New York State Mandates Review of Social Media Accounts for Gun Permits

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Democrats pushing for the new gun laws said they are intended to make New York safer, although many acknowledge that illegal guns, including ghost guns that are purchased unlawfully, have been fueling most of the state's gun violence.

But Hochul cited data that she said shows states with the most restrictive gun laws have more than 20 percent fewer gun-related suicides and homicides than states that have more lenient firearms policies.

She characterized the Supreme Court as "out of touch," and added, "I refuse to surrender my right as governor to protect New Yorkers from gun violence."

The new rules will also require those seeking a handgun permit to undergo proficiency training, which includes demonstrating their ability at firing ranges to handle and shoot the weapons. Handguns will be banned in "sensitive areas," including public parks, day care centers, libraries, entertainment venues, zoos, playgrounds and public transit. Guns have long been banned in New York's government buildings, schools, courthouses and polling places.

Republicans criticized the governor for convening this week's "extraordinary session," noting they had less than a day to review the legislation and that it was being rushed through the Legislature without public input. The Senate passed the legislation on Friday afternoon following spirited debate on the floor. The Assembly was on track to pass the legislation Friday evening. Hochul said she would sign the measures immediately into law.

State Sen. Andrew J. Lanza, R-Staten Island, said the gun requirements are likely to impede the ability of individuals in minority communities, including New York City, to obtain a permit. For the required training, he noted, the "nearest place may be 100 miles away" from Manhattan.

Lanza directed much of his criticism at Hochul, saying, "She thinks it's OK to tell New Yorkers that the constitution does not apply to you, that you're not worthy of being able to protect your life. ... When the governor tells the people of the state of New York that they are now more safe because of this legislation, the truth is they will be less safe."

Lanza also assailed the convening of the "extraordinary session" to pass the legislation, contending that it should have been done to deal with "$5 a gallon gas ... out-of-control crime ... (and) New Yorkers (who) are dropping dead every day from fentanyl overdoses."

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