weapon to be thrown.

    15-c. "Electronic stun gun" means any device designed primarily as a weapon, the purpose of which is to stun, cause mental disorientation, knock out or paralyze a person by passing a high voltage electrical shock to such person.

  16. "Certified not suitable to possess a self-defense spray device, a rifle or shotgun" means that the director or physician in charge of any hospital or institution for mental illness, public or private, has certified to the superintendent of state police or to any organized police department of a county, city, town or village of this state, that a person who has been judicially adjudicated incompetent, or who has been confined to such institution for mental illness pursuant to judicial authority, is not suitable to possess a self-defense spray device, as defined in section 265.20 of this article, or a rifle or shotgun.
  17. "Serious offense" means
    1. any of the following offenses defined in the current penal law and any offense in any jurisdiction or the former penal law that includes all of the essential elements of any of the following offenses: illegally using, carrying or possessing a pistol or other dangerous weapon; possession of burglar's tools; criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree; escape in the third degree; jostling; fraudulent accosting; endangering the welfare of a child; obscenity in the third degree; issuing abortional articles; permitting prostitution; promoting prostitution in the third degree; stalking in the fourth degree; stalking in the third degree; sexual misconduct; forcible touching; sexual abuse in the third degree; sexual abuse in the second degree; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument; criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree; criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material in the second degree; and a hate crime defined in article four hundred eightyfive of this chapter.
    2. any of the following offenses defined in the current penal law and any offense in any jurisdiction or in the former penal law that includes all of the essential elements of any of the following offenses, where the defendant and the person against whom the offense was committed were members of the same family or household as defined in subdivision one of section 530.11 of the criminal procedure law: assault in the third degree; menacing in the third degree; menacing in the second degree; criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation; unlawful imprisonment in the second degree; coercion in the third degree; criminal tampering in the third degree; criminal contempt in the second degree; harassment in the first degree; aggravated harassment in the second degree; criminal trespass in the third degree; criminal trespass in the second degree; arson in the fifth degree; or attempt to commit any of the above-listed offenses.
    3. any misdemeanor offense in any jurisdiction or in the former penal law that includes all of the essential elements of a felony offense as defined in the current penal law.
  18. "Armor piercing ammunition" means any ammunition capable of being used in pistols or revolvers containing a projectile or projectile core, or a projectile or projectile core for use in such ammunition, that is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination of any of the following: tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or uranium.
  19. "Duly authorized instructor" means
    1. a duly commissioned officer of the United States army, navy, marine corps or coast guard, or of the national guard of the state of New York; or
    2. a duly qualified adult citizen of the United States who has been granted a certificate as an instructor in small arms practice issued by the United States army, navy or marine corps, or by the adjutant general of this state, or by the national rifle association of America, a not-for-profit corporation duly organized under the laws of this state, or by a New York state 4-H certified shooting sports instructor; or
    3. by a person duly qualified and designated by the department of environmental conservation under subdivision six of section 11-0713 of the environmental conservation law as its agent in the giving of instruction and the making of certifications of qualification in responsible hunting practices; or
    4. a New York state 4-H certified shooting sports instructor.
  20. "Disguised gun" means any weapon or device capable of being concealed on the person from which a shot can be discharged through the energy of an explosive and is designed and intended to appear to be something other than a gun.
  21. "Semiautomatic" means any repeating rifle, shotgun or pistol, regardless of barrel or overall length, which utilizes a portion of the energy of a firing cartridge or shell to extract the fired cartridge case or spent shell and chamber the next round, and which requires a separate pull of the trigger to fire each cartridge or shell.
  22. "Assault weapon" means
    1. a semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least one of the following characteristics:
      1. a folding or telescoping stock;
      2. a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
      3. a thumbhole stock;
      4. a second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand;
      5. a bayonet mount;
      6. a flash suppressor, muzzle break, muzzle compensator, or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor, muzzle break, or muzzle compensator;
      7. a grenade launcher; or
    2. a semiautomatic shotgun that has at least one of the following characteristics:
      1. a folding or telescoping stock;
      2. a thumbhole stock;
      3. a second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand;
      4. a fixed magazine capacity in excess of seven rounds;
      5. an ability to accept a detachable magazine; or
    3. a semiautomatic pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least one of the following characteristics:
      1. a folding or telescoping stock;
      2. a thumbhole stock;
      3. a second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand;
      4. capacity to accept an ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip;
      5. a threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer;
      6. a shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned;
      7. a manufactured weight of fifty ounces or more when the pistol is unloaded; or (viii) a semiautomatic version of an automatic rifle, shotgun or firearm;
      8. a semiautomatic version of an automatic rifle, shotgun or firearm;
    4. a revolving cylinder shotgun;
    5. a semiautomatic rifle, a semiautomatic shotgun or a semiautomatic pistol or weapon defined in subparagraph (v) of paragraph (e) of subdivision twenty-two of section 265.00 of this chapter as added by chapter one hundred eighty-nine of the laws of two thousand and otherwise lawfully possessed pursuant to such chapter of the laws of two thousand prior to September fourteenth, nineteen hundred ninety-four;
    6. a semiautomatic rifle, a semiautomatic shotgun or a semiautomatic pistol or weapon defined in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this subdivision, possessed prior to the date of enactment of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this paragraph;
    7. provided, however, that such term does not include:
      1. any rifle, shotgun or pistol that
        1. is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever or slide action;
        2. has been rendered permanently inoperable; or
        3. is an antique firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(16);
      2. a semiautomatic rifle that cannot accept a detachable magazine that holds more than five rounds of ammunition;
      3. a semiautomatic shotgun that cannot hold more than five rounds of ammunition in a fixed or detachable magazine; or
      4. a rifle, shotgun or pistol, or a replica or a duplicate thereof, specified in Appendix A to 18 U.S.C. 922 as such weapon was manufactured on October first, nineteen hundred ninety-three. The mere fact that a weapon is not listed in Appendix A shall not be construed to mean that such weapon is an assault weapon;
      5. any weapon validly registered pursuant to subdivision sixteen-a of section 400.00 of this chapter. Such weapons shall be subject to the provisions of paragraph (h) of this subdivision;
      6. any firearm, rifle, or shotgun that was manufactured at least fifty years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof that is validly registered pursuant to subdivision sixteen-a of section 400.00 of this chapter;
    8. Any weapon defined in paragraph (e) or (f) of this subdivision and any large capacity ammunition feeding device that was legally possessed by an individual prior to the enactment of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this paragraph, may only be sold to, exchanged with or disposed of to a purchaser authorized to possess such weapons or to an individual or entity outside of the state provided that any such transfer to an individual or entity outside of the state must be reported to the entity wherein the weapon is registered within seventy-two hours of such transfer. An individual who transfers any such weapon or large capacity ammunition device to an individual inside New York state or without complying with the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor unless such large capacity ammunition feeding device, the possession of which is made illegal by the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this paragraph, is transferred within one year of the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this paragraph.
  23. "Large capacity ammunition feeding device" means a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device, that
    1. has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition, or
    2. * contains more than seven rounds of ammunition, or
    3. is obtained after the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which amended this subdivision and has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than seven rounds of ammunition (* NB Suspended and NOT Effective per ch 1/2013 §58, as amended by ch 57/2013 Pt. FF §4); provided, however, that such term does not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition or a feeding device that is a curio or relic. A feeding device that is a curio or relic is defined as a device that
      1. was manufactured at least fifty years prior to the current date,
      2. is only capable of being used exclusively in a firearm, rifle, or shotgun that was manufactured at least fifty years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof,
      3. is possessed by an individual who is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm and
      4. is registered with the division of state police pursuant to subdivision sixteen-a of section 400.00 of this chapter, except such feeding devices transferred into the state may be registered at any time, provided they are registered within thirty days of their transfer into the state. Notwithstanding paragraph (h) of subdivision twenty-two of this section, such feeding devices may be transferred provided that such transfer shall be subject to the provisions of section 400.03 of this chapter including the check required to be conducted pursuant to such section.
  24. "Seller of ammunition" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation or company who engages in the business of purchasing, selling or keeping ammunition.
  25. "Qualified retired New York or federal law enforcement officer" means an individual who is a retired police officer as police officer is defined in subdivision thirty-four of section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law, a retired peace officer as peace officer is defined in section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law or a retired federal law enforcement officer as federal law enforcement officer is defined in section 2.15 of the criminal procedure law, who:
    1. separated from service in good standing from a public agency located in New York state in which such person served as either a police officer, peace officer or federal law enforcement officer; and
    2. before such separation, was authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of, or the incarceration of any person for, any violation of law, and had statutory powers of arrest, pursuant to their official duties, under the criminal procedure law; and
      1. before such separation, served as either a police officer, peace officer or federal law enforcement officer for five years or more and at the time of separation, is such an officer; or
      2. separated from service with such agency, after completing any applicable probationary period of such service, due to a service-connected disability, as determined by such agency at or before the time of separation; and
      1. has not been found by a qualified medical professional employed by such agency to be unqualified for reasons relating to mental health; or
      2. has not entered into an agreement with such agency from which the individual is separating from service in which that individual acknowledges he or she is not qualified for reasons relating to mental health; and
    3. is not otherwise prohibited by New York or federal law from possessing any firearm.
  26. "Rapid-fire modification device" means any bump stock, trigger crank, binary trigger system, burst trigger system, or any other device that is designed to accelerate substantially the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, rifle or shotgun.
  27. "Bump stock" means any device or instrument that increases the rate of fire achievable with a semi-automatic firearm, rifle or shotgun by using energy from the recoil of the weapon to generate a reciprocating action that facilitates repeated activation of the trigger.
  28. "Trigger crank" means any device or instrument that repeatedly activates the trigger of a semi-automatic firearm, rifle or shotgun through the use of a lever or other part that is turned in a circular motion, provided, however, that "trigger crank" shall not include any weapon initially designed and manufactured to fire through the use of a crank or lever.
  29. "Binary trigger system" means any device that, when installed in or attached to a semi-automatic firearm rifle, or shotgun causes that weapon to fire once when the trigger is pulled and again when the trigger is released.
  30. "Burst trigger system" means any device that, when installed in or attached to a semi-automatic firearm, rifle, or shot gun, allows that weapon to discharge two or more shots with a single pull or the trigger by altering the trigger reset.
  31. "New York state 4-H certified shooting instructor" means a certified shooting sports instructor of the National 4-H Shooting Sports, a non-profit organization, engaged in shooting education and youth development programming that is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the United States department of agriculture.
  32. "Unfinished frame or receiver" means a piece of any material that does not constitute the frame or receiver of a firearm, rifle, or shot-gun, but that has been shaped or formed in any way for the purpose of becoming the frame or receiver of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun. Such term shall not include a piece of material that has had its size or external shape altered to facilitate transportation or storage or has had its chemical composition altered.

Amended: 2013, c.1, sec. 37, sec. 38, sec. 39; 2013, c. 98, sec. 1. Amended 2018 Chapter 60 Sec. 1; Amended Chapter 34 (2019); Amended Chapter 55 (2019); Amended Chapter 130 (2019); Amended Chpater 134 (2019); Amended Chpater 146 (2019), Amended 2020 Chapter 150, § 1 & § 3, Amended 2020 Chapter 55 Part N, § 1

§265.01 - (2019) Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree

A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree when:

  1. He or she possesses any firearm, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun, switchblade knife, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife, cane sword, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, chuka stick, sand bag, sandclub, wrist-brace type slingshot or slungshot, shirken or "Kung Fu star";
  2. He possesses any dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto, imitation pistol, undetectable knife or any other dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon with intent to use the same unlawfully against another; or
  3. ; or
  4. He possesses a rifle, shotgun, antique firearm, black powder rifle, black powder shotgun, or any muzzle-loading firearm, and has been convicted of a felony or serious offense; or
  5. He possesses any dangerous or deadly weapon and is not a citizen of the United States; or
  6. He is a person who has been certified not suitable to possess a rifle or shotgun, as defined in subdivision sixteen of section 265.00, and refuses to yield possession of such rifle or shotgun upon the demand of a police officer. Whenever a person is certified not suitable to possess a rifle or shotgun, a member of the police department to which such certification is made, or of the state police, shall forthwith seize any rifle or shotgun possessed by such person. A rifle or shotgun seized as herein provided shall not be destroyed, but shall be delivered to the headquarters of such police department, or state police, and there retained until the aforesaid certificate has been rescinded by the director or physician in charge, or other disposition of such rifle or shotgun has been ordered or authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction.
  7. He knowingly possesses a bullet containing an explosive substance designed to detonate upon impact.
  8. He possesses any armor piercing ammunition with intent to use the same unlawfully against another.

Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor.

Amended: 2013, c.1, sec. 40. Amended Chapter 34 (2019) sec. 1; Amended Chapter 146 (2019)

§265.01-A - (2019) Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds

A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds when he or she knowingly has in his or her possession a rifle, shotgun, or firearm in or upon a building or grounds, used for educational purposes, of any school, college, or university, except the forestry lands, wherever located, owned, maintained or held in trust for the benefit of the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University, now known as the State University of New York college of environmental science and forestry, or upon a school bus as defined in section one hundred forty-two of the vehicle and traffic law, without the written authorization of such educational institution; provided, however no school, as defined in subdivision ten of section eleven hundred twenty-five of the education law, shall issue such written authorization to any teacher, school administrator, or other person employed at the school who is not primarily employed as a school resource officer, police officer, peace officer, or security guard who has been issued a special armed guard registration card as defined in section eighty-nine-f of the general business law, regardless of whether the person is employed directly by such school or by a third party.

Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds is a class E felony.

Added: 2013, c.1, sec. 41. Amended Chapter 138 (2019); Amended Chapter 354 (2019)

§265.01-B - (2013) Criminal possession of a firearm

A person is guilty of criminal possession of a firearm when he or she:

  1. possesses any firearm or;
  2. lawfully possesses a firearm prior to the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this section subject to the registration requirements of subdivision sixteen-a of section 400.00 of this chapter and knowingly fails to register such firearm pursuant to such subdivision.

Criminal possession of a firearm is a class E felony.

Added: 2013, c.1, sec. 41-a.

§265.01-C - Criminal possession of a rapid-fire modification device.

A person is guilty of criminal possession of a rapid-fire modification device when he or she knowingly possesses any rapid-fire modification device.

Criminal possession of a trigger modification device is a class A misdemeanor.

Enacted Chapter 55 (2019)

§265.02 - (2013) Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree

A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree when:

  1. Such person commits the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree as defined in subdivision one, two, three or five of section 265.01, and has been previously convicted of any crime; or
  2. Such person possesses any explosive or incendiary bomb, bombshell, firearm silencer, machine-gun or any other firearm or weapon simulating a machine-gun and which is adaptable for such use; or
  3. Such person knowingly possesses a machine-gun, firearm, rifle or shotgun which has been defaced for the purpose of concealment or prevention of the detection of a crime or misrepresenting the identity of such machine-gun, firearm, rifle or shotgun; or
    1. Such person possesses three or more firearms; or
    2. such person possesses a firearm and has been previously convicted of a felony or a class A misdemeanor defined in this chapter within the five years immediately preceding the commission of the offense and such possession did not take place in the person's home or place of business; or
  4. Such person knowingly possesses any disguised gun; or
  5. Such person possesses an assault weapon; or
  6. Such person possesses a large capacity ammunition feeding device. For purposes of this subdivision, a large capacity ammunition feeding device shall not include an ammunition feeding device lawfully possessed by such person before the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which amended this subdivision, that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept more than seven but less than eleven rounds of ammunition, or that was manufactured before September thirteenth, nineteen hundred ninety-four, that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition; or
  7. Such person possesses an unloaded firearm and also commits a drug trafficking felony as defined in subdivision twenty-one of section 10.00 of this chapter as part of the same criminal transaction; or
  8. Such person possesses an unloaded firearm and also commits any violent felony offense as defined in subdivision one of section 70.02 of this chapter as part of the same criminal transaction.
  9. Such person possesses a major component of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun, or an unfinished frame or receiver, and such person is prohibited from possessing a shotgun or rifle pursuant to: (i) this article; 10 (ii) subsection (g) of section 922 of title 18 of the United States Code; or (iii) a temporary or final extreme risk protection order issued under article sixty-three-A of the civil practice law and rules.

Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree is a class D felony.

Amended: 2013, c.1, sec. 41-b. Amended 2020 c. 55 sec. 2

§265.03 - Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree

A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree when:

  1. with intent to use the same unlawfully against another, such person:
    1. possesses a machine-gun; or
    2. possesses a loaded firearm; or
    3. possesses a disguised gun; or
  2. such person possesses five or more firearms; or
  3. such person possesses any loaded firearm. Such possession shall not, except as provided in subdivision one or seven of section 265.02 of this article, constitute a violation of this subdivision if such possession takes place in such person's home or place of business.

Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree is a class C felony.

§265.04 - Criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree

A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree when such person:

  1. possesses any explosive substance with intent to use the same unlawfully against the person or property of another; or
  2. possesses ten or more firearms. Criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree is a class B felony.
§265.05 - Unlawful possession of weapons by persons under sixteen

It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of sixteen to possess any air-gun, spring-gun or other instrument or weapon in which the propelling force is a spring or air, or any gun or any instrument or weapon in or upon which any loaded or blank cartridges may be used, or any loaded or blank cartridges or ammunition therefor, or any dangerous knife; provided that the possession of rifle or shotgun or ammunition therefor by the holder of a hunting license or permit issued pursuant to article eleven of the environmental conservation law and used in accordance with said law shall not be governed by this section.

A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be adjudged a juvenile delinquent.

§265.06 - Unlawful possession of a weapon upon school grounds

It shall be unlawful for any person age sixteen or older to knowingly possess any air-gun, spring-gun or other instrument or weapon in which the propelling force is a spring, air, piston or CO2 cartridge in or upon a building or grounds, used for educational purposes, of any school, college or university, without the written authorization of such educational institution.

Unlawful possession of a weapon upon school grounds is a violation.

§265.08 - Criminal use of a firearm in the second degree

A person is guilty of criminal use of a firearm in the second degree when he commits any class C violent felony offense as defined in paragraph (b) of subdivision one of section 70.02 and he either:

  1. possesses a deadly weapon, if the weapon is a loaded weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or other serious injury may be discharged; or
  2. displays what appears to be a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or other firearm.

Criminal use of a firearm in the second degree is a class C felony.

§265.09 - (2013) Criminal use of a firearm in the first degree
  1. A person is guilty of criminal use of a firearm in the first degree when he commits any class B violent felony offense as defined in paragraph (a) of subdivision one of section 70.02 and he either:
    1. possesses a deadly weapon, if the weapon is a loaded weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or other serious injury may be discharged; or
    2. displays what appears to be a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or other firearm.

      Criminal use of a firearm in the first degree is a class B felony.

  2. Sentencing. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, when a person is convicted of criminal use of a firearm in the first degree as defined in subdivision one of this section, the court shall impose an additional consecutive sentence of five years to the sentence imposed on the underlying class B violent felony offense where the person convicted of such crime displays a loaded weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or other serious injury may be discharged, in furtherance of the commission of such crime, provided, however, that such additional sentence shall not be imposed if the court, having regard to the nature and circumstances of the crime and to the history and character of the defendant, finds on the record that such additional consecutive sentence would be unduly harsh and that not imposing such sentence would be consistent with the public safety and would not deprecate the seriousness of the crime. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the aggregate of the five year consecutive term imposed pursuant to this subdivision and the minimum term of the indeterminate sentence imposed on the underlying class B violent felony shall constitute the new aggregate minimum term of imprisonment, and a person subject to such term shall be required to serve the entire aggregate minimum term and shall not be eligible for release on parole or conditional release during such term. This subdivision shall not apply where the defendant's criminal liability for displaying a loaded weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or other serious injury may be discharged, in furtherance of the commission of crime is based on the conduct of another pursuant to section 20.00 of this chapter.

Amended: 2013, c.1, sec. 42.

§265.10 - (2019) Manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons and dangerous instruments and appliances
  1. Any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured any machine-gun, assault weapon, large capacity ammunition feeding device or disguised gun is guilty of a class D felony. Any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured any rapid-fire modification device is guilty of a class E felony. Any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured any switchblade knife, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife, undetectable knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, Kung Fu star, chuka stick, sandbag, sandclub or slungshot is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
  2. Any person who transports or ships any machine-gun, firearm silencer, assault weapon or large capacity ammunition feeding device or disguised gun, or who transports or ships as merchandise five or more firearms, is guilty of a class D felony. Any person who transports or ships any rapid-fire modification device is guilty of a class E felony. Any person who transports or ships as merchandise any firearm, other than an assault weapon, switchblade knife, pilum ballistic knife, undetectable knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, Kung Fu star, chuka stick, sandbag or slungshot is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
  3. Any person who disposes of any machine-gun, assault weapon, large capacity ammunition feeding device or firearm silencer is guilty of a class D felony. Any person who disposes of any rapid-fire modification device is guilty of a class E felony. Any person who knowingly buys, receives, disposes of, or conceals a machine-gun, firearm, large capacity ammunition feeding device, rifle or shotgun which has been defaced for the purpose of concealment or prevention of the detection of a crime or misrepresenting the identity of such machine-gun, firearm, large capacity ammunition feeding device, rifle or shotgun is guilty of a class D felony.
  4. Any person who disposes of any of the weapons, instruments or appliances specified in subdivision one of section 265.01, except a firearm, is guilty of a class A misdemeanor, and he is guilty of a class D felony if he has previously been convicted of any crime.
  5. Any person who disposes of any of the weapons, instruments, appliances or substances specified in section 265.05 to any other person under the age of sixteen years is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
  6. Any person who wilfully defaces any machine-gun, large capacity ammunition feeding device or firearm is guilty of a class D felony.
  7. Any person, other than a wholesale dealer, or gunsmith or dealer in firearms duly licensed pursuant to section 400.00, lawfully in possession of a firearm, who disposes of the same without first notifying in writing the licensing officer in the city of New York and counties of Nassau and Suffolk and elsewhere in the state the executive department, division of state police, Albany, is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

Amended Chapter 34 (2019); Amended Chapter 55 (2019); Amended Chapter 146 (2019)

§265.11 - Criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree

A person is guilty of criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree when such person is not authorized pursuant to law to possess a firearm and such person unlawfully either:

  1. sells, exchanges, gives or disposes of a firearm or large capacity ammunition feeding device to another person; or
  2. possesses a firearm with the intent to sell it. Criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree is a class D felony.
§265.12 - Criminal sale of a firearm in the second degree

A person is guilty of criminal sale of a firearm in the second degree when such person:

  1. unlawfully sells, exchanges, gives or disposes of to another five or more firearms; or
  2. unlawfully sells, exchanges, gives or disposes of to another person or persons a total of five or more firearms in a period of not more than one year.

Criminal sale of a firearm in the second degree is a class C felony.

§265.13 - Criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree

A person is guilty of criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree when such person:

  1. unlawfully sells, exchanges, gives or disposes of to another ten or more firearms; or
  2. unlawfully sells, exchanges, gives or disposes of to another person or persons a total of ten or more firearms in a period of not more than one year.

Criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree is a class B felony.

§265.14 - Criminal sale of a firearm with the aid of a minor

A person over the age of eighteen years of age is guilty of criminal sale of a weapon with the aid of a minor when a person under sixteen years of age knowingly and unlawfully sells, exchanges, gives or disposes of a firearm in violation of this article, and such person over the age of eighteen years of age, acting with the mental culpability required for the commission thereof, solicits, requests, commands, importunes or intentionally aids such person under sixteen years of age to engage in such conduct.

Criminal sale of a firearm with the aid of a minor is a class C felony.

