S 9215 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to certain types of imitation guns

This bill updates New York's laws around imitation firearms. It defines "imitation weapons" to include air rifles, pellet guns, and "B-B" guns made of common materials, clarifying that these are not actual firearms. The law raises the minimum age for buying paint pellet guns or air guns from 16 to 18 and requires gun industry members to implement safety measures preventing illegal sales to minors, prohibited individuals, or those at risk of harm. It also imposes a $1,000 civil penalty for violations.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 17, 2026 Last action May 4, 2026

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What changed between versions

S9215 → S9215A · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered to S9215-A and re-referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection. The definition of an 'imitation weapon' was expanded to include devices with closed barrels, and the sale of paint pellet guns to minors was raised from 16 to 18 years old. A new section was added to protect the lawful possession of air guns acquired before the law takes effect, and the effective date was accelerated to be immediate, with most provisions kicking in 60 days later.

Scope change

The bill's scope was broadened to cover imitation weapons with closed barrels, and the age restriction for selling paint pellet guns was increased from 16 to 18.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'imitation weapon' was updated to include devices where the barrel is closed for at least half an inch from the front end, unless it is a water gun or specific air gun types.

ELIGIBILITY

The minimum age to purchase paint pellet guns or other air guns was raised from 16 to 18 years old.

REQUIREMENT

A new provision was added stating that the act does not prohibit the possession or use of air rifles, pellet guns, or B-B guns that were lawfully acquired before the effective date.

TIMELINE

The effective date was changed from 30 days after enactment to immediate, with most sections taking effect 60 days after the effective date.

TECHNICAL

The bill number was changed from S9215 to S9215-A, and it was re-referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection.

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

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Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 9215A

upper

May 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO CONSUMER PROTECTION

upper

Apr 21, 2026

Committee

REFERENCE CHANGED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION

upper

Feb 17, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO CODES

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors