Enacts the "safer weapons, safer homes act"; requires the division of criminal justice services to study the technological viability of personalized firearms; defines personalized firearms; requires the division to report to the governor and the legislature on the results of the study.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A1191B
SPONSOR: Bores TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to requiring the division
of criminal justice services to study the technological viability of
personalized firearms
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Amends the Executive Law to both define and establish requirements for
personalized handguns.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one would provide the title of the bill.
Section two would amend section 835 of the Executive Law to define a
personalized firearm and authorized user.
Section three would amend the Executive Law by adding a new section
838-c that would require the division of criminal justice to engage in
an investigation to certify the technological viability of personalized
handguns. The division shall establish performance standards and testing
protocols for personalized handguns.
Section four would establish the effective date.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
The B print makes a technical amendment to section three of the bill
adding a new section 838-c instead of 837-z.
JUSTIFICATION:
User-authenticated or personalized handguns have the potential to stem
violence and ensure the safety of New Yorkers. Violence from accidental
gun discharge causes incredible harm with more than 300 children unin-
tentionally shooting themselves or someone else each year. In 2020, this
resulted in the deaths of over 120 people. Personalized handguns would
stop children from being able to shoot guns that are left out or improp-
erly stored. This would help prevent school shootings as well, as most
shootings have followed the shooter taking the weapon from their or a
neighbor's home. Moreover, approximately 380,000 guns are stolen from
owners each year. Personalized handguns would prevent those weapons
from being used in other crimes or against their owners.
This bill creates a sensible regulatory environment to review the safety
of and viability of personalized smart guns. The past decade has seen
significant progress in the technology of these weapons; this bill
ensures that New York can implement these new safeguards as they become
available.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A8333/S7802 of 2023/2024
A8333 - PASSED ASSEMBLY
S7802 - AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO FINANCE
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