§265.15 - Presumptions of possession, unlawful intent and defacement
  1. The presence in any room, dwelling, structure or vehicle of any machine-gun is presumptive evidence of its unlawful possession by all persons occupying the place where such machine-gun is found.
  2. The presence in any stolen vehicle of any weapon, instrument, appliance or substance specified in sections 265.01, 265.02, 265.03, 265.04 and 265.05 is presumptive evidence of its possession by all persons occupying such vehicle at the time such weapon, instrument, appliance or substance is found.
  3. The presence in an automobile, other than a stolen one or a public omnibus, of any firearm, large capacity ammunition feeding device, defaced firearm, defaced rifle or shotgun, defaced large capacity ammunition feeding device, firearm silencer, explosive or incendiary bomb, bombshell, switchblade knife, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife, dagger, dirk, stiletto, billy, blackjack, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, chuka stick, sandbag, sandclub or slungshot is presumptive evidence of its possession by all persons occupying such automobile at the time such weapon, instrument or appliance is found, except under the following circumstances:
    1. if such weapon, instrument or appliance is found upon the person of one of the occupants therein;
    2. if such weapon, instrument or appliance is found in an automobile which is being operated for hire by a duly licensed driver in the due, lawful and proper pursuit of his or her trade, then such presumption shall not apply to the driver; or
    3. if the weapon so found is a pistol or revolver and one of the occupants, not present under duress, has in his or her possession a valid license to have and carry concealed the same.
  4. The possession by any person of the substance as specified in section 265.04 is presumptive evidence of possessing such substance with intent to use the same unlawfully against the person or property of another if such person is not licensed or otherwise authorized to possess such substance. The possession by any person of any dagger, dirk, stiletto, dangerous knife or any other weapon, instrument, appliance or substance designed, made or adapted for use primarily as a weapon, is presumptive evidence of intent to use the same unlawfully against another.
  5. The possession by any person of a defaced machine-gun, firearm, rifle or shotgun is presumptive evidence that such person defaced the same.
  6. The possession of five or more firearms by any person is presumptive evidence that such person possessed the firearms with the intent to sell same.

Amended Chapter 34 (2019)

§265.16 - Criminal sale of a firearm to a minor

A person is guilty of criminal sale of a firearm to a minor when he is not authorized pursuant to law to possess a firearm and he unlawfully sells, exchanges, gives or disposes of a firearm to another person who is or reasonably appears to be less than nineteen years of age who is not licensed pursuant to law to possess a firearm.

Criminal sale of a firearm to a minor is a class C felony.

§265.17 - (2013) Criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon

A person is guilty of criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon when:

  1. Knowing that he or she is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun because of a prior conviction or because of some other disability which would render him or her ineligible to lawfully possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun in this state, such person purchases a firearm, rifle or shotgun from another person; or
  2. Knowing that it would be unlawful for another person to possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun, he or she purchases a firearm, rifle or shotgun for, on behalf of, or for the use of such other person; or
  3. Knowing that another person is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun because of a prior conviction or because of some other disability which would render him or her ineligible to lawfully possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun in this state, a person disposes of a firearm, rifle or shotgun to such other person.

Criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon is a class D felony.

Amended: 2013, c.1, sec. 43.

§265.19 - (2013) Aggravated criminal possession of a weapon

A person is guilty of aggravated criminal possession of a weapon when he or she commits the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree as defined in subdivision three of section 265.03 of this article and also commits any violent felony offense as defined in subdivision one of section 70.02 of this chapter or a drug trafficking felony as defined in subdivision twenty-one of section 10.00 of this chapter arising out of the same criminal transaction.

Aggravated criminal possession of a weapon is a class C felony.

Added: 2013, c.1, sec. 45.

§265.20 - (2020) Exemptions
  1. Paragraph (h) of subdivision twenty-two of section 265.00 and sections 265.01, 265.01-a, 265.01-b, 265-01-c, 265.02, 265.03, 265.04, 265.05, 265.10, 265.11, 265.12, 265.13, 265.15, 265.36, 265.37, 265.50, 265.55 and 270.05 shall not apply to:
    1. Possession of any of the weapons, instruments, appliances or substances specified in sections 265.01, 265.01-c, 265.02, 265.03, 265.04, 265.05, 265.50, 265.55 and 270.05 by the following:
      1. Persons in the military service of the state of New York when duly authorized by regulations issued by the adjutant general to possess the same.
      2. Police officers as defined in subdivision thirty-four of section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law.
      3. Peace officers as defined by section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law.
      4. Persons in the military or other service of the United States, in pursuit of official duty or when duly authorized by federal law, regulation or order to possess the same.
      5. Persons employed in fulfilling defense contracts with the government of the United States or agencies thereof when possession of the same is necessary for manufacture, transport, installation and testing under the requirements of such contract.
      6. A person voluntarily surrendering such weapon, instrument, appliance or substance, provided that such surrender shall be made to the superintendent of the division of state police or a member thereof designated by such superintendent, or to the sheriff of the county in which such person resides, or in the county of Nassau or in the towns of Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip and Smithtown in the county of Suffolk to the commissioner of police or a member of the police department thereof designated by such commissioner, or if such person resides in a city, town other than one named in this subparagraph, or village to the police commissioner or head of the police force or department thereof or to a member of the force or department designated by such commissioner or head; and provided, further, that the same shall be surrendered by such person in accordance with such terms and conditions as may be established by such superintendent, sheriff, police force or department. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as granting immunity from prosecution for any crime or offense except that of unlawful possession of such weapons, instruments, appliances or substances surrendered as herein provided. A person who possesses any such weapon, instrument, appliance or substance as an executor or administrator or any other lawful possessor of such property of a decedent may continue to possess such property for a period not over fifteen days. If such property is not lawfully disposed of within such period the possessor shall deliver it to an appropriate official described in this paragraph or such property may be delivered to the superintendent of state police. Such officer shall hold it and shall thereafter deliver it on the written request of such executor, administrator or other lawful possessor of such property to a named person, provided such named person is licensed to or is otherwise lawfully permitted to possess the same. If no request to deliver the property is received by such official within one year of the delivery of such property, such official shall dispose of it in accordance with the provisions of section 400.05 of this chapter.
    2. Possession of a machine-gun, large capacity ammunition feeding device, rapid-fire modification device, firearm, switchblade knife, pilum ballistic knife, billy or blackjack by a warden, superintendent, headkeeper or deputy of a state prison, penitentiary, workhouse, county jail or other institution for the detention of persons convicted or accused of crime or detained as witnesses in criminal cases, in pursuit of official duty or when duly authorized by regulation or order to possess the same.
    3. Possession of a pistol or revolver by a person to whom a license therefor has been issued as provided under section 400.00 or 400.01 of this chapter or possession of a weapon as defined in paragraph (e) or (f) of subdivision twenty-two of section 265.00 of this article which is registered pursuant to paragraph (a) of subdivision sixteen-a of section 400.00 of this chapter or is included on an amended license issued pursuant to section 400.00 of this chapter. In the event such license is revoked, other than because such licensee is no longer permitted to possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun under federal or state law, information sufficient to satisfy the requirements of subdivision sixteen-a of section 400.00 of this chapter, shall be transmitted by the licensing officer to the state police, in a form as determined by the superintendent of state police. Such transmission shall constitute a valid registration under such section. Further provided, notwithstanding any other section of this title, a failure to register such weapon by an individual who possesses such weapon before the enactment of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which amended this paragraph and may so lawfully possess it thereafter upon registration, shall only be subject to punishment pursuant to paragraph (c) of subdivision sixteen-a of section 400.00 of this chapter; provided, that such a license or registration shall not preclude a conviction for the offense defined in subdivision three of section 265.01 of this article or section 265.01-a of this article.
    4. Possession of a rifle, shotgun or longbow for use while hunting, trapping or fishing, by a person, not a citizen of the United States, carrying a valid license issued pursuant to section 11-0713 of the environmental conservation law.
    5. Possession of a rifle or shotgun by a person other than a person who has been convicted of a class A-I felony or a violent felony offense, as defined in subdivision one of section 70.02 of this chapter, who has been convicted as specified in subdivision four of section 265.01 to whom a certificate of good conduct has been issued pursuant to section seven hundred three-b of the correction law.
    6. Possession of a switchblade for use while hunting, trapping or fishing by a person carrying a valid license issued to him pursuant to section 11-0713 of the environmental conservation law.
    7. Possession, at an indoor or outdoor shooting range for the purpose of loading and firing, of a rifle or shotgun, the propelling force of which is gunpowder by a person under sixteen years of age but not under twelve, under the immediate supervision, guidance and instruction of
      1. a duly commissioned officer of the United States army, navy, air force, marine corps or coast guard, or of the national guard of the state of New York; or
      2. a duly qualified adult citizen of the United States who has been granted a certificate as an instructor in small arms practice issued by the United States army, navy, air force or marine corps, or by the adjutant general of this state, by the national rifle association of America, a not-for-profit corporation duly organized under the laws of this state, or by a New York state 4-H certified shooting sports instructor;
      3. a parent, guardian, or a person over the age of eighteen designated in writing by such parent or guardian who shall have a certificate of qualification in responsible hunting, including safety, ethics, and landowner relations-hunter relations, issued or honored by the department of environmental conservation; or
      4. an agent of the department of environmental conservation appointed to conduct courses in responsible hunting practices pursuant to article eleven of the environmental conservation law.

      7-a. Possession and use, at an indoor or outdoor pistol range located in or on premises owned or occupied by a duly incorporated organization organized for conservation purposes or to foster proficiency in small arms or at a target pistol shooting competition under the auspices of or approved by the national rifle association for the purpose of loading and firing the same, by a person duly licensed to possess a pistol or revolver pursuant to section 400.00 or 400.01 of this chapter of a pistol or revolver duly so licensed to another person who is present at the time.

      7-b. Possession and use, at an indoor or outdoor pistol range located in or on premises owned or occupied by a duly incorporated organization organized for conservation purposes or to foster proficiency in small arms or at a target pistol shooting competition under the auspices of or approved by the national rifle association for the purpose of loading and firing the same, by a person who has applied for a license to possess a pistol or revolver and pre-license possession of same pursuant to section 400.00 or 400.01 of this chapter, who has not been previously denied a license, been previously convicted of a felony or serious offense, and who does not appear to be, or pose a threat to be, a danger to himself or to others, and who has been approved for possession and use herein in accordance with section 400.00 or 400.01 of this chapter; provided however, that such possession shall be of a pistol or revolver duly licensed to and shall be used under the supervision, guidance and instruction of, a person specified in paragraph seven of this subdivision and provided further that such possession and use be within the jurisdiction of the licensing officer with whom the person has made application therefor or within the jurisdiction of the superintendent of state police in the case of a retired sworn member of the division of state police who has made an application pursuant to section 400.01 of this chapter.

      7-c. Possession for the purpose of loading and firing, of a rifle, pistol or shotgun, the propelling force of which may be either air, compressed gas or springs, by a person under sixteen years of age but not under twelve, under the immediate supervision, guidance and instruction of

      1. a duly commissioned officer of the United States army, navy, marine corps or coast guard, or of the national guard of the state of New York; or
      2. a duly qualified adult citizen of the United States who has been granted a certificate as an instructor in small arms practice issued by the United States army, navy or marine corps, or by the adjutant general of this state, or by the national rifle association of America, a not-for-profit corporation duly organized under the laws of this state, or by a New York state 4-H certified shooting sports instructor; or
      3. a parent, guardian, or a person over the age of eighteen designated in writing by such parent or guardian who shall have a certificate of qualification in responsible hunting, including safety, ethics, and landowner relations-hunter relations, issued or honored by the department of environmental conservation.

      7-d. Possession, at an indoor or outdoor shooting range for the purpose of loading and firing, of a rifle, pistol or shotgun, the propelling force of which may be either air, compressed gas or springs, by a person under twelve years of age, under the immediate supervision, guidance and instruction of

      1. a duly commissioned officer of the United States army, navy, marine corps or coast guard, or of the national guard of the state of New York; or
      2. a duly qualified adult citizen of the United States who has been granted a certificate as an instructor in small arms practice issued by the United States army, navy or marine corps, or by the adjutant general of this state, or by the national rifle association of America, a not-for-profit corporation duly organized under the laws of this state, or by a New York state 4-H certified shooting sports instructor; or
      3. a parent, guardian, or a person over the age of eighteen designated in writing by such parent or guardian who shall have a certificate of qualification in responsible hunting, including safety, ethics, and landowner relations-hunter relations, issued or honored by the department of environmental conservation.

      7-e. Possession and use of a pistol or revolver, at an indoor or outdoor pistol range located in or on premises owned or occupied by a duly incorporated organization organized for conservation purposes or to foster proficiency in small arms or at a target pistol shooting competition under the auspices of or approved by an association or organization described in paragraph 7-a of this subdivision for the purpose of loading and firing the same by a person at least fourteen years of age but under the age of twenty-one who has not been previously convicted of a felony or serious offense, and who does not appear to be, or pose a threat to be, a danger to himself or to others; provided however, that such possession shall be of a pistol or revolver duly licensed to and shall be used under the immediate supervision, guidance and instruction of, a person specified in paragraph seven of this subdivision.

      7-f. Possession and use of a magazine, belt, feed strip or similar device, that contains more than seven rounds of ammunition, but that does not have a capacity of or can readily be restored or converted to accept more than ten rounds of ammunition, at an indoor or outdoor firing range located in or on premises owned or occupied by a duly incorporated organization organized for conservation purposes or to foster proficiency in arms; at an indoor or outdoor firing range for the purpose of firing a rifle or shotgun; at a collegiate, olympic or target shooting competition under the auspices of or approved by the national rifle association; or at an organized match sanctioned by the International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association.

    8. The manufacturer of machine-guns, firearm silencers, assault weapons, large capacity ammunition feeding devices, rapid-fire modification devices, disguised guns, pilum ballistic knives, switchblade or gravity knives, billies or blackjacks as merchandise, or as a transferee recipient of the same for repair, lawful distribution or research and development, and the disposal and shipment thereof direct to a regularly constituted or appointed state or municipal police department, sheriff, police officer or other peace officer, or to a state prison, penitentiary, workhouse, county jail or other institution for the detention of persons convicted or accused of crime or held as witnesses in criminal cases, or to the military service of this state or of the United States; or for the repair and return of the same to the lawful possessor or for research and development.
    9. The regular and ordinary transport of firearms as merchandise, provided that the person transporting such firearms, where he knows or has reasonable means of ascertaining what he is transporting, notifies in writing the police commissioner, police chief or other law enforcement officer performing such functions at the place of delivery, of the name and address of the consignee and the place of delivery, and withholds delivery to the consignee for such reasonable period of time designated in writing by such police commissioner, police chief or other law enforcement officer as such official may deem necessary for investigation as to whether the consignee may lawfully receive and possess such firearms.

      9-a.

      1. Except as provided in subdivision b hereof, the regular and ordinary transport of pistols or revolvers by a manufacturer of firearms to whom a license as a dealer in firearms has been issued pursuant to section 400.00 of this chapter, or by an agent or employee of such manufacturer of firearms who is otherwise duly licensed to carry a pistol or revolver and who is duly authorized in writing by such manufacturer of firearms to transport pistols or revolvers on the date or dates specified, directly between places where the manufacturer of firearms regularly conducts business provided such pistols or revolvers are transported unloaded, in a locked opaque container. For purposes of this subdivision, places where the manufacturer of firearms regularly conducts business includes, but is not limited to places where the manufacturer of firearms regularly or customarily conducts development or design of pistols or revolvers, or regularly or customarily conducts tests on pistols or revolvers, or regularly or customarily participates in the exposition of firearms to the public.
      2. The transportation of such pistols or revolvers into, out of or within the city of New York may be done only with the consent of the police commissioner of the city of New York. To obtain such consent, the manufacturer must notify the police commissioner in writing of the name and address of the transporting manufacturer, or agent or employee of the manufacturer who is authorized in writing by such manufacturer to transport pistols or revolvers, the number, make and model number of the firearms to be transported and the place where the manufacturer regularly conducts business within the city of New York and such other information as the commissioner may deem necessary. The manufacturer must not transport such pistols and revolvers between the designated places of business for such reasonable period of time designated in writing by the police commissioner as such official may deem necessary for investigation and to give consent. The police commissioner may not unreasonably withhold his consent.
    10. Engaging in the business of gunsmith or dealer in firearms by a person to whom a valid license therefor has been issued pursuant to section 400.00.
    11. Possession of a firearm or large capacity ammunition feeding device by a police officer or sworn peace officer of another state while conducting official business within the state of New York.
    12. Possession of a pistol or revolver by a person who is a member or coach of an accredited college or university target pistol team while transporting the pistol or revolver into or through New York state to participate in a collegiate, olympic or target pistol shooting competition under the auspices of or approved by the national rifle association, provided such pistol or revolver is unloaded and carried in a locked carrying case and the ammunition therefor is carried in a separate locked container.

      12-a. Possession and use of a pistol or revolver, at an indoor or outdoor shooting range, by a registered student of a higher education institution chartered by the state of New York, who is participating in a course in gun safety and proficiency offered by such institution, under the immediate supervision, guidance, and instruction of a person specified in paragraph seven of this subdivision.

    13. Possession of pistols and revolvers by a person who is a nonresident of this state while attending or traveling to or from, an organized competitive pistol match or league competition under auspices of, or approved by, the National Rifle Association and in which he is a competitor, within forty-eight hours of such event or by a person who is a non-resident of the state while attending or traveling to or from an organized match sanctioned by the International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association and in which he is a competitor, within forty-eight hours of such event, provided that he has not been previously convicted of a felony or a crime which, if committed in New York, would constitute a felony, and further provided that the pistols or revolvers are transported unloaded in a locked opaque container together with a copy of the match program, match schedule or match registration card. Such documentation shall constitute prima facie evidence of exemption, providing that such person also has in his possession a pistol license or firearms registration card issued in accordance with the laws of his place of residence. For purposes of this subdivision, a person licensed in a jurisdiction which does not authorize such license by a person who has been previously convicted of a felony shall be presumed to have no prior conviction. The superintendent of state police shall annually review the laws of jurisdictions within the United States and Canada with respect to the applicable requirements for licensing or registration of firearms and shall publish a list of those jurisdictions which prohibit possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a felony or crimes which if committed in New York state would constitute a felony.

      13-a. Except in cities not wholly contained within a single county of the state, possession of pistols and revolvers by a person who is a nonresident of this state while attending or traveling to or from, an organized convention or exhibition for the display of or education about firearms, which is conducted under auspices of, or approved by, the National Rifle Association and in which he is a registered participant, within forty-eight hours of such event, provided that he has not been previously convicted of a felony or a crime which, if committed in New York, would constitute a felony, and further provided that the pistols or revolvers are transported unloaded in a locked opaque container together with a copy of the convention or exhibition program, convention or exhibition schedule or convention or exhibition registration card. Such documentation shall constitute prima facie evidence of exemption, providing that such person also has in his possession a pistol license or firearms registration card issued in accordance with the laws of his place of residence. For purposes of this paragraph, a person licensed in a jurisdiction which does not authorize such license by a person who has been previously convicted of a felony shall be presumed to have no prior conviction. The superintendent of state police shall annually review the laws of jurisdictions within the United States and Canada with respect to the applicable requirements for licensing or registration of firearms and shall publish a list of those jurisdictions which prohibit possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a felony or crimes which if committed in New York state would constitute a felony.

    14. Possession in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph of a self-defense spray device as defined herein for the protection of a person or property and use of such self-defense spray device under circumstances which would justify the use of physical force pursuant to article thirty-five of this chapter.
      1. As used in this section "self-defense spray device" shall mean a pocket sized spray device which contains and releases a chemical or organic substance which is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air or any like device containing tear gas, pepper or similar disabling agent.
      2. The exemption under this paragraph shall not apply to a person who:
        1. is less than eighteen years of age; or
        2. has been previously convicted in this state of a felony or any assault; or
        3. has been convicted of a crime outside the state of New York which if committed in New York would constitute a felony or any assault crime.
      3. The department of health, with the cooperation of the division of criminal justice services and the superintendent of state police, shall develop standards and promulgate regulations regarding the type of self-defense spray device which may lawfully be purchased, possessed and used pursuant to this paragraph. The regulations shall include a requirement that every self-defense spray device which may be lawfully purchased, possessed or used pursuant to this paragraph have a label which states: "WARNING: The use of this substance or device for any purpose other than self-defense is a criminal offense under the law. The contents are dangerous - use with care. This device shall not be sold by anyone other than a licensed or authorized dealer. Possession of this device by any person under the age of eighteen or by anyone who has been convicted of a felony or assault is illegal. Violators may be prosecuted under the law."
    15. Possession and sale of a self-defense spray device as defined in paragraph fourteen of this subdivision by a dealer in firearms licensed pursuant to section 400.00 of this chapter, a pharmacist licensed pursuant to article one hundred thirty-seven of the education law or by such other vendor as may be authorized and approved by the superintendent of state police.
      1. Every self-defense spray device shall be accompanied by an insert or inserts which include directions for use, first aid information, safety and storage information and which shall also contain a toll free telephone number for the purpose of allowing any purchaser to call and receive additional information regarding the availability of local courses in self-defense training and safety in the use of a self-defense spray device.
      2. Before delivering a self-defense spray device to any person, the licensed or authorized dealer shall require proof of age and a sworn statement on a form approved by the superintendent of state police that such person has not been convicted of a felony or any crime involving an assault. Such forms shall be forwarded to the division of state police at such intervals as directed by the superintendent of state police. Absent any such direction the forms shall be maintained on the premises of the vendor and shall be open at all reasonable hours for inspection by any peace officer or police officer, acting pursuant to his or her special duties. No more than two self-defense spray devices may be sold at any one time to a single purchaser.
    16. The terms "rifle," "shotgun," "pistol," "revolver," and "firearm" as used in paragraphs three, four, five, seven, seven-a, seven-b, nine, nine-a, ten, twelve, thirteen and thirteen-a of this subdivision shall not include a disguised gun or an assault weapon.
  2. Section 265.01 shall not apply to possession of that type of billy commonly known as a "police baton" which is twenty-four to twenty-six inches in length and no more than one and one-quarter inches in thickness by members of an auxiliary police force of a city with a population in excess of one million persons or the county of Suffolk when duly authorized by regulation or order issued by the police commissioner of such city or such county respectively. Such regulations shall require training in the use of the police baton including but not limited to the defensive use of the baton and instruction in the legal use of deadly physical force pursuant to article thirty-five of this chapter. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or any other provision of law, possession of such baton shall not be authorized when used intentionally to strike another person except in those situations when the use of deadly physical force is authorized by such article thirty-five.
  3. Sections 265.01, 265.10 and 265.15 shall not apply to possession of billies or blackjacks by persons:
    1. while employed in fulfilling contracts with New York state, its agencies or political subdivisions for the purchase of billies or blackjacks; or
    2. while employed in fulfilling contracts with sister states, their agencies or political subdivisions for the purchase of billies or blackjacks; or
    3. while employed in fulfilling contracts with foreign countries, their agencies or political subdivisions for the purchase of billies or blackjacks as permitted under federal law.
  4. Subdivision one of section 265.01 and subdivision four of section 265.15 of this article shall not apply to possession or ownership of automatic knives by any cutlery and knife museum established pursuant to section two hundred sixteen-c of the education law or by any director, officer, employee, or agent thereof when he or she is in possession of an automatic knife and acting in furtherance of the business of such museum.
  5. Subdivision eight of section 265.02 and sections 265.36 and 265.37 of this chapter shall not apply to a qualified retired New York or federal law enforcement officer as defined in subdivision twenty-five of section 265.00 of this article, with respect to large capacity ammunition feeding devices issued to such officer or purchased by such officer in the course of his or her official duties and owned by such officer at the time of his or her retirement or comparable replacements for such devices, if:
    1. the agency that employed the officer qualified such officer in the use of the weapon which accepts such device in accordance with applicable state or federal standards for active duty law enforcement officers within twelve months prior to his or her retirement; and
    2. such retired officer meets, at his or her own expense, such applicable standards for such weapon at least once within three years after his or her retirement date and at least once every three years thereafter, provided, however, that any such qualified officer who has been retired for eighteen months or more on the effective date of this subdivision shall have eighteen months from such effective date to qualify in the use of the weapon which accepts such large capacity ammunition feeding device according to the provisions of this subdivision, notwithstanding that such officer did not qualify within three years after his or her retirement date, provided that such officer is otherwise qualified and maintains compliance with the provisions of this subdivision.

Amended: 2013, c.1, sec. 46; 2013, c.98, sec. 2. Amended Chapter 34 (2019); Amended Chpater 55 (2019); Chapter 134 (2019), Amended 2020 Chapter 150 § 2

§265.25 - Certain wounds to be reported

Every case of a bullet wound, gunshot wound, powder burn or any other injury arising from or caused by the discharge of a gun or firearm, and every case of a wound which is likely to or may result in death and is actually or apparently inflicted by a knife, icepick or other sharp or pointed instrument, shall be reported at once to the police authorities of the city, town or village where the person reporting is located by:

  1. the physician attending or treating the case; or
  2. the manager, superintendent or other person in charge, whenever such case is treated in a hospital, sanitarium or other institution. Failure to make such report is a class A misdemeanor. This subdivision shall not apply to such wounds, burns or injuries received by a member of the armed forces of the United States or the state of New York while engaged in the actual performance of duty.
§265.26 - Burn injury and wounds to be reported

Every case of a burn injury or wound, where the victim sustained second or third degree burns to five percent or more of the body and/or any burns to the upper respiratory tract or laryngeal edema due to the inhalation of super-heated air, and every case of a burn injury or wound which is likely to or may result in death, shall be reported at once to the office of fire prevention and control. The state fire administrator shall accept the report and notify the proper investigatory agency. A written report shall also be provided to the office of fire prevention and control within seventy-two hours. The report shall be made by

  1. the physician attending or treating the case; or
  2. the manager, superintendent or other person in charge, whenever such case is treated in a hospital, sanitarium, institution or other medical facility. The intentional failure to make such report is a class A misdemeanor.
§265.30 - Certain convictions to be reported

Every conviction under this article or section 400.00, of a person who is not a citizen of the United States, shall be certified to the proper officer of the United States government by the district attorney of the county in which such conviction was had.

§265.35 - Prohibited use of weapons
  1. Any person hunting with a dangerous weapon in any county wholly embraced within the territorial limits of a city is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
  2. Any person who wilfully discharges a loaded firearm or any other gun, the propelling force of which is gunpowder, at an aircraft while such aircraft is in motion in the air or in motion or stationary upon the ground, or at any railway or street railroad train as defined by the public service law, or at a locomotive, car, bus or vehicle standing or moving upon such railway, railroad or public highway, is guilty of a class D felony if thereby the safety of any person is endangered, and in every other case, of a class E felony.
  3. Any person who, otherwise than in self defense or in the discharge of official duty,
    1. wilfully discharges any species of firearms, air-gun or other weapon, or throws any other deadly missile, either in a public place, or in any place where there is any person to be endangered thereby, or, in Putnam county, within one-quarter mile of any occupied school building other than under supervised instruction by properly authorized instructors although no injury to any person ensues;
    2. intentionally, without malice, points or aims any firearm or any other gun, the propelling force of which is gunpowder, at or toward any other person;
    3. discharges, without injury to any other person, firearms or any other guns, the propelling force of which is gunpowder, while intentionally without malice, aimed at or toward any person; or
    4. maims or injures any other person by the discharge of any firearm or any other gun, the propelling force of which is gunpowder, pointed or aimed intentionally, but without malice, at any such person, is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
§265.36 - (2013) Unlawful possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device

It shall be unlawful for a person to knowingly possess a large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured before September thirteenth, nineteen hundred ninety-four, and if such person lawfully possessed such large capacity feeding device before the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this section, that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition.

An individual who has a reasonable belief that such device is of such a character that it may lawfully be possessed and who surrenders or lawfully disposes of such device within thirty days of being notified by law enforcement or county licensing officials that such possession is unlawful shall not be guilty of this offense. It shall be a rebuttable presumption that such person knows that such large capacity ammunition feeding device may not be lawfully possessed if he or she has been contacted by law enforcement or county licensing officials and informed that such device may not be lawfully possessed.

Unlawful possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device is a class A misdemeanor.

Added: 2013, c.1, sec. 46-a.

§265.37 - (2013) Unlawful possession of certain ammunition feeding devices

It shall be unlawful for a person to knowingly possess an ammunition feeding device where such device contains more than seven rounds of ammunition.

If such device containing more than seven rounds of ammunition is possessed within the home of the possessor, the person so possessing the device shall, for a first offense, be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine of two hundred dollars, and for each subsequent offense, be guilty of a class B misdemeanor and subject to a fine of two hundred dollars and a term of up to three months imprisonment.

If such device containing more than seven rounds of ammunition is possessed in any location other than the home of the possessor, the person so possessing the device shall, for a first offense, be guilty of a class B misdemeanor and subject to a fine of two hundred dollars and a term of up to six months imprisonment, and for each subsequent offense, be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

Added: 2013, c.1, sec. 46-a.

Amended: 2013, c.57, part FF, sec.2.

§265.40 - Purchase of rifles and/or shotguns in contiguous states

Definitions. As used in this act:

  1. "Contiguous state" shall mean any state having any portion of its border in common with a portion of the border of the state of New York;
  2. All other terms herein shall be given the meaning prescribed in Public Law 90-618 known as the "Gun Control Act of l968" (18 U.S.C. 921).

It shall be lawful for a person or persons residing in this state, to purchase or otherwise obtain a rifle and/or shotgun in a contiguous state, and to receive or transport such rifle and/or shotgun into this state; provided, however, such person is otherwise eligible to possess a rifle and/or shotgun under the laws of this state.

§265.45 - (2019) Failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms

No person who owns or is custodian of a rifle, shotgun or firearm who resides with an individual who:

  1. is under sixteen years of age;
  2. such person knows or has reason to know is prohibited from possessing a rifle, shotgun or firearm pursuant to a temporary or final extreme risk protection order issued under article sixty-three-A of the civil practice law and rules or 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (1), (4), (8) or (9); or
  3. such person knows or has reason to know is prohibited from possessing a rifle, shotgun or firearm based on a conviction for a felony or a serious offense,
shall store or otherwise leave such rifle, shotgun or firearm out of his or her immediate possession or control without having first securely locked such rifle, shotgun or firearm in an appropriate safe storage depository or rendered it incapable of being fired by use of a gun locking device appropriate to that weapon. For purposes of this section "safe storage depository" shall mean a safe or other secure container which, when locked, is incapable of being opened without the key, combination or other unlocking mechanism and is capable of preventing an unauthorized person from obtaining access to and possession of the weapon contained therein. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect, impair or supersede any special or local act relating to the safe storage of rifles, shotguns or firearms which impose additional requirements on the owner or custodian of such weapons. The possession of a rifle or shotgun by a person less than sixteen years of age who is the holder of a hunting license or permit issued pursuant to article eleven of the environmental conservation law when used in accordance with such law shall not be governed by this section.

Failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor.

Added: 2013, c.1, sec. 47.

Amended: 2013, c.57, part FF, sec.3. Amended Chapter 19 (2019) sec. 2; Amended Chapter 133 (2019); Amended Chapter 135 (2019)

§265.50 - (2019) Criminal manufacture, sale, or transport of an undetectable firearm, rifle or shotgun.

A person is guilty of criminal manufacture, sale, or transport of an undetectable firearm, rifle or shotgun when he or she knowingly manufactures, causes to be manufactured, sells, exchanges, gives, disposes of, transports, ships, or possesses with the intent to sell:

  1. any firearm, rifle or shotgun that, after the removal of grips, stocks and magazines, is not detectable by a metal detector calibrated to detect the Security Exemplar, as defined pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §922(p); or
  2. any major component of a firearm, rifle or shotgun that, if subject to the types of detection devices commonly used at airports for security screening, does not generate an image that adequately displays the shape of the component.

Criminal manufacture, sale, or transport of an undetectable firearm, rifle or shotgun is a class D felony.

Enacted Chapter 134 (2019)

§265.50*2 - (2019) Failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the second degree.

No person who owns or is custodian of a rifle, shotgun or firearm and knows, or has reason to know, that a person less than sixteen years of age is likely to gain access to such rifle, shotgun or firearm shall store or otherwise leave such rifle, shotgun or firearm out of his or her immediate possession or control without having first securely locked such rifle, shotgun or firearm in an appropriate safe storage depository or rendered it incapable of being fired by use of a gun locking device appropriate to that weapon. For purposes of this section "safe storage depository" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined in section 265.45 of this article. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect, impair or supersede any special or local act relating to the safe storage of rifles, shotguns or firearms which impose additional requirements on the owner or custodian of such weapons.

It shall not be a violation of this section to allow a person less than sixteen years of age access to: (i) a firearm, rifle or shotgun for lawful use as authorized under paragraph seven or seven-e of subdivision a of section 265.20 of this article, or (ii) a rifle or shotgun for lawful use as authorized by article eleven of the environmental conservation law when such person less than sixteen years of age is the holder of a hunting license or permit and such rifle or shotgun is used in accordance with such law.

Failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the second degree is a violation punishable only by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars.

Enacted Chapter 133 (2019); Chapter 135 (2019)

§265.55 - (2019) Criminal possession of an undetectable firearm, rifle or shotgun.

A person is guilty of criminal possession of an undetectable firearm, rifle or shotgun when he or she knowingly possesses:

  1. any firearm, rifle or shotgun that, after the removal of grips, stocks and magazines, is not detectable by a metal detector calibrated to detect the Security Exemplar, as defined pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §922(p); or
  2. any major component of a firearm, rifle or shotgun that, if subject to the types of detection devices commonly used at airports for security screening, does not generate an image that adequately displays the shape of the component.

Criminal possession of an undetectable firearm, rifle or shotgun is a class E felony.

Enacted Chapter 134 (2019)

Article 270 - Other Offenses Relating To Public Safety

§270.20 - Unlawful wearing of a body vest
  1. A person is guilty of the unlawful wearing of a body vest when acting either alone or with one or more other persons he commits any violent felony offense defined in section 70.02 while possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun and in the course of and in furtherance of such crime he wears a body vest.
  2. For the purposes of this section a "body vest" means a bullet-resistant soft body armor providing, as a minimum standard, the level of protection known as threat level I which shall mean at least seven layers of bullet-resistant material providing protection from three shots of one hundred fifty-eight grain lead ammunition fired from a .38 calibre handgun at a velocity of eight hundred fifty feet per second.

The unlawful wearing of a body vest is a class E felony.

PART 4 - Administrative Provisions

TITLE W - Provisions Relating To Firearms, Fireworks, Pornography Equipment And Vehicles Used In The Transportation Of Gambling Records

Article 400 - Licensing And Other Provisions Relating To Firearms

§400.00 - (2019) Licenses to carry, possess, repair and dispose of firearms
  1. Eligibility. No license shall be issued or renewed pursuant to this section except by the licensing officer, and then only after investigation and finding that all statements in a proper application for a license are true. No license shall be issued or renewed except for an applicant
    1. twenty-one years of age or older, provided, however, that where such applicant has been honorably discharged from the United States army, navy, marine corps, air force or coast guard, or the national guard of the state of New York, no such age restriction shall apply;
    2. of good moral character;
    3. who has not been convicted anywhere of a felony or a serious offense or who is not the subject of an outstanding warrant of arrest issued upon the alleged commission of a felony or serious offense;
    4. who is not a fugitive from justice;
    5. who is not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance as defined in section 21 U.S.C. 802;
    6. who being an alien
      1. is not illegally or unlawfully in the United States or
      2. has not been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa subject to the exception in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2);
    7. who has not been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
    8. who, having been a citizen of the United States, has not renounced his or her citizenship;
    9. who has stated whether he or she has ever suffered any mental illness;
    10. who has not been involuntarily committed to a facility under the jurisdiction of an office of the department of mental hygiene pursuant to article nine or fifteen of the mental hygiene law, article seven hundred thirty or section 330.20 of the criminal procedure law, section four hundred two or five hundred eight of the correction law, section 322.2 or 353.4 of the family court act, or has not been civilly confined in a secure treatment facility pursuant to article ten of the mental hygiene law;
    11. who has not had a license revoked or who is not under a suspension or ineligibility order issued pursuant to the provisions of section 530.14 of the criminal procedure law or section eight hundred forty-two-a of the family court act;
    12. in the county of Westchester, who has successfully completed a firearms safety course and test as evidenced by a certificate of completion issued in his or her name and endorsed and affirmed under the penalties of perjury by a duly authorized instructor, except that:
      1. persons who are honorably discharged from the United States army, navy, marine corps or coast guard, or of the national guard of the state of New York, and produce evidence of official qualification in firearms during the term of service are not required to have completed those hours of a firearms safety course pertaining to the safe use, carrying, possession, maintenance and storage of a firearm; and
      2. persons who were licensed to possess a pistol or revolver prior to the effective date of this paragraph are not required to have completed a firearms safety course and test;
    13. who has not had a guardian appointed for him or her pursuant to any provision of state law, based on a determination that as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incapacity, condition or disease, he or she lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage his or her own affairs; and
    14. concerning whom no good cause exists for the denial of the license. No person shall engage in the business of gunsmith or dealer in firearms unless licensed pursuant to this section. An applicant to engage in such business shall also be a citizen of the United States, more than twenty-one years of age and maintain a place of business in the city or county where the license is issued. For such business, if the applicant is a firm or partnership, each member thereof shall comply with all of the requirements set forth in this subdivision and if the applicant is a corporation, each officer thereof shall so comply.

    1-a. For purposes of subdivision one of this section, serious offense shall include an offense in any jurisdiction or the former penal law that includes all of the essential elements of a serious offense as defined by subdivision seventeen of section 265.00 of this chapter. Nothing in this subdivision shall preclude the denial of a license based on the commission of, arrest for or conviction of an offense in any other jurisdiction which does not include all of the essential elements of a serious offense.

  2. Types of licenses. A license for gunsmith or dealer in firearms shall be issued to engage in such business. A license for a pistol or revolver, other than an assault weapon or a disguised gun, shall be issued to
    1. have and possess in his dwelling by a householder;
    2. have and possess in his place of business by a merchant or storekeeper;
    3. have and carry concealed while so employed by a messenger employed by a banking institution or express company;
    4. have and carry concealed by a justice of the supreme court in the first or second judicial departments, or by a judge of the New York city civil court or the New York city criminal court;
    5. have and carry concealed while so employed by a regular employee of an institution of the state, or of any county, city, town or village, under control of a commissioner of correction of the city or any warden, superintendent or head keeper of any state prison, penitentiary, workhouse, county jail or other institution for the detention of persons convicted or accused of crime or held as witnesses in criminal cases, provided that application is made therefor by such commissioner, warden, superintendent or head keeper;
    6. have and carry concealed, without regard to employment or place of possession, by any person when proper cause exists for the issuance thereof; and
    7. have, possess, collect and carry antique pistols which are defined as follows:
      1. any single shot, muzzle loading pistol with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system manufactured in or before l898, which is not designed for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; and
      2. any replica of any pistol described in clause (i) hereof if such replica--
        1. is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or
        2. uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
  3. Applications.
    1. Applications shall be made and renewed, in the case of a license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver, to the licensing officer in the city or county, as the case may be, where the applicant resides, is principally employed or has his or her principal place of business as merchant or storekeeper; and, in the case of a license as gunsmith or dealer in firearms, to the licensing officer where such place of business is located. Blank applications shall, except in the city of New York, be approved as to form by the superintendent of state police. An application shall state the full name, date of birth, residence, present occupation of each person or individual signing the same, whether or not he or she is a citizen of the United States, whether or not he or she complies with each requirement for eligibility specified in subdivision one of this section and such other facts as may be required to show the good character, competency and integrity of each person or individual signing the application. An application shall be signed and verified by the applicant. Each individual signing an application shall submit one photograph of himself or herself and a duplicate for each required copy of the application. Such photographs shall have been taken within thirty days prior to filing the application. In case of a license as gunsmith or dealer in firearms, the photographs submitted shall be two inches square, and the application shall also state the previous occupation of each individual signing the same and the location of the place of such business, or of the bureau, agency, subagency, office or branch office for which the license is sought, specifying the name of the city, town or village, indicating the street and number and otherwise giving such apt description as to point out reasonably the location thereof. In such case, if the applicant is a firm, partnership or corporation, its name, date and place of formation, and principal place of business shall be stated. For such firm or partnership, the application shall be signed and verified by each individual composing or intending to compose the same, and for such corporation, by each officer thereof.
    2. Application for an exemption under paragraph seven-b of subdivision a of section 265.20 of this chapter. Each applicant desiring to obtain the exemption set forth in paragraph seven-b of subdivision a of section 265.20 of this chapter shall make such request in writing of the licensing officer with whom his application for a license is filed, at the time of filing such application. Such request shall include a signed and verified statement by the person authorized to instruct and supervise the applicant, that has met with the applicant and that he has determined that, in his judgment, said applicant does not appear to be or poses a threat to be, a danger to himself or to others. He shall include a copy of his certificate as an instructor in small arms, if he is required to be certified, and state his address and telephone number. He shall specify the exact location by name, address and telephone number where such instruction will take place. Such licensing officer shall, no later than ten business days after such filing, request the duly constituted police authorities of the locality where such application is made to investigate and ascertain any previous criminal record of the applicant pursuant to subdivision four of this section. Upon completion of this investigation, the police authority shall report the results to the licensing officer without unnecessary delay. The licensing officer shall no later than ten business days after the receipt of such investigation, determine if the applicant has been previously denied a license, been convicted of a felony, or been convicted of a serious offense, and either approve or disapprove the applicant for exemption purposes based upon such determinations. If the applicant is approved for the exemption, the licensing officer shall notify the appropriate duly constituted police authorities and the applicant. Such exemption shall terminate if the application for the license is denied, or at any earlier time based upon any information obtained by the licensing officer or the appropriate police authorities which would cause the license to be denied. The applicant and appropriate police authorities shall be notified of any such terminations.
  4. Investigation. Before a license is issued or renewed, there shall be an investigation of all statements required in the application by the duly constituted police authorities of the locality where such application is made, including but not limited to such records as may be accessible to the division of state police or division of criminal justice services pursuant to section 400.02 of this article. For that purpose, the records of the appropriate office of the department of mental hygiene concerning previous or present mental illness of the applicant shall be available for inspection by the investigating officer of the police authority. Where the applicant is domiciled in a foreign state, the investigation shall include inquiry of the foreign state for records concerning the previous or present mental illness of the applicant, and, to the extent necessary for inspection by the investigating officer, the applicant shall execute a waiver of confidentiality of such record in such form as may be required by the foreign state. In order to ascertain any previous criminal record, the investigating officer shall take the fingerprints and physical descriptive data in quadruplicate of each individual by whom the application is signed and verified. Two copies of such fingerprints shall be taken on standard fingerprint cards eight inches square, and one copy may be taken on a card supplied for that purpose by the federal bureau of investigation; provided, however, that in the case of a corporate applicant that has already been issued a dealer in firearms license and seeks to operate a firearm dealership at a second or subsequent location, the original fingerprints on file may be used to ascertain any criminal record in the second or subsequent application unless any of the corporate officers have changed since the prior application, in which case the new corporate officer shall comply with procedures governing an initial application for such license. When completed, one standard card shall be forwarded to and retained by the division of criminal justice services in the executive department, at Albany. A search of the files of such division and written notification of the results of the search to the investigating officer shall be made without unnecessary delay. Thereafter, such division shall notify the licensing officer and the executive department, division of state police, Albany, of any criminal record of the applicant filed therein subsequent to the search of its files. A second standard card, or the one supplied by the federal bureau of investigation, as the case may be, shall be forwarded to that bureau at Washington with a request that the files of the bureau be searched and notification of the results of the search be made to the investigating police authority. Of the remaining two fingerprint cards, one shall be filed with the executive department, division of state police, Albany, within ten days after issuance of the license, and the other remain on file with the investigating police authority. No such fingerprints may be inspected by any person other than a peace officer, who is acting pursuant to his or her special duties, or a police officer, except on order of a judge or justice of a court of record either upon notice to the licensee or without notice, as the judge or justice may deem appropriate. Upon completion of the investigation, the police authority shall report the results to the licensing officer without unnecessary delay.

    4-a. Processing of license applications. Applications for licenses shall be accepted for processing by the licensing officer at the time of presentment. Except upon written notice to the applicant specifically stating the reasons for any delay, in each case the licensing officer shall act upon any application for a license pursuant to this section within six months of the date of presentment of such an application to the appropriate authority. Such delay may only be for good cause and with respect to the applicant. In acting upon an application, the licensing officer shall either deny the application for reasons specifically and concisely stated in writing or grant the application and issue the license applied for.

    4-b. Westchester county firearms safety course certificate. In the county of Westchester, at the time of application, the licensing officer to which the license application is made shall provide a copy of the safety course booklet to each license applicant. Before such license is issued, such licensing officer shall require that the applicant submit a certificate of successful completion of a firearms safety course and test issued in his or her name and endorsed and affirmed under the penalties of perjury by a duly authorized instructor.

  5. Filing of approved applications.
    1. The application for any license, if granted, shall be filed by the licensing officer with the clerk of the county of issuance, except that in the city of New York and, in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, the licensing officer shall designate the place of filing in the appropriate division, bureau or unit of the police department thereof, and in the county of Suffolk the county clerk is hereby authorized to transfer all records or applications relating to firearms to the licensing authority of that county. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this subdivision, the name and address of any person to whom an application for any license has been granted shall be a public record. Upon application by a licensee who has changed his place of residence such records or applications shall be transferred to the appropriate officer at the licensee's new place of residence. A duplicate copy of such application shall be filed by the licensing officer in the executive department, division of state police, Albany, within ten days after issuance of the license. The superintendent of state police may designate that such application shall be transmitted to the division of state police electronically. In the event the superintendent of the division of state police determines that it lacks any of the records required to be filed with the division, it may request that such records be provided to it by the appropriate clerk, department or authority and such clerk, department or authority shall provide the division with such records. In the event such clerk, department or authority lacks such records, the division may request the license holder provide information sufficient to constitute such record and such license holder shall provide the division with such information. Such information shall be limited to the license holder's name, date of birth, gender,race, residential address, social security number and firearms possessed by said license holder. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to change the expiration date or term of such licenses if otherwise provided for in law. Records assembled or collected for purposes of inclusion in the database established by this section shall be released pursuant to a court order. Records assembled or collected for purposes of inclusion in the database created pursuant to section 400.02 of this chapter shall not be subject to disclosure pursuant to article six of the public officers law.
    2. Each application for a license pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subdivision shall include, on a separate written form prepared by the division of state police within thirty days of the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen, which amended this section, and provided to the applicant at the same time and in the same manner as the application for a license, an opportunity for the applicant to request an exception from his or her application information becoming public record pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subdivision. Such forms, which shall also be made available to individuals who had applied for or been granted a license prior to the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which amended this section, shall notify applicants that, upon discovery that an applicant knowingly provided false information, such applicant may be subject to penalties pursuant to section 175.30 of this chapter, and further, that his or her request for an exception shall be null and void, provided that written notice containing such determination is provided to the applicant. Further, such forms shall provide each applicant an opportunity to specify the grounds on which he or she believes his or her application information should not be publicly disclosed. These grounds, which shall be identified on the application with a box beside each for checking, as applicable, by the applicant, shall be as follows:
      1. the applicant's life or safety may be endangered by disclosure because:
        1. the applicant is an active or retired police officer, peace officer, probation officer, parole officer, or corrections officer;
        2. the applicant is a protected person under a currently valid order of protection;
        3. the applicant is or was a witness in a criminal proceeding involving a criminal charge;
        4. the applicant is participating or previously participated as a juror in a criminal proceeding, or is or was a member of a grand jury; or
        5. the applicant is a spouse, domestic partner or household member of a person identified in this subparagraph or subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, specifying which subparagraph or subparagraphs and clauses apply.
      2. the applicant has reason to believe his or her life or safety may be endangered by disclosure due to reasons stated by the applicant.
      3. the applicant has reason to believe he or she may be subject to unwarranted harassment upon disclosure of such information.
    3. Each form provided for recertification pursuant to paragraph (b) of subdivision ten of this section shall include an opportunity for the applicant to request an exception from the information provided on such form becoming public record pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subdivision. Such forms shall notify applicants that, upon discovery that an applicant knowingly provided false information, such applicant may be subject to penalties pursuant to section 175.30 of this chapter, and further, that his or her request for an exception shall be null and void, provided that written notice containing such determination is provided to the applicant. Further, such forms shall provide each applicant an opportunity to either decline to request the grant or continuation of an exception, or specify the grounds on which he or she believes his or her information should not be publicly disclosed. These grounds, which shall be identified in the application with a box beside each for checking, as applicable, by the applicant, shall be the same as provided in paragraph (b) of this subdivision.
    4. Information submitted on the forms described in paragraph (b) of this subdivision shall be excepted from disclosure and maintained by the entity retaining such information separate and apart from all other records.
      1. Upon receiving a request for exception from disclosure, the licensing officer shall grant such exception, unless the request is determined to be null and void, pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this subdivision.
      2. A request for an exception from disclosure may be submitted at any time, including after a license or recertification has been granted.
      3. If an exception is sought and granted pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subdivision, the application information shall not be public record, unless the request is determined to be null and void. If an exception is sought and granted pursuant to paragraph (c) of this subdivision, the information concerning such recertification application shall not be public record, unless the request is determined to be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this subparagraph, local and state law enforcement shall, upon request, be granted access to and copies of such application information provided that such information obtained by law enforcement pursuant to this subparagraph shall not be considered a public record of such law enforcement agency.
    5. The information of licensees or applicants for a license shall not be disclosed to the public during the first one hundred twenty days following the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen, which amended this section. After such period, the information of those who had applied for or been granted a license prior to the preparation of the form for requesting an exception, pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subdivision, may be released only if such individuals did not file a request for such an exception during the first sixty days following such preparation; provided, however, that no information contained in an application for licensure or recertification shall be disclosed by an entity that has not completed processing any such requests received during such sixty days.
    6. If a request for an exception is determined to be null and void pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this subdivision, an applicant may request review of such determination pursuant to article seventy-eight of the civil practice laws and rules. Such proceeding must commence within thirty days after service of the written notice containing the adverse determination. Notice of the right to commence such a petition, and the time period therefor, shall be included in the notice of the determination. Disclosure following such a petition shall not be made prior to the disposition of such review.
  6. License: validity. Any license issued pursuant to this section shall be valid notwithstanding the provisions of any local law or ordinance. No license shall be transferable to any other person or premises. A license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver, not otherwise limited as to place or time of possession, shall be effective throughout the state, except that the same shall not be valid within the city of New York unless a special permit granting validity is issued by the police commissioner of that city. Such license to carry or possess shall be valid within the city of New York in the absence of a permit issued by the police commissioner of that city, provided that
    1. the firearms covered by such license have been purchased from a licensed dealer within the city of New York and are being transported out of said city forthwith and immediately from said dealer by the licensee in a locked container during a continuous and uninterrupted trip; or provided that
    2. the firearms covered by such license are being transported by the licensee in a locked container and the trip through the city of New York is continuous and uninterrupted; or provided that
    3. the firearms covered by such license are carried by armored car security guards transporting money or other valuables, in, to, or from motor vehicles commonly known as armored cars, during the course of their employment; or provided that
    4. the licensee is a retired police officer as police officer is defined pursuant to subdivision thirty-four of section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law or a retired federal law enforcement officer, as defined in section 2.15 of the criminal procedure law, who has been issued a license by an authorized licensing officer as defined in subdivision ten of section 265.00 of this chapter; provided, further, however, that if such license was not issued in the city of New York it must be marked "Retired Police Officer" or "Retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer", as the case may be, and, in the case of a retired officer the license shall be deemed to permit only police or federal law enforcement regulations weapons; or provided that
    5. the licensee is a peace officer described in subdivision four of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law and the license, if issued by other than the city of New York, is marked "New York State Tax Department Peace Officer" and in such case the exemption shall apply only to the firearm issued to such licensee by the department of taxation and finance. A license as gunsmith or dealer in firearms shall not be valid outside the city or county, as the case may be, where issued. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of state or local law or rule or regulation, the premises limitation set forth in any license to have and possess a pistol or revolver in the licensee's dwelling or place of business pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of subdivision two of this section shall not prevent the transport of such pistol or revolver directly to or from
      1. another dwelling or place of business of the licensee where the licensee is authorized to have and possess such pistol or revolver,
      2. an indoor or outdoor shooting range that is authorized by law to operate as such,
      3. a shooting competition at which the licensee may possess such pistol or revolver consistent with the provisions of subdivision a of section 265.20 of this chapter or consistent with the law applicable at the place of such competition, or
      4. any other location where the licensee is lawfully authorized to have and possess such pistol or revolver; provided however, that during such transport to or from a location specified in clauses (i) through (iv) of this paragraph, the pistol or revolver shall be unloaded and carried in a locked container, and the ammunition therefor shall be carried separately; provided further, however, that a license to have and possess a pistol or revolver in the licensee's dwelling or place of business pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of subdivision two of this section that is issued by a licensing officer other than the police commissioner of the city of New York shall not authorize transport of a pistol or revolver into the city of New York in the absence of written authorization to do so by the police commissioner of that city. The term "locked container" shall not include the glove compartment or console of a vehicle.
    6. License: form. Any license issued pursuant to this section shall, except in the city of New York, be approved as to form by the superintendent of state police. A license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver shall have attached the licensee's photograph, and a coupon which shall be removed and retained by any person disposing of a firearm to the licensee. Such license shall specify the weapon covered by calibre, make, model, manufacturer's name and serial number, or if none, by any other distinguishing number or identification mark, and shall indicate whether issued to carry on the person or possess on the premises, and if on the premises shall also specify the place where the licensee shall possess the same. If such license is issued to an alien, or to a person not a citizen of and usually a resident in the state, the licensing officer shall state in the license the particular reason for the issuance and the names of the persons certifying to the good character of the applicant. Any license as gunsmith or dealer in firearms shall mention and describe the premises for which it is issued and shall be valid only for such premises.
    7. License: exhibition and display. Every licensee while carrying a pistol or revolver shall have on his or her person a license to carry the same. Every person licensed to possess a pistol or revolver on particular premises shall have the license for the same on such premises. Upon demand, the license shall be exhibited for inspection to any peace officer, who is acting pursuant to his or her special duties, or police officer. A license as gunsmith or dealer in firearms shall be prominently displayed on the licensed premises. A gunsmith or dealer of firearms may conduct business temporarily at a location other than the location specified on the license if such temporary location is the location for a gun show or event sponsored by any national, state, or local organization, or any affiliate of any such organization devoted to the collection, competitive use or other sporting use of firearms. Any sale or transfer at a gun show must also comply with the provisions of article thirty-nine-DD of the general business law. Records of receipt and disposition of firearms transactions conducted at such temporary location shall include the location of the sale or other disposition and shall be entered in the permanent records of the gunsmith or dealer of firearms and retained on the location specified on the license. Nothing in this section shall authorize any licensee to conduct business from any motorized or towed vehicle. A separate fee shall not be required of a licensee with respect to business conducted under this subdivision. Any inspection or examination of inventory or records under this section at such temporary location shall be limited to inventory consisting of, or records related to, firearms held or disposed at such temporary locations. Failure of any licensee to so exhibit or display his or her license, as the case may be, shall be presumptive evidence that he or she is not duly licensed.
    8. License: amendment. Elsewhere than in the city of New York, a person licensed to carry or possess a pistol or revolver may apply at any time to his or her licensing officer for amendment of his or her license to include one or more such weapons or to cancel weapons held under license. If granted, a record of the amendment describing the weapons involved shall be filed by the licensing officer in the executive department, division of state police, Albany. The superintendent of state police may authorize that such amendment be completed and transmitted to the state police in electronic form. Notification of any change of residence shall be made in writing by any licensee within ten days after such change occurs, and a record of such change shall be inscribed by such licensee on the reverse side of his or her license. Elsewhere than in the city of New York, and in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, such notification shall be made to the executive department, division of state police, Albany, and in the city of New York to the police commissioner of that city, and in the county of Nassau to the police commissioner of that county, and in the county of Suffolk to the licensing officer of that county, who shall, within ten days after such notification shall be received by him or her, give notice in writing of such change to the executive department, division of state police, at Albany.
    9. License: expiration, certification and renewal.
      1. Any license for gunsmith or dealer in firearms and, in the city of New York, any license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver, issued at any time pursuant to this section or prior to the first day of July, nineteen hundred sixty-three and not limited to expire on an earlier date fixed in the license, shall expire not more than three years after the date of issuance. In the counties of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester, any license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver, issued at any time pursuant to this section or prior to the first day of July, nineteen hundred sixty-three and not limited to expire on an earlier date fixed in the license, shall expire not more than five years after the date of issuance; however, in the county of Westchester, any such license shall be certified prior to the first day of April, two thousand, in accordance with a schedule to be contained in regulations promulgated by the commissioner of the division of criminal justice services, and every such license shall be recertified every five years thereafter. For purposes of this section certification shall mean that the licensee shall provide to the licensing officer the following information only: current name, date of birth, current address, and the make, model, caliber and serial number of all firearms currently possessed. Such certification information shall be filed by the licensing officer in the same manner as an amendment. Elsewhere than in the city of New York and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester, any license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver, issued at any time pursuant to this section or prior to the first day of July, nineteen hundred sixty-three and not previously revoked or cancelled, shall be in force and effect until revoked as herein provided. Any license not previously cancelled or revoked shall remain in full force and effect for thirty days beyond the stated expiration date on such license. Any application to renew a license that has not previously expired, been revoked or cancelled shall thereby extend the term of the license until disposition of the application by the licensing officer. In the case of a license for gunsmith or dealer in firearms, in counties having a population of less than two hundred thousand inhabitants, photographs and fingerprints shall be submitted on original applications and upon renewal thereafter only at six year intervals. Upon satisfactory proof that a currently valid original license has been despoiled, lost or otherwise removed from the possession of the licensee and upon application containing an additional photograph of the licensee, the licensing officer shall issue a duplicate license.
      2. All licensees shall be recertified to the division of state police every five years thereafter. Any license issued before the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this paragraph shall be recertified by the licensee on or before January thirty-first, two thousand eighteen, and not less than one year prior to such date, the state police shall send a notice to all license holders who have not recertified by such time. Such recertification shall be in a form as approved by the superintendent of state police, which shall request the license holder's name, date of birth, gender, race, residential address, social security number, firearms possessed by such license holder, email address at the option of the license holder and an affirmation that such license holder is not prohibited from possessing firearms. The form may be in an electronic form if so designated by the superintendent of state police. Failure to recertify shall act as a revocation of such license. If the New York state police discover as a result of the recertification process that a licensee failed to provide a change of address, the New York state police shall not require the licensing officer to revoke such license.
    10. License: revocation and suspension.
      1. The conviction of a licensee anywhere of a felony or serious offense or a licensee at any time becoming ineligible to obtain a license under this section shall operate as a revocation of the license. A license may be revoked or suspended as provided for in section 530.14 of the criminal procedure law or section eight hundred forty-two-a of the family court act. Except for a license issued pursuant to section 400.01 of this article, a license may be revoked and cancelled at any time in the city of New York, and in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, by the licensing officer, and elsewhere than in the city of New York by any judge or justice of a court of record; a license issued pursuant to section 400.01 of this article may be revoked and cancelled at any time by the licensing officer or any judge or justice of a court of record. The official revoking a license shall give written notice thereof without unnecessary delay to the executive department, division of state police, Albany, and shall also notify immediately the duly constituted police authorities of the locality.
      2. Whenever the director of community services or his or her designee makes a report pursuant to section 9.46 of the mental hygiene law, the division of criminal justice services shall convey such information, whenever it determines that the person named in the report possesses a license issued pursuant to this section, to the appropriate licensing official, who shall issue an order suspending or revoking such license.
      3. In any instance in which a person's license is suspended or revoked under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subdivision, such person shall surrender such license to the appropriate licensing official and any and all firearms, rifles, or shotguns owned or possessed by such person shall be surrendered to an appropriate law enforcement agency as provided in subparagraph (f) of paragraph one of subdivision a of section 265.20 of this chapter. In the event such license, firearm, shotgun, or rifle is not surrendered, such items shall be removed and declared a nuisance and any police officer or peace officer acting pursuant to his or her special duties is authorized to remove any and all such weapons.
    11. Records required of gunsmiths and dealers in firearms. Any person licensed as gunsmith or dealer in firearms shall keep a record book approved as to form, except in the city of New York, by the superintendent of state police. In the record book shall be entered at the time of every transaction involving a firearm the date, name, age, occupation and residence of any person from whom a firearm is received or to whom a firearm is delivered, and the calibre, make, model, manufacturer's name and serial number, or if none, any other distinguishing number or identification mark on such firearm. Before delivering a firearm to any person, the licensee shall require him to produce either a license valid under this section to carry or possess the same, or proof of lawful authority as an exempt person pursuant to section 265.20 of this chapter and either (a) the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) or its successor has issued a "proceed" response to the licensee, or (b) thirty calendar days have elapsed since the date the licensee contacted NICS to initiate a national instant criminal background check and NICS has not notified the licensee that the transfer of the firearm to such person should be denied. In addition, before delivering a firearm to a peace officer, the licensee shall verify that person's status as a peace officer with the division of state police. After completing the foregoing, the licensee shall remove and retain the attached coupon and enter in the record book the date of such license, number, if any, and name of the licensing officer, in the case of the holder of a license to carry or possess, or the shield or other number, if any, assignment and department, unit or agency, in the case of an exempt person. The original transaction report shall be forwarded to the division of state police within ten days of delivering a firearm to any person, and a duplicate copy shall be kept by the licensee. The superintendent of state police may designate that such record shall be completed and transmitted in electronic form. A dealer may be granted a waiver from transmitting such records in electronic form if the superintendent determines that such dealer is incapable of such transmission due to technological limitations that are not reasonably within the control of the dealer, or other exceptional circumstances demonstrated by the dealer, pursuant to a process established in regulation, and at the discretion of the superintendent. Records assembled or collected for purposes of inclusion in the database created pursuant to section 400.02 of this article shall not be subject to disclosure pursuant to article six of the public officers law. The record book shall be maintained on the premises mentioned and described in the license and shall be open at all reasonable hours for inspection by any peace officer, acting pursuant to his special duties, or police officer. In the event of cancellation or revocation of the license for gunsmith or dealer in firearms, or discontinuance of business by a licensee, such record book shall be immediately surrendered to the licensing officer in the city of New York, and in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, and elsewhere in the state to the executive department, division of state police.

      12-a. State police regulations applicable to licensed gunsmiths engaged in the business of assembling or manufacturing firearms. The superintendent of state police is hereby authorized to issue such rules and regulations as he deems reasonably necessary to prevent the manu- facture and assembly of unsafe firearms in the state. Such rules and regulations shall establish safety standards in regard to the manu- facture and assembly of firearms in the state, including specifications as to materials and parts used, the proper storage and shipment of firearms, and minimum standards of quality control. Regulations issued by the state police pursuant to this subdivision shall apply to any person licensed as a gunsmith under this section engaged in the business of manufacturing or assembling firearms, and any violation thereof shall subject the licensee to revocation of license pursuant to subdivision eleven of this section.

      12-c. Firearms records.

      1. Every employee of a state or local agency, unit of local government, state or local commission, or public or private organization who possesses a firearm or machine-gun under an exemption to the licensing requirements under this chapter, shall promptly report in writing to his employer the make, model, calibre and serial number of each such firearm or machine-gun. Thereafter, within ten days of the acquisition or disposition of any such weapon, he shall furnish such information to his employer, including the name and address of the person from whom the weapon was acquired or to whom it was disposed.
      2. Every head of a state or local agency, unit of local government, state or local commission, public authority or public or private organization to whom an employee has submitted a report pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subdivision shall promptly forward such report to the superintendent of state police.
      3. Every head of a state or local agency, unit of local government, state or local commission, public authority, or any other agency, firm or corporation that employs persons who may lawfully possess firearms or machine-guns without the requirement of a license therefor, or that employs persons licensed to possess firearms or machine-guns, shall promptly report to the superintendent of state police, in the manner prescribed by him, the make, model, calibre and serial number of every firearm or machine-gun possessed by it on the effective date of this act for the use of such employees or for any other use. Thereafter, within ten days of the acquisition or disposition of any such weapon, such head shall report such information to the superintendent of the state police, including the name and address of the person from whom the weapon was acquired or to whom it was disposed.
    12. Expenses. The expense of providing a licensing officer with blank applications, licenses and record books for carrying out the provisions of this section shall be a charge against the county, and in the city of New York against the city.
    13. Fees. In the city of New York and the county of Nassau, the annual license fee shall be twenty-five dollars for gunsmiths and fifty dollars for dealers in firearms. In such city, the city council and in the county of Nassau the Board of Supervisors shall fix the fee to be charged for a license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver and provide for the disposition of such fees. Elsewhere in the state, the licensing officer shall collect and pay into the county treasury the following fees: for each license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver, not less than three dollars nor more than ten dollars as may be determined by the legislative body of the county; for each amendment thereto, three dollars, and five dollars in the county of Suffolk; and for each license issued to a gunsmith or dealer in firearms, ten dollars. The fee for a duplicate license shall be five dollars. The fee for processing a license transfer between counties shall be five dollars. The fee for processing a license or renewal thereof for a qualified retired police officer as defined under subdivision thirty-four of section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law, or a qualified retired sheriff, undersheriff, or deputy sheriff of the city of New York as defined under subdivision two of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law, or a qualified retired bridge and tunnel officer, sergeant or lieutenant of the triborough bridge and tunnel authority as defined under subdivision twenty of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law, or a qualified retired uniformed court officer in the unified court system, or a qualified retired court clerk in the unified court system in the first and second judicial departments, as defined in paragraphs a and b of subdivision twenty-one of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law or a retired correction officer as defined in subdivision twenty-five of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law shall be waived in all counties throughout the state.
    14. Any violation by any person of any provision of this section is a class A misdemeanor.
    15. Unlawful disposal. No person shall except as otherwise authorized pursuant to law dispose of any firearm unless he is licensed as gunsmith or dealer in firearms.

      16-a. Registration.

      1. An owner of a weapon defined in paragraph (e) or (f) of subdivision twenty-two of section 265.00 of this chapter, possessed before the date of the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this paragraph, must make an application to register such weapon with the superintendent of state police, in the manner provided by the superintendent, or by amending a license issued pursuant to this section within one year of the effective date of this subdivision except any weapon defined under subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (g) of subdivision twenty-two of section 265.00 of this chapter transferred into the state may be registered at any time, provided such weapons are registered within thirty days of their transfer into the state. Registration information shall include the registrant's name, date of birth, gender, race, residential address, social security number and a description of each weapon being registered. A registration of any weapon defined under subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (g) of subdivision twenty-two of section 265.00 or a feeding device as defined under subdivision twenty-three of section 265.00 of this chapter shall be transferable, provided that the seller notifies the state police within seventy-two hours of the transfer and the buyer provides the state police with information sufficient to constitute a registration under this section. Such registration shall not be valid if such registrant is prohibited or becomes prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to state or federal law. The superintendent shall determine whether such registrant is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. Such check shall be limited to determining whether the factors in 18 USC 922 (g) apply or whether a registrant has been convicted of a serious offense as defined in subdivision sixteen-b of section 265.00 of this chapter, so as to prohibit such registrant from possessing a firearm, and whether a report has been issued pursuant to section 9.46 of the mental hygiene law. All registrants shall recertify to the division of state police every five years thereafter. Failure to recertify shall result in a revocation of such registration.

        a-1. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provisions of paragraph (a) of this subdivision, an owner of an assault weapon as defined in subdivision twenty-two of section 265.00 of this chapter, who is a qualified retired New York or federal law enforcement officer as defined in subdivision twenty-five of section 265.00 of this chapter, where such weapon was issued to or purchased by such officer prior to retirement and in the course of his or her official duties, and for which such officer was qualified by the agency that employed such officer within twelve months prior to his or her retirement, must register such weapon within sixty days of retirement.

      2. The superintendent of state police shall create and maintain an internet website to educate the public as to which semiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic shotgun or semiautomatic pistol or weapon that are illegal as a result of the enactment of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this paragraph, as well as such assault weapons which are illegal pursuant to article two hundred sixty-five of this chapter. Such website shall contain information to assist the public in recognizing the relevant features proscribed by such article two hundred sixty-five, as well as which make and model of weapons that require registration.
      3. A person who knowingly fails to apply to register such weapon, as required by this section, within one year of the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand thirteen which added this paragraph shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor and such person who unknowingly fails to validly register such weapon within such one year period shall be given a warning by an appropriate law enforcement authority about such failure and given thirty days in which to apply to register such weapon or to surrender it. A failure to apply or surrender such weapon within such thirty-day period shall result in such weapon being removed by an appropriate law enforcement authority and declared a nuisance.
      16-b. The cost of the software, programming and interface required to transmit any record that must be electronically transmitted by the dealer or licensing officer to the division of state police pursuant to this chapter shall be borne by the state.
    16. Applicability of section. The provisions of article two hundred sixty-five of this chapter relating to illegal possession of a firearm, shall not apply to an offense which also constitutes a violation of this section by a person holding an otherwise valid license under the provisions of this section and such offense shall only be punishable as a class A misdemeanor pursuant to this section. In addition, the provisions of such article two hundred sixty-five of this chapter shall not apply to the possession of a firearm in a place not authorized by law, by a person who holds an otherwise valid license or possession of a firearm by a person within a one year period after the stated expiration date of an otherwise valid license which has not been previously cancelled or revoked shall only be punishable as a class A misdemeanor pursuant to this section.
    17. Notice. Upon the issuance of a license, the licensing officer shall issue therewith the following notice in conspicuous and legible twenty-four point type on eight and one-half inches by eleven inches paper stating in bold print the following:

      WARNING: RESPONSIBLE FIREARM STORAGE IS THE LAW IN NEW YORK STATE. FIREARMS MUST EITHER BE STORED WITH A GUN LOCKING DEVICE OR IN A SAFE STORAGE DEPOSITORY OR NOT BE LEFT OUTSIDE THE IMMEDIATE POSSESSION AND CONTROL OF THE OWNER OR OTHER LAWFUL POSSESSOR IF A CHILD RESIDES IN THE HOME OR IS PRESENT, OR IF THE OWNER OR POSSESSOR RESIDES WITH A PERSON PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING A FIREARM UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW. FIREARMS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION SEPARATE FROM AMMUNITION. LEAVING FIREARMS ACCESSIBLE TO A CHILD OR OTHER PROHIBITED PERSON MAY SUBJECT YOU TO IMPRISONMENT, FINE, OR BOTH.

      Nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to affect, impair or supersede any special or local law relating to providing

    Amended: 2013, c.1, sec. 48; 2013, c.98, sec. 3. Amended Chapter 55 (2019) Amended Chapter 104 (2019) Amended Chapter 129 (2019); Amended Chapter 135 (2019); Amended Chapter 242 (2019); Amended Chapter 244 (2019), Amended 2020 Chapter 55, Part N, § 2

§400.01 - License to carry and possess firearms for retired sworn members of the division of state police
  1. A license to carry or possess a firearm for a retired sworn member of the division of state police shall be granted in the same manner and upon the same terms and conditions as licenses issued under section 400.00 of this article provided, however, that applications for such license shall be made to, and the licensing officer shall be, the superintendent of state police.
  2. For purposes of this section, a "retired sworn member of the division of state police" shall mean a former sworn member of the division of state police, who upon separation from the division of state police was immediately entitled to receive retirement benefits under the provisions of the retirement and social security law.
  3. The provisions of this section shall only apply to license applications made or renewals which must be made on or after the effective date of this section. A license to carry or possess a pistol or revolver issued pursuant to the provisions of section 400.00 of this article to a person covered by the provisions of this section shall be valid until such license would have expired pursuant to the provisions of section 400.00 of this article; provided that, on or after the effective date of this section, an application or renewal of such license shall be made pursuant to the provisions of this section.
  4. Except for the designation of the superintendent of state police as the licensing officer for retired sworn members of the division of state police, all of the provisions and requirements of section 400.00 of this article and any other provision of law shall be applicable to individuals licensed pursuant to this section. In addition all provisions of section 400.00 of this article, except for the designation of the superintendent of state police as licensing officer are hereby deemed applicable to individuals licensed pursuant to this section.
§400.02 - (2019) Statewide license and record database

There shall be a statewide license and record database which shall be created and maintained by the division of state police the cost of which shall not be borne by any municipality. Records assembled or collected for purposes of inclusion in such database shall not be subject to disclosure pursuant to article six of the public officers law. Records containing granted license applications shall be periodically checked by the division of criminal justice services against criminal conviction, mental health, and all other records as are necessary to determine their continued accuracy as well as whether an individual is no longer a valid license holder. The division of criminal justice services shall also check pending applications made pursuant to this article against such records to determine whether a license may be granted. All state agencies shall cooperate with the division of criminal justice services, as otherwise authorized by law, in making their records available for such checks. The division of criminal justice services, upon determining that an individual is ineligible to possess a license, or is no longer a valid license holder, shall notify the applicable licensing official of such determination and such licensing official shall not issue a license or revoke such license and any weapons owned or possessed by such individual shall be removed consistent with the provisions of subdivision eleven of section 400.00 of this article. Local and state law enforcement shall have access to such database in the performance of their duties. Records assembled or collected for purposes of inclusion in the database established by this section shall be released pursuant to a court order.

Added: 2013, c.1, sec. 49.; Amended Chapter 244 (2019)

§400.03 - (2013) Sellers of ammunition
  1. A seller of ammunition as defined in subdivision twenty-four of section 265.00 of this chapter shall register with the superintendent of state police in a manner provided by the superintendent. Any dealer in firearms that is validly licensed pursuant to section 400.00 of this article shall not be required to complete such registration.
  2. Any seller of ammunition or dealer in firearms shall keep a record book approved as to form by the superintendent of state police. In the record book shall be entered at the time of every transaction involving ammunition the date, name, age, occupation and residence of any person from whom ammunition is received or to whom ammunition is delivered, and the amount, calibre, manufacturer's name and serial number, or if none, any other distinguishing number or identification mark on such ammunition. The record book shall be maintained on the premises mentioned and described in the license and shall be open at all reasonable hours for inspection by any peace officer, acting pursuant to his or her special duties, or police officer. Any record produced pursuant to this section and any transmission thereof to any government agency shall not be considered a public record for purposes of article six of the public officers law.
  3. No later than thirty days after the superintendent of the state police certifies that the statewide license and record database established pursuant to section 400.02 of this article is operational for the purposes of this section, a dealer in firearms licensed pursuant to section 400.00 of this article, a seller of ammunition as defined in subdivision twenty-four of section 265.00 of this chapter shall not transfer any ammunition to any other person who is not a dealer in firearms as defined in subdivision nine of such section 265.00 or a seller of ammunition as defined in subdivision twenty-four of section 265.00 of this chapter, unless:
    1. before the completion of the transfer, the licensee or seller contacts the statewide license and record database and provides the database with information sufficient to identify such dealer or seller, transferee based on information on the transferee's identification document as defined in paragraph (c) of this subdivision, as well as the amount, calibre, manufacturer's name and serial number, if any, of such ammunition;
    2. the system provides the licensee or seller with a unique identification number; and
    3. the transferor has verified the identity of the transferee by examining a valid state identification document of the transferee issued by the department of motor vehicles or if the transferee is not a resident of the state of New York, a valid identification document issued by the transferee's state or country of residence containing a photograph of the transferee.
  4. If the database determines that the purchaser of ammunition is eligible to possess ammunition pursuant to state and federal laws, the system shall:
    1. assign a unique identification number to the transfer; and
    2. provide the licensee or seller with the number.
  5. If the statewide license and record database notifies the licensee or seller that the information available to the database does not demonstrate that the receipt of ammunition by such other person would violate 18 U.S.C. 922(g) or state law, and the licensee transfers ammunition to such other person, the licensee shall indicate to the database that such transaction has been completed at which point a record of such transaction shall be created which shall be accessible by the division of state police and maintained for no longer than one year from point of purchase, which shall not be incorporated into the database established pursuant to section 400.02 of this article or the registry established pursuant to subdivision sixteen-a of section 400.00 of this article. The division of state police may share such information with a local law enforcement agency. Evidence of the purchase of ammunition is not sufficient to establish probable cause to believe that the purchaser has committed a crime absent other information tending to prove the commission of a crime. Records assembled or accessed pursuant to this section shall not be subject to disclosure pursuant to article six of the public officers law. This requirement of this section shall not apply
    1. if a background check cannot be completed because the system is not operational as determined by the superintendent of state police, or where it cannot be accessed by the practitioner due to a temporary technological or electrical failure, as set forth in regulation, or
    2. a dealer or seller has been granted a waiver from conducting such background check if the superintendent of state police determines that such dealer is incapable of such check due to technological limitations that are not reasonably within the control of the dealer, or other exceptional circumstances demonstrated by the dealer, pursuant to a process established in regulation, and at the discretion of such superintendent.
  6. If the superintendent of state police certifies that background checks of ammunition purchasers may be conducted through the national instant criminal background check system, use of that system by a dealer or seller shall be sufficient to satisfy subdivisions four and five of this section and such checks shall be conducted through such system, provided that a record of such transaction shall be forwarded to the state police in a form determined by the superintendent.
  7. No commercial transfer of ammunition shall take place unless a licensed dealer in firearms or registered seller of ammunition acts as an intermediary between the transferor and the ultimate transferee of the ammunition for the purposes of contacting the statewide license and record database pursuant to this section. Such transfer between the dealer or seller, and transferee must occur in person.
  8. A seller of ammunition who fails to register pursuant to this section and sells ammunition, for a first offense, shall be guilty of a violation and subject to the fine of one thousand dollars and for a second offense, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

A seller of ammunition that fails to keep any record required pursuant to this section, for a first offense shall be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine of five hundred dollars, and for a second offense shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor, and the registration of such seller shall be revoked.

Added: 2013, c.1, sec. 50.

§400.04 - (2020) Sale or transfer of firearm, rifle, or shotgun components.
  1. No commercial transfer of a major component of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun, or an unfinished frame or receiver, shall take place unless a dealer in firearms that is validly licensed pursuant to section 400.00 of this article or section 923 of title 18 of the United States Code, acts as an intermediary between the transferor and the ultimate transferee of such major component or unfinished frame or receiver. Such transfer between the dealer and transferee must occur in person. Prior to completing a transfer pursuant to this section the dealer in firearms must verify the identity of the transferee by examining a valid state identification document of the transferee issued by the department of motor vehicles or, if such transferee is not a resident of the state of New York, a valid identification document issued by such transferee's state or country of residence containing a photograph of such transferee.
  2. Every dealer in firearms shall keep a record book and enter at the time of every transaction involving the transfer of a major component of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun, or an unfinished frame or receiver, the date, name, age, and residence of any person to whom such major component or unfinished frame or receiver is delivered, and, in the case of a receiver or a frame of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun, or an unfinished frame or receiver, the serial number engraved, cast or stamped thereon or, if none, the serial number assigned to the unfinished frame or receiver pursuant to this section.
  3. No dealer in firearms may complete a transfer pursuant to this section unless (i) the frame or receiver of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun, or unfinished frame or receiver, is conspicuously engraved, cast, or stamped with a unique serial number, or (ii) in the case of an unfinished frame or receiver that lacks such a unique serial number, the dealer in firearms first requests and obtains a unique serial number for each unfinished frame or receiver pursuant to subdivision four of this section and provides the unique serial number assigned to the unfinished frame or receiver to the transferee.
  4. Upon the request of a dealer in firearms made pursuant to subdivision three of this section, the division of state police shall issue a unique serial number for each unfinished frame or receiver, transmit the serial number to the requesting dealer, and maintain a record of each serial number issued, the date of issuance, and the identity of the requesting dealer.
  5. Every transferee taking possession of an unfinished frame or receiver shall ensure that the unique serial number assigned to such unfinished frame or receiver pursuant to this section is permanently and conspicuously engraved, cast, or stamped upon the unfinished frame or receiver in a manner that meets or exceeds the requirements imposed on licensed importers and licensed manufacturers of firearms pursuant to subsection (i) of section 923 of title 18 of the United States Code and regulations issued pursuant thereto, within thirty days of taking possession of such unfinished frame or receiver.
  6. Any person not a validly licensed dealer in firearms pursuant to section 400.00 of this article or section 923 of title 18 of the United States Code who violates subdivision one or five of this section shall be guilty of a class D felony. Any dealer in firearms who violates subdivision three of this section shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor and any license of such dealer issued pursuant to section 400.00 of this article shall be revoked. Any dealer in firearms who violates subdivision one or two of this section, for a first offense, shall be guilty of a violation and subject to the fine of one thousand dollars and for a second offense, shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor and any license of such dealer issued pursuant to section 400.00 of this article shall be revoked.

Enatced 2020 Chapter 55 sec. 3

§400.05 - Disposition of weapons and dangerous instruments, appliances and substances
  1. Any weapon, instrument, appliance or substance specified in article two hundred sixty-five, when unlawfully possessed, manufactured, transported or disposed of, or when utilized in the commission of an offense, is hereby declared a nuisance. When the same shall come into the possession of any police officer or peace officer, it shall be surrendered immediately to the official mentioned in paragraph (f) of subdivision one of section 265.20, except that such weapon, instrument, appliance or substance coming into the possession of the state police shall be surrendered to the superintendent of state police.
  2. The official to whom the weapon, instrument, appliance or substance which has subsequently been declared a nuisance pursuant to subdivision one of this section is so surrendered shall, at any time but at least once each year, destroy the same or cause it to be destroyed, or render the same or cause it to be rendered ineffective and useless for its intended purpose and harmless to human life.
  3. Notwithstanding subdivision two of this section, the official to whom the weapon, instrument, appliance or substance is so surrendered shall not destroy the same if
    1. a judge or justice of a court of record, or a district attorney, shall file with the official a certificate that the non-destruction thereof is necessary or proper to serve the ends of justice; or
    2. the official directs that the same be retained in any laboratory conducted by any police or sheriff's department for the purpose of research, comparison, identification or other endeavor toward the prevention and detection of crime.
  4. In the case of any machine-gun or firearm taken from the possession of any person, the official to whom such weapon is surrendered pursuant to subdivision one of this section shall immediately notify the executive department, division of state police, Albany, giving the calibre, make, model, manufacturer's name and serial number, or if none, any other distinguishing number or identification mark. A search of the files of such division and notification of the results of the search to such official shall immediately be made.
  5. Before any machine-gun or firearm is destroyed pursuant to subdivision two of this section,
    1. the official to whom the same has been surrendered shall forward to the executive department, division of state police, Albany, a notice of intent to destroy and the calibre, make, model, manufacturer's name and serial number, or if none, any other distinguishing number or identification mark of the machine-gun or firearm;
    2. such division shall make and keep a record of such description together with the name and address of the official reporting the same and the date such notice was received; and
    3. a search of the files of such division and notification of the results of the search to such official shall be made without unnecessary delay.
  6. A firearm or other weapon which is surrendered, or is otherwise voluntarily delivered pursuant to section 265.20 of this chapter and which has not been declared a nuisance pursuant to subdivision one of this section, shall be retained by the official to whom it was delivered for a period not to exceed one year. Prior to the expiration of such time period, a person who surrenders a firearm shall have the right to arrange for the sale, or transfer, of such firearm to a dealer in firearms licensed in accordance with this chapter or for the transfer of such firearm to himself or herself provided that a license therefor has been issued in accordance with this chapter. If no lawful disposition of the firearm or other weapon is made within the time provided, the firearm or weapon concerned shall be declared a nuisance and shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of this section.
§400.10 - Report of theft or loss of a firearm, rifle or shotgun
    1. Any owner or other person lawfully in possession of:
      1. a firearm, rifle or, shotgun who suffers the loss or theft of said weapon;
      2. ammunition as well as a firearm, rifle or shotgun who suffers the loss or theft of such ammunition as well as a firearm, rifle or shotgun; or
      3. ammunition and is a dealer in firearms or seller of ammunition who suffers the loss or theft of such ammunition shall within twenty-four hours of the discovery of the loss or theft report the facts and circumstances of the loss or theft to a police department or sheriff's office.
    2. Whenever a person reports the theft or loss of a firearm, rifle, shotgun or ammunition to any police department or sheriff's office, the officer or department receiving such report shall forward notice of such theft or loss to the division of state police via the New York Statewide Police Information Network. The notice shall contain information in compliance with the New York Statewide Police Information Network Operating Manual, including the caliber, make, model, manufacturer's name and serial number, if any, and any other distinguishing number or identification mark on the weapon.
  1. The division of state police shall receive, collect and file the information referred to in subdivision one of this section. The division shall cooperate, and undertake to furnish or make available to law enforcement agencies this information, for the purpose of coordinating law enforcement efforts to locate such weapons.
  2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a violation of paragraph (a) of subdivision one of this section shall be a class A misdemeanor.
§400.20 - (2019) Waiting period in connection with the sale or transfer of a rifle or shotgun.

When a national instant criminal background check is required pursuant to state or federal law to be conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) or its successor in connection with the sale or transfer of a rifle or shotgun to any person, before delivering a rifle or shotgun to such person, either (a) NICS has issued a "proceed" response to the seller or transferor, or (b) thirty calendar days shall have elapsed since the date the seller or transferor contacted NICS to initiate a national instant criminal background check and NICS has not notified the seller or transferor that the transfer of the rifle or shotgun to such person should be denie

Enacted Chapter 55 (2019); Amended 2019 Chpater 129

Criminal Procedure

PART 3 - Special Proceedings And Miscellaneous Procedures

TITLE P - Procedures For Securing Attendance At Criminal Actions And Proceedings Of Defendants And Witnesses Under Control Of Court--recognizance, Bail

Article 530 - Orders Of Recognizance Or Bail With Respect To Defendants In Criminal Actions And Proceedings--when And By What Courts Authorized

§530.14 - (2018) Suspension and revocation of a license to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm or firearms pursuant to section 400.00 of the penal law

Suspension and revocation of a license to carry, possess, repair or dispose of a firearm or firearms pursuant to section 400.00 of the penal law and ineligibility for such a license; order to surrender firearms; order to seize firearms.

  1. Suspension of firearms license and ineligibility for such a license upon issuance of temporary order of protection. Whenever a temporary order of protection is issued pursuant to subdivision one of section 530.12 or subdivision one of section 530.13 of this article:
    1. the court shall suspend any such existing license possessed by the defendant, order the defendant ineligible for such a license and order the immediate surrender of any or all firearms, rifles and shotguns owned or possessed where the court receives information that gives the court good cause to believe that
      1. the defendant has a prior conviction of any violent felony offense as defined in section 70.02 of the penal law;
      2. the defendant has previously been found to have willfully failed to obey a prior order of protection and such willful failure involved
        1. the infliction of physical injury, as defined in subdivision nine of section 10.00 of the penal law,
        2. the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument as those terms are defined in subdivisions twelve and thirteen of section 10.00 of the penal law, or
        3. behavior constituting any violent felony offense as defined in section 70.02 of the penal law; or
      3. the defendant has a prior conviction for stalking in the first degree as defined in section 120.60 of the penal law, stalking in the second degree as defined in section 120.55 of the penal law, stalking in the third degree as defined in section 120.50 of the penal law or stalking in the fourth degree as defined in section 120.45 of such law; and
    2. the court shall where the court finds a substantial risk that the defendant may use or threaten to use a firearm, rifle or shotgun unlawfully against the person or persons for whose protection the temporary order of protection is issued, suspend any such existing license possessed by the defendant, order the defendant ineligible for such a license and order the immediate surrender pursuant to subparagraph (f) of paragraph one of subdivision a of section 265.20 and subdivision six of section 400.05 of the penal law, of any or all firearms, rifles and shotguns owned or possessed.
    3. the court may where the defendant willfully refuses to surrender such firearm, rifle or shotgun pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subdivision, or for other good cause shown, order the immediate seizure of such firearm, rifle or shotgun, and search therefor, consistent with such rights as the defendant may derive from this article or the constitution of this state or the United States.
  2. Revocation or suspension of firearms license and ineligibility for such a license upon issuance of an order of protection. Whenever an order of protection is issued pursuant to subdivision five of section 530.12 or subdivision four of section 530.13 of this article:
    1. the court shall revoke any such existing license possessed by the defendant, order the defendant ineligible for such a license and order the immediate surrender of any or all firearms, rifles and shotguns owned or possessed where such action is required by section 400.00 of the penal law; and
    2. The court shall where the court finds a substantial risk that the defendant may use or threaten to use a firearm unlawfully against the person or persons for whose protection the order of protection is issued,
      1. revoke any such existing license possessed by the defendant, order the defendant ineligible for such a license and order the immediate surrender of any or all firearms, rifles and shotguns owned or possessed or
      2. suspend or continue to suspend any such existing license possessed by the defendant, order the defendant ineligible for such a license and order the immediate surrender pursuant to subparagraph (f) of paragraph one of subdivision a of section 265.20 and subdivision six of section 400.05 of the penal law, of any or all firearms, rifles and shotguns owned or possessed.
  3. Revocation or suspension of firearms license and ineligibility for such a license upon a finding of a willful failure to obey an order of protection. Whenever a defendant has been found pursuant to subdivision eleven of section 530.12 or subdivision eight of section 530.13 of this article to have willfully failed to obey an order of protection issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in this state or another state, territorial or tribal jurisdiction, in addition to any other remedies available pursuant to subdivision eleven of section 530.12 or subdivision eight of section 530.13 of this article:
    1. the court shall revoke any such existing license possessed by the defendant, order the defendant ineligible for such a license and order the immediate surrender of any or all firearms, rifles and shotguns owned or possessed where the willful failure to obey such order involved
      1. the infliction of physical injury, as defined in subdivision nine of section 10.00 of the penal law,
      2. the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument as those terms are defined in subdivisions twelve and thirteen of section 10.00 of the penal law,
      3. behavior constituting any violent felony offense as defined in section 70.02 of the penal law; or
      4. behavior constituting stalking in the first degree as defined in section 120.60 of the penal law, stalking in the second degree as defined in section 120.55 of the penal law, stalking in the third degree as defined in section 120.50 of the penal law or stalking in the fourth degree as defined in section 120.45 of such law; and
    2. the court shall where the court finds a substantial risk that the defendant may use or threaten to use a firearm, rifle and shotguns unlawfully against the person or persons for whose protection the order of protection was issued,
      1. revoke any such existing license possessed by the defendant, order the defendant ineligible for such a license and order the immediate surrender pursuant to subparagraph (f) of paragraph one of subdivision a of section 265.20 and subdivision six of section 400.05 of the penal law, of any or all firearms, rifles and shotguns owned or possessed or
      2. suspend any such existing license possessed by the defendant, order the defendant ineligible for such a license and order the immediate surrender pursuant to subparagraph (f) of paragraph one of subdivision a of section 265.20 and subdivision six of section 400.05 of the penal law, of any or all firearms, rifles and shotguns owned or possessed.
  4. Suspension. Any suspension order issued pursuant to this section shall remain in effect for the duration of the temporary order of protection or order of protection, unless modified or vacated by the court.
  5. Surrender.
    1. Where an order to surrender one or more firearms, rifles and shotguns has been issued, the temporary order of protection or order of protection shall specify the place where such weapons shall be surrendered, shall specify a date and time by which the surrender shall be completed and, to the extent possible, shall describe such weapons to be surrendered, and shall direct the authority receiving such surrendered weapons to immediately notify the court of such surrender.
    2. The prompt surrender of one or more firearms, rifles and shotguns pursuant to a court order issued pursuant to this section shall be considered a voluntary surrender for purposes of subparagraph (f) of paragraph one of subdivision a of section 265.20 of the penal law. The disposition of any such weapons shall be in accordance with the provisions of subdivision six of section 400.05 of the penal law; provided, however, that upon termination of any suspension order issued pursuant to this section or section eight hundred forty-two-a of the family court act, upon written application of the subject of the order, with notice and opportunity to be heard to the district attorney, the county attorney, the protected party, and every licensing officer responsible for issuance of a firearms license to the subject of the order pursuant to article four hundred of the penal law, and upon a written finding that there is no legal impediment to the subject's possession of a surrendered firearm, rifle or shotgun, any court of record exercising criminal jurisdiction may order the return of a firearm, rifle or shotgun not otherwise disposed of in accordance with subdivision six of section 400.05 of the penal law. When issuing such order in connection with any firearm subject to a license requirement under article four hundred of the penal law, if the licensing officer informs the court that he or she will seek to revoke the license, the order shall be stayed by the court until the conclusion of any license revocation proceeding.
    3. The provisions of this section shall not be deemed to limit, restrict or otherwise impair the authority of the court to order and direct the surrender of any or all pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns or other firearms owned or possessed by a defendant pursuant to sections 530.12 or 530.13 of this article.
  6. Notice.
    1. Where an order requiring surrender, revocation, suspension or ineligibility has been issued pursuant to this section, any temporary order of protection or order of protection issued shall state that such firearm license has been suspended or revoked or that the defendant is ineligible for such license, as the case may be, and that the defendant is prohibited from possessing any firearm, rifle or shotgun.
    2. The court revoking or suspending the license, ordering the defendant ineligible for such a license, or ordering the surrender of any firearm, rifle or shotgun shall immediately notify the duly constituted police authorities of the locality concerning such action and, in the case of orders of protection and temporary orders of protection issued pursuant to section 530.12 of this article, shall immediately notify the statewide registry of orders of protection.
    3. The court revoking or suspending the license or ordering the defendant ineligible for such a license shall give written notice thereof without unnecessary delay to the division of state police at its office in the city of Albany.
    4. Where an order of revocation, suspension, ineligibility or surrender is modified or vacated, the court shall immediately notify the statewide registry of orders of protection and the duly constituted police authorities of the locality concerning such action and shall give written notice thereof without unnecessary delay to the division of state police at its office in the city of Albany.
  7. Hearing. The defendant shall have the right to a hearing before the court regarding any revocation, suspension, ineligibility or surrender order issued pursuant to this section, provided that nothing in this subdivision shall preclude the court from issuing any such order prior to a hearing. Where the court has issued such an order prior to a hearing, it shall commence such hearing within fourteen days of the date such order was issued.
  8. Nothing in this section shall delay or otherwise interfere with the issuance of a temporary order of protection or the timely arraignment of a defendant in custody.

Amended: 2013, C. 1, sec. 13 - sec. 15. Amended 2018 Chapter 60 sec. 4, Amended 2020 C. 55 § 4 & 5

NEW YORK DEFENSE EMERGENCY ACT 1951 784/51

Article 4 - Powers Of Agencies

§40 - Powers of certain state officers and agencies

Nothwithstanding the provisions of any law, for the purpose of providing during the defense emergency

  1. for unanticipated or emergency needs for the protection of the safety and health of the people of the state in the event of attack, or
  2. for the mobilization and efficient utilization of all of the resources and facilities in the state in aid of the defense effort, or
  3. for the orderly conduct of public or private affairs in a manner consistent with the requirements of the defense effort, the following officers or agencies of the state shall have power to take action or to adopt, promulgate and make effective plans, regulations or orders, consistent with the provisions of this act and with any actions taken or plans, regulations or orders adopted and promulgated by the council, with respect to the following matters:
  1. The civil service commission, upon a finding that because of the manpower requirements of the armed services and the defense effort vacancies exist which cannot otherwise be readily, equitably and satisfactorily filled, shall have such power with respect to
    1. extension of provisional appointments until lists are established and appointments are made therefrom;
    2. extension of eligible lists;
    3. waiver of residence or citizenship requirements relating to public offices or employments;
    4. restriction of leaves of absence except for illness, entrance into the armed forces of the United States, or for other reasons which are in the public interest;
    5. employment for temporary periods of officers or employees in agencies other than those in which they are regularly employed;
    6. authorization of the employment of public officers and employees in additional public offices or employment; and
    7. authorization of compensated employment as public officers or employees, of persons receiving pensions or retirement allowances where such compensated employment is not already authorized by law, provided that adequate provision is made whereby the value of the pension or retirement allowance is deducted from the compensation paid for such employment. The commission may determine that it will exercise any such power with respect to municipal civil service administration only upon the written request of the appropriate civil service commission.
  2. The comptroller
    1. upon a finding that because of shortage of supply or because of danger to health and safety immediate action is necessary, shall have such power with respect to suspension of provisions of law relating to public purchasing or letting of public contracts and regulation of the manner in which such purchasing or letting is to be accomplished during the period of such suspension; and
    2. in the event of attack, shall have power to issue notes for the purpose of paying expenses incurred by the state or, to the extent authorized by the legislature, by any political subdivision of the state, for the purpose of repelling invasion, suppressing insurrection or defending the state in war. Each such note shall mature within a period of not to exceed two years from the date of original issue thereof, but may contain provision for payment thereof within such two year period. Unless the legislature shall provide for the issuance of bonds to redeem such notes, such notes shall be paid not later than their respective maturity dates. The comptroller shall report to the legislature at the opening of its regular or extraordinary session all action taken by him pursuant to this subdivision.
  3. The industrial commissioner shall have such power with respect to safety and record of manufacture, sale, possession, use or ownership of fireworks or explosives and the manufacture and transportation of firearms, but such powers shall not apply to the personal possession, use or ownership of firearms and ammunition therefor.
  4. The public service commission, upon a finding that it is necessary for public health or safety, shall have such power with respect to
    1. maintenance, restriction, limitation, extension or interconnection of public utility services, whether privately or publicly owned; and
    2. means or devices of communication other than those exclusively regulated by federal authorities.
  5. The secretary of state shall have such power with respect to
    1. extension or restriction of the hours during which public business may be conducted, public offices kept open, and officers and employees required to perform their powers and duties therein; and
    2. designation of substitute places where public offices may be located or public business conducted.
  6. The commissioner of transportation, upon a finding that there is a shortage of equipment, gasoline, oil or other supplies necessary for the use of motor vehicles or upon the request of the president of the United States or of the head of a federal department or agency having responsibility relative to the defense effort, or upon a finding that it is necessary for public health or safety, shall have such power with respect to transportation or travel subject to his jurisdiction, including the speeds at which and the conditions under which such transportation or travel may be conducted.
  7. Heads of departments in charge of institutions shall have such power with respect to health or safety of inmates thereof, including transportation of inmates to, from and between such institutions.

NEW YORK CITY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (NEW)

TITLE 3 - ELECTED OFFICIALS

CHAPTER 1 - Mayor

Subchap. 1 - (Subchapter Designated Without Subchapter Headings)

§3-104 - Declaration of emergency

Whenever the mayor determines that there has been an act of violence or a flagrant and substantial defiance of or resistance to a lawful exercise of public authority, and that, partly on account thereof, there is reason to believe that there exists a clear and present danger of a riot or other general public disorder, widespread disobedience of the law, and substantial injury to persons or to property, all of which constitutes a threat to public peace or order and to the general welfare of the city or a part or parts thereof, the mayor may declare that a state of emergency exists within the city or any part of parts thereof.

§3-105 - Emergency measures
  1. Whenever the mayor, pursuant to section 3-104, declares that a state of emergency exists,
    1. the emergency measures provided in subdivision two of this section shall thereupon be in effect during the period of said emergency and throughout the city and
    2. the mayor may order and promulgate all or any of the emergency measures provided in subdivision three of this section, in whole or in part, and with such limitations and conditions as he or she may deem appropriate, and any such emergency measure so ordered and promulgated shall thereupon be in effect during the period of said emergency and in the area or areas for which the emergency has been declared.
    1. The sale or other transfer of possession, with or without consideration, offer to sell or so transfer, and the purchase of any ammunition, guns and other firearms of any size or description is prohibited.
    2. The displaying by or in any store or shop of any ammunition, guns and other firearms of any size or description is prohibited.
    3. The possession in a public place of a rifle or shotgun by any person, except a duly authorized law enforcement official or person in military service acting in the official performance of his or her duty, is prohibited.
    4. The possession of any rifle or shotgun in any place, public or private, by a nonresident who has not been issued a permit by the police commissioner, for the purchase and possession of rifles and shotguns, is prohibited.
    1. The establishment of curfews, including, but not limited to, the prohibition of or restrictions on pedestrian and vehicular movement, standing and parking, except for the provision of designated essential services such as fire, police and hospital services including the transportation of patients thereto, utility emergency repairs and emergency calls by physicians.
    2. The prohibition of the sale of any alcoholic beverage.
    3. The prohibition of the possession on the person in a public place of any portable container containing any alcoholic beverage.
    4. The closing of places of public assemblage with designated exceptions.
    5. The prohibition of the sale or other transfer of possession, with or without consideration, of gasoline or any other flammable or combustible liquid altogether or except by delivery into a tank properly affixed to an operable motor-driven vehicle, bike, scooter, boat or airplane and necessary for the propulsion thereof.
    6. The prohibition of the possession in a public place of any portable container containing gasoline or any other flammable or combustible liquid.

TITLE 10 - PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 3 - Firearms

§10-301 - Control and regulation of the disposition, purchase and possession of firearms, rifles, shotguns and assault weapons

Definitions. Whenever used in this chapter the following terms shall mean and include:

  1. "Firearm."
    1. Any pistol or revolver;
    2. a shotgun having one or more barrels less than eighteen inches in length; or
    3. a rifle having one or more barrels less than sixteen inches in length; or
    4. any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise if such weapon as altered, modified, or otherwise has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches. For the purpose of this subdivision the length of the barrel on a shotgun or rifle shall be determined by measuring the distance between the muzzle and the face of the bolt, breech, or breechlock when closed and when the shotgun or rifle is cocked; the overall length of a weapon made from a shotgun or rifle is the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore. Firearm does not include an antique firearm. The provisions of this chapter relating to firearms shall not apply to assault weapons except as specifically provided.
  2. "Rifle." A weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder, and, even if not designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder, is not a firearm as defined in subdivision one of this section, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each pull of the trigger. The provisions of this chapter relating to rifles shall not apply to assault weapons except as specifically provided.
  3. "Shotgun." A weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder, and, even if not designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder, is not a firearm as defined in subdivision one of this section, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell, to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger. The provisions of this chapter relating to shotguns shall not apply to assault weapons except as specifically provided.
  4. "Gunsmith." Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or company who engages in the business of repairing, altering, assembling, manufacturing, cleaning, polishing, engraving, or trueing, or who in the course of such business performs any mechanical operation on any rifle, shotgun, firearm, assault weapon or machine gun.
  5. "Dealer in firearms." Any person, firm, partnership, corporation or company who engages in the business of purchasing, selling, keeping for sale, loaning, leasing, or in any manner disposing of any pistol or revolver or other firearms which may be concealed upon the person. Dealer in firearms shall not include a wholesale dealer.
  6. "Dealer in rifles and shotguns." Any person, firm, partnership, corporation or company who engages in the business of purchasing, selling, keeping for sale, loaning, leasing, or in any manner disposing of any rifle, or shotgun. Dealer in rifles and shotguns shall not include a wholesale dealer.
  7. "Ammunition." Explosives suitable to be fired from a firearm, machine gun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, assault weapon or other dangerous weapon.
  8. "Dispose of." To dispose of, give away, give, lease, loan, keep for sale, offer, offer for sale, sell, transfer and otherwise dispose of.
  9. "Deface." To remove, deface, cover, alter, or destroy the manufacturer's serial number or any other distinguishing number or identification mark.
  10. "Commissioner." The police commissioner of the city of New York or the commissioner's designee.
  11. "Permit." The permit for purchase and possession of rifles and shotguns issued by the commissioner.
  12. "Certificate." The certificate of registration for possession of rifles and shotguns.
  13. "Serious offense." A serious offense as defined in subdivision seventeen of section 265.00 of the penal law.
  14. "Business enterprise." Any proprietorship, company, partnership, corporation, association, cooperative, nonprofit organization or other entity engaged or seeking to engage in the activities regulated pursuant to section 10-302 of this chapter.
  15. "Semiautomatic." Any firearm, rifle or shotgun that uses part of the energy of a fired cartridge to expel the case of the fired cartridge and load another cartridge into the firing chamber, and which requires a separate pull of the trigger to fire each cartridge. 16. "Assault weapon."
    1. Any semiautomatic centerfire or rimfire rifle or semiautomatic shotgun which has one or more of the following features:
      1. folding or telescoping stock or no stock;
      2. pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
      3. bayonet mount;
      4. flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor;
      5. barrel shroud;
      6. grenade launcher; or
      7. modifications of such features, or other features, determined by rule of the commissioner to be particularly suitable for military and not sporting purposes. In addition, the commissioner shall, by rule, designate specific semiautomatic centerfire or rimfire rifles or semiautomatic shotguns, identified by make, model and/or manufacturer's name, as within the definition of assault weapon, if the commissioner determines that such weapons are particularly suitable for military and not sporting purposes. The commissioner shall inspect such specific designated semiautomatic centerfire or rimfire rifles or semiautomatic shotguns at least three times per year, and shall revise or update such designations as he or she deems appropriate.
    2. Any shotgun with a revolving-cylinder magazine.
    3. Any part, or combination of parts, designed or redesigned or intended to readily convert a rifle or shotgun into an assault weapon.
    4. "Assault weapon" shall not include any rifle or shotgun modified to render it permanently inoperative.
  16. "Ammunition feeding device." Magazines, belts, feedstrips, drums or clips capable of being attached to or utilized with firearms, rifles, shotguns or assault weapons.
  17. "Antique firearm." Any unloaded muzzle loading pistol or revolver with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system, or a pistol or revolver which uses fixed cartridges which are no longer available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
  18. "Special theatrical dealer." Any person, firm, partnership, corporation or company who possesses assault weapons exclusively for the purpose of leasing such assault weapons to special theatrical permittees within the city and for theatrical purposes outside the city.
  19. "Acquire." To gain possession of or title to a weapon through purchase, gift, lease, loan, or otherwise.
§10-302 - Licensing of gunsmiths, of wholesale manufacturers of firearms, of assemblers of firearms, dealers in firearms, dealers in rifles and shotguns, and special theatrical dealers
  1. It shall be unlawful for any person or business enterprise to engage in the business of gunsmith, wholesale manufacturer of firearms, assembler of firearms, dealer in firearms, dealer in rifles and shotguns, or special theatrical dealer, unless such person, or business enterprise, has obtained a license to engage in such business in the manner prescribed in this section. No person shall engage in the business of dealer in rifles and shotguns or special theatrical dealer unless he or she has been issued a permit for the possession of shotguns and rifles pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. No person or business enterprise shall be eligible to apply for or to hold a license as a special theatrical dealer unless such person or business enterprise
    1. possesses both a license as a dealer in firearms and a license as a dealer in rifles and shotguns and
    2. has possessed such licenses and engaged in such businesses for at least one year.
  2. No license shall be issued or renewed pursuant to this section except by the police commissioner, and then only after investigation and finding that all statements in a proper application for a license or renewal are true. No license shall be issued or renewed except for any applicant:
    1. of good moral character;
    2. who has not been convicted anywhere of a felony or of any serious offense;
    3. who has stated whether he or she has ever suffered any mental illness or been confined to any hospital or institution, public or private, for mental illness and who is free from any mental disorder, defects or diseases that would impair the ability safely to possess or use a firearm, rifle or shotgun;
    4. who has not been convicted of violating section 10-303.1 of this chapter; and
    5. concerning whom no good cause exists for the denial of a license.
    1. An applicant to engage in such business shall also be a citizen of the United States, more than twenty-one years of age and maintain a place of business in the city.
    2. Each applicant to engage in such business shall comply with all the requirements set forth in this section. If the applicant is a partnership, each partner thereof shall comply with all the requirements set forth in this section and if the applicant is a corporation, each officer thereof shall so comply.
    3. No applicant for a special theatrical dealer's license or renewal thereof shall be issued such license or renewal unless the applicant submits proof, in such form as the commissioner may require, that at least ten percent of the gross income earned by the applicant as a dealer in firearms, dealer in rifles and shotguns and, in the case of an application for renewal, special theatrical dealer, in the year preceding the application for such license or renewal, was earned from the lease for theatrical purposes of such ammunition feeding devices, firearms, rifles, shotguns or assault weapons as the applicant was authorized to lease. No applicant for a special theatrical dealer's license or renewal thereof shall be issued such license or renewal unless the gross income earned by the applicant as a dealer in firearms, dealer in rifles and shotguns and, in the case of an application for renewal, special theatrical dealer, in the year preceding the application for such license or renewal, exceeded fifty thousand dollars.
  3. An application for a license or renewal thereof shall be made to the police commissioner. An application shall include the full name, date of birth, residence, present occupation of each person or individual signing the same, whether he or she is a citizen of the United States, whether he or she complies with each requirement for eligibility specified in subdivision b of this section and such other facts as may be required to show the good character, competency and integrity of each person or individual signing the application. An application shall be signed and affirmed by the applicant. Each individual signing an application shall submit one photograph of himself or herself and a duplicate for each required copy of the application.

    Such photographs shall have been taken within thirty days prior to filing the application. The photographs submitted shall be two inches square, and the application shall also state the previous occupation of each individual signing the same and the location of the place of such business, or of the bureau, agency, subagency, office or branch office for which the license is sought, indicating the street and number and otherwise giving such apt description as to point out reasonably the location thereof. In such case, if the applicant is a business enterprise, its name, date and place of formation, and principal place of business shall be stated. For a partnership, the application shall be signed and affirmed by each partner, and for a corporation, by each officer thereof.

    With respect to an application for a license as a dealer in rifles and shotguns or as a special theatrical dealer, a written statement shall be submitted by the individual applicant, or in the case of a business enterprise a responsible officer or agent thereof, stating

    1. the identification number of the shotgun and rifle permit issued to the individual applicant or the responsible officer or agent in the case of a business enterprise,
    2. the address of a regular place of business maintained by the applicant,
    3. that since the issuance of the rifle and shotgun permit the individual applicant or responsible officer or agent has not become disqualified for issuance of such a permit,
    4. that he or she undertakes to supervise the acts of his or her, or in the case of a business enterprise, its employees,
    5. that the applicant has not previously been refused a license as a dealer in shotguns and rifles or as a special theatrical dealer and that no such license issued to the applicant has ever been revoked.
  4. Before a license is issued or renewed, there shall be an investigation of all statements required in the application by the police department. For that purpose, the records of the department of mental hygiene concerning previous or present mental illness of the applicant shall be available for inspection by the investigating officer of the police department. In order to ascertain any previous criminal record, the investigating officer shall take the fingerprints and physical descriptive data in quadruplicate of each individual by whom the application is signed. Two copies of such fingerprints shall be taken on standard fingerprint cards eight inches square, and one copy may be taken on a card supplied for that purpose by the federal bureau of investigation. When completed, one standard card shall be promptly submitted to the division of criminal justice services where it shall be appropriately processed. A second standard card, or the one supplied by the federal bureau of investigation, as the case may be, shall be forwarded to that bureau at Washington with a request that the files of the bureau be searched and notification of the results of the search be made to the police department. The failure or refusal of the federal bureau of investigation to make the fingerprint check provided for in this section shall not constitute the sole basis for refusal to issue a license pursuant to the provisions of this section. Of the remaining two fingerprint cards, one shall be filed with the executive department, division of state police, Albany, within ten days after issuance of the license, and the other remain on file with the police department. No such fingerprints may be inspected by any person other than a peace officer, when acting pursuant to his or her special duties, or a police officer except on order of a judge or justice of a court of record either upon notice to the licensee or without notice, as the judge or justice may deem appropriate. Upon completion of the investigation, the police department shall report the results to the commissioner without unnecessary delay.
  5. Applications shall indicate and licenses shall be issued for a gunsmith, a wholesale manufacturer of firearms, an assembler of firearms, a dealer in firearms, a dealer in rifles and shotguns or a special theatrical dealer.
  6. The application for any license, if granted, shall be a public record. Such application shall be kept on file in the office of the police commissioner and, within ten days after the issuance of a license, a duplicate copy shall be filed in the executive department, division of state police, Albany.
  7. No license shall be transferable to any other person or premises. The license shall mention and describe the premises for which it is issued and shall be valid only for such premises.
  8. A license issued pursuant to this section shall be prominently displayed on the licensed premises. Failure of any person or business enterprise to so exhibit or display such license shall be presumptive evidence that the person or business enterprise is not duly licensed.
  9. Any license or renewal issued pursuant to this section shall expire on the first day of the second January following the date of issuance. Any application to renew a license that has not previously expired, been revoked or cancelled shall thereby extend the term of the license until disposition is made of the application by the police commissioner.
  10. The conviction of a licensee anywhere of a felony or a serious offense shall operate as a revocation of the license. Written notice of such revocation shall be forwarded to the executive division of state police in Albany.
  11. The police commissioner, upon evidence of any disqualification set forth in subdivision b of this section, may at any time suspend or revoke and cancel a license issued pursuant to this section. Written notice of such suspension or revocation shall be forwarded to the executive department, division of state police, Albany.
  12. No license shall be issued pursuant to this section unless the applicant therefor possesses and exhibits all licenses required under any federal or state law.
  13. Records.
    1. Any person licensed under this section shall keep an accurate book record of every transaction involving a firearm, machine gun, rifle, shotgun or assault weapon. Such record shall be kept in the manner prescribed and contain the information required by the police commissioner.
    2. The records required by this section shall be subject to inspection at all times by members of the police department. Such records shall be maintained on the premises mentioned and described in the license, and preserved for record. In the event of suspension, cancellation or revocation of a license, or discontinuance of business by a licensee, such record shall be immediately surrendered to the police commissioner.
    3. Any person licensed under this section as a dealer in firearms or special theatrical dealer shall cause a physical inventory to be taken within the first five business days of April and October of each year, which shall include a listing of each firearm by make, caliber and serial number. The original copy of such inventory shall be securely maintained on the premises for which the license was issued. One or more additional copies shall be forwarded to such addresses as the commissioner may direct, by such means as the commissioner may direct.
    4. With each copy of the inventory required under paragraph three of this subdivision shall be included an affidavit signed by the licensee (or, if the licensee is not a natural person, by an officer, general manager, or other principal of the licensee) stating under penalties of perjury that within the first five business days of that April or October, as the case may be, the signer has personally observed the firearms reported. The affidavit shall also describe the date and contents of any report required to be made pursuant to section 400.10 of the penal law.
    5. In addition to the penalties specified in section 10-310, any act or omission that constitutes a violation of this subdivision or of rules and regulations issued by the commissioner pursuant thereto shall be grounds for the revocation of a license issued by the commissioner pursuant to this section.
  14. Rules and regulations.
    1. The police commissioner may make and promulgate such rules and regulations regarding the issuance and renewal of such licenses and the reporting of inventory of firearms, loss of firearms, and theft of firearms and may prescribe such forms as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
    2. Such rules and regulations shall prescribe reasonable standards and conditions under which firearms, component parts of firearms, rifles, shotguns, assault weapons and ammunition shall be kept at the store or premises of gunsmiths, including store and plant security, employment, record keeping and product quality control for the protection of the public safety, health and welfare. The foregoing enumeration shall not be construed as a limitation of the police commissioner's authority to promulgate rules and regulations hereunder.
    3. The violation of such rules and regulations shall be triable by a judge of the criminal court of the city of New York and punishable by not more than thirty days imprisonment or by a fine of not more than fifty dollars, or both.
  15. The annual license fee for a license issued pursuant to this section shall be twenty-five dollars for gunsmiths, wholesale manufacturers and assemblers of firearms, fifty dollars for dealers in firearms, and one hundred fifty dollars for dealers in rifles and shotguns and special theatrical dealers.
  16. Failure to obtain a license, by any person, firm, partnership, corporation or company, as required by the provisions of this section shall be punishable as a class A misdemeanor.
  17. No dealer in rifles and shotguns may dispose of a rifle or shotgun to any person unless such person produces a valid rifle and shotgun permit, or proof of lawful authority as a police or peace officer, or is an exempt person as provided in this chapter.
  18. Any suspension, denial or revocation of a license may be appealed by the applicant or licensee pursuant to procedures established by the police commissioner for administrative review.
§10-302.1 - Preventing the diversion of firearms, rifles and shotguns to criminals
  1. No dealer in firearms and no dealer in rifles and shotguns shall:
    1. sell or otherwise dispose of more than one firearm or more than one rifle or shotgun to any individual as part of the same sales transaction; or
    2. sell or otherwise dispose of a rifle or shotgun to any individual if the dealer knows or should know that such individual has purchased a rifle or shotgun within the prior ninety days, or
    3. sell or otherwise dispose of a firearm to any individual if the dealer knows or should know that such individual has purchased a firearm within the prior ninety days.
  2. No person shall acquire a firearm if such person has acquired a firearm within the previous ninety days. No person shall acquire a rifle or shotgun if such person has acquired a rifle or shotgun within the previous ninety days. For purposes of this subdivision when a firearm, rifle or shotgun is acquired by a corporation, partnership, or other entity, it shall be considered to have been acquired by each natural person who is an officer, director or other principal of such entity, unless the firearm, rifle or shotgun is acquired on behalf of such entity by a person who is licensed by the commissioner as gun custodian or special gun custodian, or acquired on behalf of an organization possessing an organization registration certificate, as those terms are used in title thirty-eight of the rules of the city of New York.
  3. Before disposing of any firearm, rifle or shotgun to a person licensed by the commissioner to possess firearms, rifles or shotguns, any dealer in firearms, dealer in rifles and shotguns or other person shall contact the police department to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section.
  4. Any dealer in firearms, dealer in rifles and shotguns or other person who disposes of any firearm, rifle or shotgun to a person licensed by an authority other than the commissioner to possess firearms, rifles or shotguns shall make reasonable efforts to contact such licensing authority and to ascertain the most recent date of acquisition by such licensee of a firearm, in the case of disposition of a firearm, or of a rifle or shotgun, in the case of disposition of a rifle or shotgun.
  5. Any dealer in firearms or dealer in rifles or shotguns who disposes of any firearm, rifle or shotgun shall, before or at the time of disposing of such firearm, rifle or shotgun, record, in the record book required to be kept by subdivision n of section 10-302, the efforts made by such dealer to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section, any exception or exemption set forth in this section that such dealer reasonably believes would authorize the disposal of such firearm, rifle or shotgun, and the grounds for such dealer's belief that such exception or exemption applies.
  6. Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the sale of firearms, rifles or shotguns to
    1. a police officer, as such term is defined in section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law,
    2. a federal law enforcement officer, as such term is defined in section 2.15 of the criminal procedure law,
    3. a public agency in furtherance of official business,
    4. persons in the military service of the state of New York, when duly authorized by regulations issued by the adjutant general to possess such weapons,
    5. persons in the military or other service of the United States, in pursuit of official duty or when duly authorized by federal law, regulation or order to possess such weapons,
    6. persons employed in fulfilling defense contracts with the government of the United States or agencies thereof when possession of such weapons is necessary for manufacture, transport, installation and testing under the requirements of such contract,
    7. peace officers as defined in section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law, provided that such peace officers are authorized pursuant to law or regulation of the state or city of New York to possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun within the city of New York without a license or permit therefor, and are authorized by their employer to possess such firearm, rifle or shotgun,
    8. persons licensed as dealers, manufacturers or importers of firearms pursuant to chapter 44 of title 18 of the United States Code,
    9. any motion picture, television or video production company or entertainment or theatrical company whose production involves the use of firearms, rifles or shotguns, provided that such weapons shall be properly registered and a special theatrical permit shall have been issued for such weapons pursuant to rules established by the commissioner,
    10. with respect to the sale of firearms only, persons licensed by the commissioner as gun custodians or special gun custodians, as those terms are used in title thirty-eight of the rules of the city of New York, and
    11. with respect to the sale of rifles and shotguns only, organizations possessing an organization registration certificate, as that term is used in title thirty-eight of the rules of the city of New York.
  7. Exempt transactions. The requirements of this section shall not apply to:
    1. any transaction in which a person acquires a firearm, rifle or shotgun by operation of law, or because of the death of another person for whom such person is an executor or administrator of an estate or a trustee of a trust created in a will, provided that within fifteen days such person surrenders such firearm, rifle or shotgun to the commissioner until it can be reacquired without violation of this section or other applicable law. If a firearm, rifle or shotgun is surrendered pursuant to this subdivision but no written request to reacquire it is received by the commissioner within two years of such surrender, the commissioner shall dispose of such firearm in accordance with the provisions of section 400.05 of the penal law;
    2. the exchange of a firearm, rifle or shotgun by a dealer in firearms or a dealer in rifles and shotguns for another firearm, rifle or shotgun previously purchased from such dealer by the person requesting such exchange, provided that such exchange takes place within thirty days of such request;
    3. the acquisition or disposal of an antique firearm, rifle or shotgun which is incapable of being fired or discharged or which does not fire fixed ammunition, or a firearm, rifle or shotgun manufactured prior to eighteen hundred ninety-four or whose design was patented and whose commercial manufacture commenced prior to eighteen hundred ninety-four and whose manufacture continued after such year without any substantial alteration in design or function, and for which cartridge ammunition is not commercially available and is possessed as a curiosity or ornament or for its historical significance and value;
    4. the acquisition or disposal of a firearm at an indoor or outdoor pistol range when such acquisition or disposal begins a period of possession or use of the firearm that is authorized by paragraphs 7-a, 7-b, or 7-e of subdivision a of section 265.20 of the penal law;
    5. the sale of a firearm by a dealer in firearms to a person whose firearm is stolen or irretrievably lost, provided that:
      1. such person has complied with any legal requirement to report the loss or theft, including but not limited to the applicable provisions of title thirty-eight of the rules of the city of New York and section 400.10 of the penal law;
      2. such person provides to such dealer a copy of a police report of the loss or theft or of any report made pursuant to the applicable provisions of title thirty-eight of the rules of the city of New York and section 400.10 of the penal law, which copy the dealer shall attach to the record book required to be kept by subdivision n of section 10-302;
      3. the copy provided pursuant to subparagraph two of this paragraph contains the name and address of the regulated firearm owner, a description of the regulated firearm, the location of the loss or theft, if known, the date of the loss or theft, if known, and the date when the loss or theft was reported to the law enforcement agency; and
      4. such person's attempt to replace the regulated firearm occurs within thirty days of the loss or theft of such firearm, if known, or, if such date is not known, within thirty days of the date when the loss or theft was reported to the law enforcement agency, as reflected by the information recorded on the police report; and
    6. any other transaction authorized in advance in writing by the commissioner.
  8. Penalties.
    1. In addition to the penalties specified in section 10-310, any act or omission that constitutes or would constitute a violation of this section or of rules and regulations issued by the commissioner pursuant thereto shall be grounds for the revocation of a license to deal in firearms, deal in rifles and shotguns, possess firearms, or possess a rifle or shotgun.
    2. Any firearm disposed of or acquired in violation of this section shall be a nuisance subject to surrender and forfeiture in accordance with the procedures specified in section 400.05 of the penal law.
  9. The commissioner may make and promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Such rules and regulations may address, but need not be limited to:
    1. procedures for implementation of this section by the commissioner;
    2. establishment of a database of firearm, rifle and shotgun purchases for the purpose of enforcing the requirements of this chapter; and
    3. the specification of reasonable efforts required to comply with subdivision d of this section.
§10-303 - Permits for possession and purchase of rifles and shotguns

It shall be unlawful to dispose of any rifle or shotgun to any person unless said person is the holder of a permit for possession and purchase of rifles and shotguns; it shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession any rifle or shotgun unless said person is the holder of a permit for the possession and purchase of rifles and shotguns.

The disposition of a rifle or shotgun, by any licensed dealer in rifles and shotguns, to any person presenting a valid rifle and shotgun permit issued to such person, shall be conclusive proof of the legality of such disposition by the dealer.

  1. Requirements. No person shall be denied a permit to purchase and possess a rifle or shotgun unless the applicant:
    1. is under the age of twenty-one; or
    2. is not of good moral character; or
    3. has been convicted anywhere of a felony; of a serious offense as defined in §265.00 (17) of the New York State Penal Law; of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in §921 (a) of title 18, United States Code; of a misdemeanor crime of assault as defined in the penal law where the applicant was convicted of such assault within the ten years preceding the submission of the application; or of any three misdemeanors as defined in local, state or federal law, however nothing in this paragraph shall preclude the denial of a permit to an applicant with fewer than three misdemeanor convictions; or
    4. has not stated whether he or she has ever suffered any mental illness or been confined to any hospital or institution, public or private, for mental illness; or
    5. is not now free from any mental disorders, defects or diseases that would impair the ability safely to possess or use a rifle or shotgun; or
    6. has been the subject of a suspension or ineligibility order issued pursuant to §530.14 of the New York State Criminal Procedure Law or §842-a of the New York State Family Court Act; or
    7. who is subject to a court order that
      1. was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and at which such person had the opportunity to participate;
      2. restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; and
        1. includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
        2. by its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury;
      3. For purposes of this section only, "intimate partner" means, with respect to a person, the spouse of the person, a former spouse of the person, an individual who is a parent of a child of the person, and an individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the person; or
    8. has been convicted of violating section 10-303.1 of this chapter; or
    9. unless good cause exists for the denial of the permit.
  2. Application. Application for a rifle and shotgun permit shall be made to the police commissioner, shall be signed and affirmed by the applicant and shall state his or her full name, date of birth, residence, physical condition, occupation and whether he or she complies with each requirement specified in subdivision a of this section, and any other information required by the police commissioner to process the application. Each applicant shall submit with his or her application a photograph of himself or herself in duplicate, which shall have been taken within thirty days prior to the filing of the application. Any willful or material omission or false statement shall be a violation of this section and grounds for denial of the application.
  3. Before a permit is issued or renewed, the police department shall investigate all statements required in the application. For that purpose, the records of the department of mental hygiene concerning previous or present mental illness of the applicant shall be available for inspection by the investigating officer of the police department. In order to ascertain any previous criminal record, the investigating officer shall take the fingerprints and physical descriptive data in quadruplicate of each individual by whom the application is signed. Two copies of such fingerprints shall be taken on standard fingerprint cards eight inches square, and one copy may be taken on a card supplied for that purpose by the federal bureau of investigation. When completed, one standard card shall be promptly submitted to the division of criminal justice services where it shall be appropriately processed. A second standard card, or the one supplied by the federal bureau of investigation, as the case may be, shall be forwarded to that bureau at Washington with a request that the files of the bureau be searched and notification of the results of the search be made to the police department. The failure or refusal of the federal bureau of investigation to make the fingerprint check provided for in this section shall not constitute the sole basis for refusal to issue a permit pursuant to the provisions of this section. Of the remaining two fingerprint cards, one shall be filed with the executive department, division of state police, Albany, within ten days after issuance of the permit, and the other remain on file with the police department. No such fingerprints may be inspected by any person other than a peace officer, when acting pursuant to his or her special duties, or a police officer, except on order of a justice of a court of record either upon notice to the permittee or without notice, as the judge or justice may deem appropriate. Upon completion of the investigation, the police department shall report the results to the police commissioner without unnecessary delay.
  4. Fees. The fee for an application for a rifle and shotgun permit or renewal thereof shall be one hundred forty dollars.
  5. Issuance.
    1. Upon completion of the investigation, and in no event later than thirty days from the submission of the application, unless the police commissioner determines more time is needed for an investigation and then it shall not exceed sixty days, the commissioner shall issue the permit or shall notify the applicant of the denial of the application and the reason or reasons therefor. The applicant shall have the right to appeal said denial pursuant to procedures established by the police commissioner for administrative review.
    2. Any person holding a valid license to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with the provisions of the penal law, shall be issued such permit upon filing an application and upon paying the established fee therefor, without the necessity of any further investigation, affidavits or fingerprinting, unless the police commissioner has reason to believe that the status of the applicant has changed since the issuance of the prior license.
  6. Validity. Any person to whom a rifle and shotgun permit has been validly issued pursuant to this chapter may possess a rifle or shotgun. No permit shall be transferred to any other person. Every person carrying a rifle or shotgun shall have on his or her person a permit which shall be exhibited for inspection to any peace officer or police officer upon demand. Failure of any such person to so exhibit his or her permit shall be presumptive evidence that he or she is not duly authorized to possess a rifle or shotgun and the same may be considered by the police commissioner as cause for revocation or suspension of such permit. A permit shall be valid for three (3) years and shall be subject to automatic renewal, upon sworn application, and without investigation, unless the police commissioner has reason to believe that the status of the applicant has changed since the previous application.
  7. Revocation or suspension. A permit shall be revoked upon the conviction in this state, or elsewhere, of a person holding a rifle or shotgun permit, of a felony or a serious offense. A permit may be revoked or suspended at any time upon evidence of any other disqualification set forth in subdivision a of this section. Upon revocation or suspension of a permit for any reason, the police commissioner shall immediately notify the New York state division of criminal justice services. The police commissioner shall from time to time send a notice and supplemental report hereof, containing the names, addresses and permit numbers of each person whose rifle and shotgun permit has been revoked or suspended to all licensed dealers in rifles and shotguns throughout the city for the purpose of notifying such dealers that no rifles or shotguns may be issued or sold or in any way disposed of to any such persons. The police commissioner or any police officer acting at the police commissioner's direction shall forthwith seize any rifle and shotgun permit which has been revoked or suspended hereunder and shall seize any rifle or shotgun possessed by such person, provided that the person whose rifle or shotgun permit has been revoked or suspended, or such person's appointee or legal representative, shall have the right at any time up to one year after such seizure to dispose of such rifle or shotgun to any licensed dealer or any other person legally permitted to purchase or take possession of such rifle or shotgun. The permittee shall have the right to appeal any suspension or revocation pursuant to procedures established by the commissioner for administrative review.
  8. Non-residents. Non-residents of the city of New York may apply for a rifle or shotgun permit subject to the same conditions, regulations and requirements as residents of the city of New York.
§10-303.1 - Prohibition of the possession or disposition of assault weapons
  1. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or dispose of any assault weapon within the city of New York, except as provided in subdivision d, e or f of this section or section 10-305. A person who peaceably surrenders an assault weapon to the commissioner pursuant to subdivision d, e or f of this section or subdivision f of section 10-305 shall not be subject to the criminal or civil penalties set forth in this section.
  2. Criminal penalty. Any person who shall violate subdivision a of this section shall be guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment of up to one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment, for each assault weapon disposed of or possessed, provided that the first violation of subdivision a of this section involving possession of an assault weapon as defined in paragraph c of subdivision 16 of section 10-301 shall be an offense punishable by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars or imprisonment of not more than fifteen days, or both, on condition that
    1. such first violation is not in conjunction with the commission of a crime and
    2. the possessor has not been previously convicted of a felony or a serious offense.
  3. Civil penalty. In addition to the penalties prescribed in subdivision b of this section, any person who shall violate subdivision a of this section shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars for each assault weapon disposed of or possessed, to be recovered in a civil action brought by the corporation counsel in the name of the city in any court of competent jurisdiction, provided that the first violation by any person of subdivision a of this section involving possession of an assault weapon as defined in paragraph c of subdivision sixteen of section 10-301 shall subject such person to a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars on condition that
    1. such first violation is not in conjunction with the commission of a crime and
    2. the possessor has not been previously convicted of a felony or a serious offense.
  4. Disposition of assault weapons by permittees, licensees and previously exempt persons. Any person who, on or after the effective date of this local law, shall possess an assault weapon and a valid permit for possession and purchase of rifles and shotguns and a certificate of registration for such assault weapon, and any licensed dealer in firearms or licensed dealer in rifles and shotguns who is not licensed as a special theatrical dealer and who, on or after the effective date of this local law, shall possess an assault weapon, and any police officer or peace officer who, before the effective date of this local law was exempt from the sections of the administrative code requiring rifle and shotgun permits and certificates, and who, upon the effective date of this local law, is not exempt from the sections of the administrative code prohibiting the possession or disposition of assault weapons, and who, on or after the effective date of this local law, shall possess an assault weapon, shall, within ninety days of the effective date of rules promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to subparagraph 7 of paragraph a of subdivision 16 of section 10-301, either:
    1. peaceably surrender his or her assault weapon pursuant to subdivision f of section 10-305 for the purpose of destruction of such weapon by the commissioner, provided that the commissioner may authorize the use of such weapon by the department; or
    2. lawfully remove such assault weapon from the city of New York. All assault weapons possessed by such permittees, licensees and previously exempt persons shall be subject to the provisions of this subdivision, whether defined as assault weapons in subdivision 16 of section 10-301 or in rules promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to subparagraph 7 of paragraph a of subdivision 16 of section 10-301.
  5. Disposition of assault weapons by non-permittees. Any person who, on or after the effective date of this local law, shall possess an assault weapon and who is not the holder of a valid permit for possession and purchase of rifles and shotguns and a certificate of registration for such assault weapon, shall peaceably surrender his or her assault weapon pursuant to subdivision f of section 10-305 for the purpose of destruction of such weapon by the commissioner, provided that the commissioner may authorize the use of such weapon by the department, and provided further that heirs and legatees may dispose of assault weapons pursuant to subdivision f of this section.
  6. Disposition of assault weapons by heirs and legatees. Any person who acquires an assault weapon on or after the effective date of this local law by the laws of intestacy or by testamentary bequest shall, within ninety days of such acquisition, either:
    1. peaceably surrender such assault weapon pursuant to subdivision f of section 10-305 for the purpose of destruction of such weapon by the commissioner, provided that the commissioner may authorize the use of such weapon by the department;or
    2. lawfully remove such assault weapon from the city of New York.
  7. Within thirty days of the effective date of rules promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to subparagraph 7 of paragraph a of subdivision 16 of section 10-301, the commissioner shall send by regular mail to every person who has been issued a permit to possess a rifle or shotgun and whose rifle or shotgun the commissioner reasonably believes to be an assault weapon as defined in subdivision 16 of section 10-301 or as defined in such rules, a written notice setting forth the requirements and procedures relating to the disposition of such weapons, and the criminal and civil penalties that may be imposed upon the permittee for unlawful possession or disposition of such weapons. Failure by the commissioner to send, or the permittee to receive, such notice, shall not excuse such permittee for unlawful possession or disposition of such weapons.
  8. Surrender of firearms. At the discretion of the police commissioner, any person convicted of violating this section may be subject to immediate surrender of all firearms in his or her possession.
§10-303.2 - Civil penalty; firearms dealers and manufacturers
  1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the terms "firearm," "handgun," "dealer," "collector," and "manufacturer" shall have the meanings set forth in 18 U.S.C. §921, as such section may be amended from time to time, or any successor provision thereto. The term "transfer" shall be deemed to include any sale, assignment, pledge, lease, loan, gift or other disposition. References to "statutes, laws or regulations" shall be deemed to include federal, state and local statutes, laws, local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
  2. Manufacturer and Dealer Liability. A manufacturer or dealer shall be liable for any injury or death caused by a firearm that it has transferred, if
    1. such injury or death results from the use of such firearm by an individual not authorized by law to possess such firearm in the city of New York, and
    2. such manufacturer or dealer, or any other individual or entity acting subsequent to such manufacturer or dealer, unlawfully transferred such firearm at any time prior to such injury or death. Such liability also includes the possible imposition of punitive damages. Liability under this section does not extend to any manufacturer or dealer that has complied with the following standards during a period of one year immediately preceding and including the transfer of such firearm:
      1. The manufacturer or dealer executes no transfers or agreements to transfer at gun shows except for gun shows that maintain a practice of performing instant criminal background checks consistent with 18 U.S.C. §922(t), as such subsection may be amended from time to time and any successor provision thereto, on all transfers, whether by licensed or unlicensed sellers.
      2. Any place of business operated by the manufacturer or dealer is located at a fixed address where:
        1. a record is maintained, as may be required by any statute, law or regulation, of the make, model, caliber or gauge, and serial number of all firearms held in inventory or offered for sale; and
        2. a record is maintained, as may be required by any statute, law or regulation, of the make, model, caliber or gauge, and serial number of all firearms sold, and of any identifying information required by any such statute, law or regulation to be obtained from purchasers;
      3. The manufacturer or dealer provides access to the aforementioned records to officers, employees and agents of public agencies conducting inspections, to the full extent required by applicable statutes, laws and regulations;
      4. The manufacturer or dealer limits transfers to any individual or entity to one handgun in any given thirty-day period, provided that this paragraph shall not apply to lawful transfers to
        1. public agencies in furtherance of official business;
        2. law enforcement officers employed by public agencies;
        3. private security firms, holding any permits or licenses required by applicable statutes, laws and regulations, for the use of their agents and employees;
        4. private operators of state and local correctional facilities, for the use of their agents and employees; or
        5. licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers or licensed collectors, as those terms are defined by 18 U.S.C. §921, as such section may be amended from time to time, or any successor provision thereto;
      5. The manufacturer or dealer has complied with all applicable statutes, laws and regulations governing the transfer of firearms; and
      6. The manufacturer or dealer has not transferred a firearm to any other manufacturer or dealer in circumstances in which the manufacturer or dealer transferring such firearm knew or should have known that such manufacturer or dealer had not complied with the standards set forth in this subdivision.
  3. Exceptions.
    1. No action may be commenced pursuant to this section by any person injured or killed by the discharge of a firearm that is lawfully possessed by a law enforcement official employed by a public agency.
    2. This section shall not limit in scope any cause of action, other than that provided by this section, available to a person injured by or killed by a firearm.
    3. Nothing in this section shall prevent a manufacturer or dealer from seeking whole or partial indemnity or contribution for any liability incurred under this section from any third party wholly or partially responsible for the injury or death.
    4. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision b, there shall be no basis for liability under this section if the manufacturer or dealer proves by a preponderance of the evidence that:
      1. the person injured or killed by the discharge of a firearm was committing or attempting to commit a crime (whether or not such crime is actually charged);
      2. the unlawful transfer or possession of the firearm is solely a result of the failure of the owner of the firearm to renew a license, permit or registration within six months of the date such renewal is required; or
      3. prior to the injury or death caused by the firearm, a lawful possessor of the firearm has reported its theft to a federal, state or local law enforcement agency, or reported its loss to an appropriate public agency.
    5. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision b, there shall be no basis for liability under this section if the manufacturer or dealer proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the manufacturer or dealer lawfully transferred the firearm to:
      1. a public agency in furtherance of official business;
      2. a law enforcement officer employed by a public agency;
      3. a private security firm, holding any permits or licenses required by applicable statutes, laws and regulations, for the use of its agents and employees; or
      4. a private operator of a state or local correctional facility for the use of its agents and employees.
    6. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision b, there shall be no basis for liability under this section if the manufacturer or dealer proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the injury or death is not directly or indirectly related to any act or omission by such manufacturer or dealer, including but not limited to any failure by the manufacturer or dealer to comply with the standards set forth in subdivision b of this section.
§10-304 - Certificates of registration
  1. It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession any rifle or shotgun unless said person is the holder of a certificate of registration for such rifle or shotgun.
  2. It shall be unlawful for any person who is not a licensed dealer to dispose of any rifle or shotgun for which such person does not have a certificate of registration unless such person files with the police commissioner a declaration in duplicate, signed and affirmed by the declarant which shall list by caliber, make, model, manufacturer's name and serial number, or if none, any other distinguishing number or identification mark, of each rifle and shotgun possessed by the declarant. Upon receipt of acknowledgement of said declaration by the police commissioner, the declarant may lawfully sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of such rifles or shotguns to a licensed dealer or any other person legally permitted to purchase or take possession of such rifles or shotguns.

    Any willful or material omission or false statement shall be a violation of this section.

  3. Exhibition of certificate. Every person carrying a rifle or shotgun shall have on his or her person a certificate of registration valid for such weapon. Upon demand, the appropriate certificate shall be exhibited for inspection to any peace officer or police officer. Failure of any person to so exhibit his or her certificate shall be presumptive evidence that he or she is not duly authorized to possess such rifle or shotgun and may be considered by the police commissioner as cause for revocation or suspension or such person's permit.
  4. Revocation. The revocation of a rifle or shotgun permit shall automatically be deemed to be a revocation of all certificates of registration for rifles and shotguns held by the person whose permit has been revoked.
  5. Disposition of rifles and shotguns. No person lawfully in possession of a rifle or shotgun shall dispose of same except to a licensed dealer in firearms, licensed dealer in rifles and shotguns, the holder of a valid rifle and shotgun permit, an exempt person as enumerated in this chapter, or a non-resident of the city of New York not subject to the permit requirements of this chapter. Any person so disposing of a rifle or shotgun shall report the disposition on forms provided by the commissioner setting forth the rifle and shotgun permit number of both seller and purchaser, the make, caliber, type, model and serial number, if any, and if the seller is a licensed dealer the certificate of registration number, of all such rifles and shotguns. Such form shall be signed by both seller and purchaser and the original shall be forwarded to the police commissioner within seventy-two hours of the disposition, one copy shall be retained by the seller, another by the purchaser.
    1. If the seller is a licensed dealer, he or she shall at the time of the sale issue a certificate of registration to the purchaser provided to the dealer for that purpose by the police commissioner and shall forward to the police commissioner the duplicate thereof, together with the report of disposition.
    2. If the seller is not a licensed dealer, the police commissioner shall, if the purchaser's rifle permit is valid, issue the certificate of registration within ten days of the receipt by the police commissioner of the report of disposition. Pending receipt of the certificate, but in no event for any longer than fourteen days from the date of purchase, the copy of the report of disposition shall serve in lieu of the purchaser's certificate of registration.
  6. No fee shall be charged for a certificate of registration.
  7. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section concerning the transfer, receipt, acquisition, or any other disposition of a rifle or shotgun, a rifle and shotgun permit shall not be required for the passing of a rifle or shotgun upon the death of an owner, to his or her heir or legatee, whether the same be by testamentary bequest or by the laws of intestacy, except that the person who shall so receive or acquire said rifle or shotgun shall be subject to all other provisions of this chapter, provided further that if the heir or legatee of the owner of such rifle or shotgun does not qualify to possess same under this chapter, the rifle or shotgun may be possessed by the heir or legatee for the purpose of sale as otherwise provided herein for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty days or for such further limited period beyond the one hundred eighty days as may be approved by the commissioner, said extensions in no event to exceed a total of ninety days.
§10-305 - Exemptions

The sections requiring rifle and shotgun permits and certificates and prohibiting the possession or disposition of assault weapons shall not apply as follows:

  1. Minors. Any person under the age of twenty-one years may carry, fire, or use any rifle or shotgun in the actual presence or under the direct supervision of any person who is a holder of a rifle or shotgun permit, or for the purpose of military drill under the auspices of a legally recognized organization and under competent supervision or for the purpose of competition or target practice in and upon a firing range approved by the police commissioner or any other governmental agency authorized to provide such approval, or the national rifle association, which is under competent supervision at the time of such competition or target practice, provided that the rifle or shotgun is otherwise properly registered or exempt from registration by virtue of some other provision of this chapter. This exemption shall not apply to assault weapons.
  2. Antiques and ornaments. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to antique rifles and shotguns which are incapable of being fired or discharged or which do not fire fixed ammunition, or those weapons manufactured prior to eighteen hundred ninety-four and those weapons whose design was patented and whose commercial manufacture commenced prior to eighteen hundred ninety-four and whose manufacture continued after eighteen hundred ninety-four without any substantial alteration in design or function, and for which cartridge ammunition is not commercially available and are possessed as curiosities or ornaments or for their historical significance and value. This exemption shall not apply to assault weapons.
  3. Persons in the military service in the state of New York, when duly authorized by regulations issued by the chief of staff to the governor to possess the same, and police officers, provided that such police officers shall not be exempt from the sections prohibiting the possession or disposition of assault weapons except during the performance of their duties as police officers, and other peace officers as defined in section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law, provided that such peace officers
    1. are authorized pursuant to law or regulation of the state or city of New York to possess either
      1. a firearm within the city of New York without a license or permit therefor, or
      2. a rifle, shotgun or assault weapon within the city of New York without a permit therefor; and
    2. are authorized by their employer to possess such rifle, shotgun or assault weapon; and
    3. shall not possess such rifle, shotgun or assault weapon except during the performance of their duties as peace officers.
  4. Persons in the military or other service of the United States, in pursuit of official duty or when duly authorized by federal law, regulation or order to possess the same.
  5. Persons employed in fulfilling defense contracts with the government of the United States or agencies thereof when possession of the same is necessary for manufacture, transport, installation and testing under the requirements of such contract. Any such person exempted by subdivisions c, d and e above, may purchase a rifle or shotgun only from a licensed dealer, and must submit to the dealer full and clear proof of identification, including shield number, serial number, military or governmental order or authorization, and military or other official identification. Any dealer who disposes of a rifle or shotgun to any exempt person without securing such identification shall be in violation of these sections.
  6. A person may voluntarily surrender a rifle, shotgun or assault weapon to the police commissioner, provided, that the same shall be surrendered by such person only after he or she gives notice in writing to the police commissioner, stating such person's name, address, the type of gun to be surrendered, and the approximate time of day and the place where such surrender shall take place and such time of day and place have been approved in writing by the police commissioner. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as granting immunity from prosecution for any crime or offense except that of unlawful possession of such rifle, shotgun or assault weapon.
  7. The regular and ordinary transport of rifles, shotguns or assault weapons as merchandise provided that the person transporting such rifles, shotguns or assault weapons where he or she knows or has reasonable means of ascertaining what such person is transporting, notifies, in writing, the police commissioner of the name and address of the consignee and the place of delivery, and withholds delivery to the consignee for such reasonable period of time designated in writing by the police commissioner as the police commissioner may deem necessary for investigation as to whether the consignee may lawfully receive and possess such rifles, shotguns or assault weapons.
  8. Possession by retail customers for the purpose of firing at duly licensed rifle target concessions at amusement parks, piers, and similar locations provided that the rifles to be so used be firmly chained or affixed to the counter and that the individual rifles are registered by the proprietor and that the proprietor is in possession of a rifle and shotgun permit. This exemption shall not apply to assault weapons.
  9. i.
    1. Non-residents in transit. Any other provision of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, a non-resident of the city of New York who, without a rifle and shotgun permit issued hereunder, enters the city of New York possessing a rifle or shotgun in the course of transit to a destination outside the city of New York, or a non-resident of the city of New York who enters the city of New York possessing an assault weapon in the course of transit to a destination outside the city of New York, shall have a period of twenty-four hours subsequent to such entering to be exempt from penalty under this chapter for the unlawful possession of a rifle, shotgun or assault weapon, provided that such rifle, shotgun or assault weapon shall at all times be unloaded and in a locked case, or locked automobile trunk, and that said non-resident is lawfully in possession of said rifle, shotgun or assault weapon according to the laws of his or her place of residence.
    2. Non-residents purchasing a rifle or shotgun from a licensed dealer. Any other provision of this chapter notwithstanding, a non-resident of the city of New York may purchase a rifle or shotgun from a licensed dealer provided that he or she presents the dealer with documentary evidence of his or her identity and place of residence, and the rifle or shotgun purchased is either personally delivered to the purchaser or transmitted by the dealer directly to the purchaser's residence. In the event the purchaser is traveling from the city by rail, ship or plane, the dealer is hereby authorized to deliver such rifle or shotgun at the appropriate terminal to a representative of the railroad, airline or shipping company, for placement aboard such train, plane or ship. If the rifle or shotgun is personally delivered to the non-resident purchaser within the city of New York, the purchaser shall have the rifle or shotgun removed from the city no later than twenty-four hours after the time of purchase. This exemption shall not apply to assault weapons.
  10. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to be a prohibition of the conduct of business by manufacturers, wholesale dealers, interstate shippers, or any other individuals or firms properly licensed by the federal government, where such prohibition would be preempted by federal law.
  11. Special theatrical permit. Nothing herein contained is intended to prevent the possession or utilization of any rifle, shotgun or assault weapon during the course of any television, movie, stage or other similar theatrical production, or by a professional photographer in the pursuance of his or her profession, provided however, that the rifle or shotgun so used shall be properly registered and a special theatrical permit shall have been issued for the rifle, shotgun or assault weapon pursuant to rules established by the commissioner.
  12. Persons in possession of, using or transporting rifles which have been issued by the director of civilian marksmanship of the department of the army, pursuant to the provisions of ten U.S.C.A., sections 4307-4309, unto a civilian rifle club, or unto a rifle team representing an educational institution, provided that such persons are members in good standing of an accredited civilian rifle club, or are connected as students or coaches with such educational institution, shall not be required to obtain a certificate of registration for such rifle. This exemption shall not apply to assault weapons.
  13. Any resident of the city of New York acquiring a rifle or shotgun outside the city of New York shall within seventy-two hours after bringing such weapon into the city make application for a rifle and shotgun permit, if such person does not already possess such permit, and for a certificate of registration.

    Pending the issuance of such permit and/or certificate of registration such resident shall deposit such weapon with a designated officer, at the police precinct in which such person resides, who shall issue a receipt therefor and said weapon shall be retained at the precinct until the resident shall produce the proper permit and registration certificate. This exemption shall not apply to assault weapons.

  14. The provisions of section 10-303 of this chapter shall not apply to persons who are members of units of war veterans organizations, which organizations are duly recognized by the veterans administration, pursuant to section three thousand four hundred two of title thirty-eight of the United States code, and who are specifically designated to carry rifles or shotguns by the commanders of said units, while actually participating in, going to or returning from, special events authorized by the commissioner. Said rifles or shotguns, to be carried, must be the property of the unit of the war veterans organization, must be registered with the police commissioner pursuant to section 10-304 of this chapter and must be kept at the unit's headquarters or some central place as registered.
  15. Nothing herein shall exempt a member of a unit of a war veterans organization from possessing a permit issued pursuant to section 10-303, to carry rifles or shotguns which are not the property of a war veterans organization; nor shall that member be exempt from registering such rifles or shotguns, pursuant to section 10-304, which said member may personally own, possess or purchase.
  16. Any gunsmith licensed pursuant to section 10-302 may engage in the business of gunsmith as authorized by such license.
  17. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter prohibiting the possession or disposition of assault weapons, a special theatrical dealer may possess such weapons exclusively for the purpose of leasing such weapons to special theatrical permittees within the city and for theatrical purposes outside the city and may, in addition, with the written approval of the commissioner, permanently remove one or more assault weapons from the city.
§10-306 - Disposition, purchase and possession of ammunition and ammunition feeding devices
  1. No person, except a dealer in rifles and shotguns, may dispose of to another person an ammunition feeding device which is designed for use in a rifle or shotgun and which is capable of holding more than five rounds of rifle or shotgun ammunition, except in the manner provided in this chapter for the disposition of assault weapons, provided that a person in lawful possession of such ammunition feeding devices may dispose of such ammunition feeding devices to a dealer in rifles and shotguns. No dealer in rifles and shotguns may dispose of such ammunition feeding devices except to a person who is exempt from subdivision a of section 10-303.1 pursuant to section 10-305.
  2. No person may possess an ammunition feeding device which is designed for use in a rifle or shotgun and which is capable of holding more than five rounds of rifle or shotgun ammunition, unless such person is exempt from subdivision a of section 10-303.1 pursuant to section 10-305, provided that a dealer in rifles and shotguns may possess such ammunition feeding devices for the purpose of disposition authorized pursuant to subdivision a of this section.
  3. No ammunition suitable for use in a rifle of any caliber or for any shotgun or ammunition feeding device which is designed for use in a rifle or shotgun and which is capable of holding no more than five rounds of rifle or shotgun ammunition shall be disposed of to any person who has not been issued a rifle and shotgun permit and a certificate of registration and who does not exhibit same to the dealer at the time of the purchase. In no event shall rifle or shotgun ammunition be disposed of to or possessed by any such person except for a shotgun, or for the specific caliber of rifle, for which the certificate of registration has been issued. No ammunition feeding device which is designed for use in a rifle or shotgun and which is capable of holding more than five rounds of rifle or shotgun ammunition shall be disposed of by a dealer in rifles and shotguns to any person who does not exhibit proof that he or she is exempt from subdivision a of section 10-303.1 pursuant to section 10-305.
  4. It shall be unlawful for any person who is required to have a permit in order to possess a rifle or shotgun and who has not been issued such permit to possess rifle or shotgun ammunition or an ammunition feeding device which is designed for use in a rifle or shotgun.
  5. A record shall be kept by the dealer of each disposition of ammunition or ammunition feeding devices under this section which shall show the type, caliber and quantity of ammunition or ammunition feeding devices disposed of, the name and address of the person receiving same, the caliber, make, model, manufacturer's name and serial number of the rifle or shotgun for which the purchaser is purchasing ammunition, the date and time of the transaction, and the number of the permit and certificate exhibited or description of the proof of exemption exhibited as required by this section. Such information shall be made available to all law enforcement agencies.
  6. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, ammunition and ammunition feeding devices which are designed for use in rifles or shotguns and which are capable of holding no more than five rounds of rifle or shotgun ammunition may be disposed of or possessed in the same manner and pursuant to the same requirements, rules and exemptions as apply to disposal or possession of rifles, shotguns or assault weapons under this chapter, provided that a special theatrical permittee may not possess live ammunition suitable for use in the rifle, shotgun or assault weapon such permittee is authorized to possess. Ammunition feeding devices which are designed for use in rifles or shotguns and which are capable of holding more than five rounds of rifle or shotgun ammunition may only be disposed of or possessed in the manner provided in this section.
  7. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any person authorized to possess a pistol or revolver within the city of New York may possess ammunition suitable for use in such pistol or revolver and a dealer in firearms or dealer in rifles and shotguns may dispose of such ammunition to such person pursuant to subdivision i of section 10-131.
  8. Dealers in rifles and shotguns and special theatrical dealers may lease ammunition feeding devices which are designed for use in rifles or shotguns to special theatrical permittees. Special theatrical permittees may possess such ammunition feeding devices subject to the same conditions as apply with respect to such permittee's possession of rifles, shotguns and assault weapons.
§10-307 - Supply of forms

The commissioner shall provide all dealers in rifles and shotguns with adequate supplies of all forms including applications for permits as required by this chapter, without charge.

§10-308 - Vehicles, rooms, dwellings or structures; possession therein

The presence of a rifle, or shotgun, or rifle or shotgun ammunition, in a vehicle, room, dwelling or structure, without a rifle and shotgun permit therefor and a certificate of registration therefor, or the presence of an assault weapon in a vehicle, room, dwelling or structure, shall be presumptive evidence of possession thereof by all persons occupying the vehicle, room, dwelling or structure at the time.

§10-309 - Identifying marks
  1. Defacing. Any person who alters, changes, removes, disfigures, obliterates or defaces the name of the maker, model, manufacturer's or serial number of a rifle, shotgun or assault weapon shall be in violation of this section.
  2. Any rifle or shotgun sold or otherwise disposed of by a licensed dealer, which does not contain a manufacturer's or serial number, must have imbedded into the metal portion of such rifle or shotgun a dealer's number. Failure to so mark and identify any rifle or shotgun shall be a violation of this section.
§10-310 - Violation

Except as is otherwise provided in sections 10-302 and 10-303.1, violation of sections 10-301 through 10-309 and of rules and regulations issued by the commissioner pursuant thereto shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or imprisonment of not more than one year or both, provided that the first violation of such sections involving possession of an unregistered rifle or shotgun or rifle or shotgun ammunition or an ammunition feeding device which is designed for use in a rifle or shotgun and which is capable of holding no more than five rounds of rifle or shotgun ammunition shall be an offense punishable by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars or imprisonment of not more than fifteen days, or both on condition that

  1. the first violation of possession of an unregistered rifle and shotgun or rifle or shotgun ammunition or an ammunition feeding device which is designed for use in a rifle or shotgun and which is capable of holding no more than five rounds of rifle or shotgun ammunition is not in conjunction with the commission of a crime and
  2. the possessor has not been previously convicted of a felony or a serious offense and
  3. the possessor has not previously applied for and been denied a permit for such possession.
§10-311 - Sale of weapons without safety locking device prohibited
  1. It shall be unlawful for any person or business enterprise to dispose of any weapon which does not contain a safety locking device. For the purposes of this section and section 10-312:
    1. weapon shall mean a firearm, rifle, shotgun, or assault weapon, as such terms are defined in section 10-301; or a machine gun, as defined in the penal law; and
    2. a safety locking device shall mean a design adaptation or attachable accessory that will prevent the use of the weapon by an unauthorized user, and includes, but is not limited to, a trigger lock, which prevents the pulling of the trigger without the use of a key, or a combination handle, which prevents the use of the weapon without the alignment of the combination tumblers.
  2. It shall be unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer to dispose of any weapon in the city of New York unless it is accompanied by the following warning, which shall appear in conspicuous and legible type in capital letters, and which shall be printed on a label affixed to the weapon and on a separate sheet of paper included within the packaging enclosing the weapon:

    "THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE WEAPON STORAGE. ALL WEAPONS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND ANY OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS. NEW YORK CITY LAW PROHIBITS, WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, ANY PERSON FROM ACQUIRING MORE THAN ONE FIREARM, OR MORE THAN ONE RIFLE OR SHOTGUN, WITHIN A 90-DAY PERIOD."

  3. Any person who applies for and obtains authorization to purchase a weapon or otherwise lawfully obtains a weapon pursuant to chapters one or three of title ten of this code shall be required to purchase or obtain a safety locking device at the time he or she purchases or obtains the weapon.
    1. The police commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules setting forth the types of safety locking devices which will comply with this section in accordance with subdivision a of this section. The city of New York and its agencies, officers or employees shall not be liable to any party by reason of any incident involving, or the use or misuse of, a safety locking device that may have been purchased in compliance with such rules promulgated by the commissioner.
    2. The police commissioner shall provide written notice of the requirements of this section and section 10-312 to all persons who receive an official authorization to purchase a weapon and all persons applying for renewal of a license or permit issued pursuant to chapters one or three of title ten, including any rules promulgated under this subdivision. All persons applying for a license or permit or applying for the renewal of a license or permit pursuant to chapters one or three of title ten of this code, shall receive from the commissioner information concerning the importance of using a safety locking device while a weapon is not in use, and a warning that weapons should be stored unloaded and locked in a location that is both separate from their ammunition and inaccessible to children and any other unauthorized persons.
  4. Any violation of subdivisions a or b of this section or any rule promulgated thereunder shall be a misdemeanor and triable by a judge of the criminal court of the city of New York and punishable by imprisonment of not more than thirty days or by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, or both.
§10-312 - Use of safety locking device required under certain circumstances
  1. It shall be unlawful for any person who is the lawful owner or lawful custodian of a weapon, as that term is defined in section 10-311, to store or otherwise place or leave such weapon in such a manner or under circumstances that it is out of his or her immediate possession or control, without having rendered such weapon inoperable by employing a safety locking device. Any person who violates this subdivision shall be guilty of a violation, punishable by imprisonment of not more than ten days or by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars, or both.
  2. Any person who violates subdivision a of this section having previously been found guilty of a violation of such subdivision, or under circumstances which create a substantial risk of physical injury to another person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than thirty days or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or both.
  3. The provisions of this section shall not apply to weapons owned or lawfully possessed by a police officer, as such term is defined in section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law, or a federal law enforcement officer, as such term is defined in section 2.15 of the criminal procedure law.

NEW YORK CITY CHARTER

Chapter 18-C - Public Safety

§459 - Definitions
  1. The term "school" means a public, private or parochial, day care center or nursery or pre-school, elementary, intermediate, junior high, vocational, or high school.
  2. The term "school zone" means in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground or land contained within the real property boundary line of a public, private or parochial day care center or nursery or pre-school, elementary, intermediate, junior high, vocational, or high school, or within one thousand feet of the real property boundary line comprising any such school.
  3. The term "firearm" means a firearm, rifle, shotgun, or assault weapon, as such terms are defined in section 10-301 of the administrative code, or a machine gun, as defined in penal law section 265.00.
§460 - Gun-free school safety zones
  1. It shall be a crime for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone.
  2. Subdivision a of this section shall not apply where the firearm is:
    1. possessed and kept in such individual's home in a school zone, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm; or
    2. possessed and kept at such individual's business in a school zone, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm.
  3. Affirmative defenses to the crime established in subdivision a shall include possession of a firearm:
    1. carried for personal safety between such individual's business, home, or bank in a school zone, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm for such purpose;
    2. just purchased or obtained by such individual and being transported that same day for the first time to such individual's home or business in a school zone where it will be stored, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm;
    3. carried between a police department facility for inspection and an individual's business, home, bank, or point of purchase in a school zone, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm;
    4. carried by licensed or permitted individuals and being transported to or from an authorized target practice facility;
    5. carried between a gunsmith for demonstrably needed repairs and an individual's business or home in a school zone, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm;
    6. used in an athletic or safety program approved by a school in a school zone, or by the police commissioner, or in accordance with a contract entered into between a school within the school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm for such purpose; or
    7. used in accordance with a contract entered into between a business within the school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm for such purpose.
  4. It shall be a crime for any person, knowingly or with reckless disregard for the safety of another, to discharge a firearm in a school zone.
  5. Affirmative defenses to the crime established in subdivision d shall include discharge of a firearm:
    1. by an individual for self-defense, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm for such purpose;
    2. for use in a special event or safety program authorized by a school in a school zone or by the police commissioner;
    3. by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in the school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm for such purpose; or
    4. by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a business and the individual or an employer of the individual, provided that such individual is licensed or permitted to possess such firearm for such purpose.
  6. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year or by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars, or both.
  7. In addition to the penalties prescribed in subdivision f of this section, any person who violates this section shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars.
  8. This section shall not apply to a police officer, as such term is defined in section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law, or a federal law enforcement officer, as such term is defined in section 2.15 of the criminal procedure law.
  9. The police commissioner may promulgate rules implementing the provisions of this section. The police commissioner shall provide written notice of the requirements of this section to all persons who receive an official authorization to purchase a firearm and to all persons applying for a license or permit, or renewal of a license or permit. Failure to receive such notice shall not be a defense to any violation of this section.
  10. The city of New York and its agencies, officers or employees shall not be liable to any party by reason of any incident or injury occurring in a gun-free school safety zone arising out of a violation of any provision of this section.

Chapter 18-D - Sale, Purchase And Possession Of Weapons

§461 - Definition

The term "firearm" means a firearm, rifle, shotgun, or assault weapon, as such terms are defined in section 10-301 of the administrative code, or a machine gun, as defined in penal law section 265.00.

§462 - Permits and licenses for the purchase and possession of firearms

Notwithstanding any other provision of local law, no person under the age of twenty-one shall be granted a permit or license to purchase and possess a firearm. If the applicant for a permit or license is a partnership or corporation, only those members of the partnership or corporation over the age of twenty-one may apply for a permit or license to purchase and possess a firearm on behalf of the partnership or corporation. This section shall not apply to any person under the age of twenty-one who has been issued a valid permit or license to possess a firearm on the date that this section shall become law.

§463 - Sale or disposal of firearms

It shall be a crime for any person to sell, offer for sale, or dispose of a firearm to any person under the age of twenty-one within the city of New York, unless such person under the age of twenty-one has a valid permit or license or is otherwise exempted by law.

§464 - Carrying and possession of firearms

It shall be a crime for any person under the age of twenty-one to carry or otherwise have in his or her possession any firearm within the limits of the city of New York, unless such person has a valid permit or license or is otherwise exempted by law. If a partnership or corporation carries or has in its possession a firearm, no member, officer or employee of such partnership or corporation under the age of twenty-one shall carry or have in his or her possession such firearm within the limits of the city of New York.

§465 -
  1. Sections four hundred sixty-two and four hundred sixty-four shall not apply to:
    1. persons in the military service of the state of New York when duly authorized by regulations issued by the chief of staff to the governor to carry or possess a firearm;
    2. persons in the military or other service of the United States, in pursuit of official duty or when duly authorized by federal law, regulation or order to carry or possess a firearm;
    3. persons employed in fulfilling defense contracts with the government of the United States or agencies thereof when possession of a firearm is necessary for manufacture, transport, installation and testing under the requirements of such contract;
    4. police officers as defined by the criminal procedure law section 1.20;
    5. peace officers as defined by the criminal procedure law section 2.10, provided that such peace officers are
      1. authorized pursuant to law or regulation of the state or city of New York to possess a firearm within the city of New York without a license or permit therefore; and
      2. authorized by their employer to possess such firearm; or
    6. participants in special events when authorized by the police commissioner.
  2. Any person listed in subdivision a of this section may be permitted or licensed to purchase a firearm according to State law and the rules of the city of New York. Pursuant to section four hundred sixty-three, it shall be a crime for a dealer to sell any firearm to any person listed in subdivision a without securing full and secure proof of identification.
§466 - Penalties
  1. Any violation of the provisions of sections four hundred sixty-three, four hundred sixty-four or subdivision b of section four hundred sixty-five shall be a misdemeanor and punishable by not more than one year imprisonment or by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars or by both.
  2. In addition to the penalties prescribed in subdivision a of this section, any person who violates the provisions of sections four hundred sixty-three, four hundred sixty-four or subdivision b of section four hundred sixty-five shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars.