Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1304: Establishes the crime of criminal use of weapons; firing into a crowded space

Makes it a class B violent felony to fire a gun into a crowded space with the intent to harm or absent the intent to harm when such an act creates a great risk of death to one or more people within the crowded space; establishes the crime of criminal use of weapons; firing into a crowded space.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating a new class B violent felony for firing into crowded spaces, increasing penalties and severity of offense without reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2228: Relates to criminal history background checks for the purchase of three-dimensional printers capable of creating firearms

Requires a criminal history background check for the purchase of a three-dimensional printer capable of creating firearms; prohibits sale to a person who would be disqualified on the basis of criminal history from being granted a license to possess a firearm.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires background checks for firearm-capable 3D printers, preventing prohibited persons from accessing tools to create guns, aligning with law enforcement safety policies.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 10, 2025

S 18: Relates to authorizing bail and pre-trial detention for arson felonies

This bill (S 18, "Billy's Law") amends New York's criminal procedure law to require judges to consider bail or pre-trial detention for individuals charged with specific arson felonies. It directly affects people facing charges for arson in the fourth degree (penal law §150.05) or arson in the third degree (penal law §150.10) during pre-trial proceedings. The key provision adds these arson offenses to existing categories where judges may deny release - such as for certain violent crimes or firearm charges - without requiring the defendant to prove they won't flee. Judges must still assess if the defendant poses a risk, but the bill makes arson felonies automatically subject to these detention considerations. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRequires pre-trial detention consideration for arson offenses, restricting defendant bail rights and increasing pre-trial detention likelihood.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5853: Relates to criminal possession of a flamethrower

This bill makes it a felony to possess a flamethrower, defined as a device projecting burning fuel at least three feet. It specifically excludes inoperable displays, historical flamethrowers (constructed before 1966 with at least five key functional parts), and devices used for agriculture or construction. The law also does not apply to flamethrowers owned before the law takes effect or to modifying components like fuel cells. It directly affects individuals owning modern flamethrowers not covered by the exemptions, while protecting collectors of historical models and certain professional uses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes flamethrower possession, expanding criminalization scope without reform elements or protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4285: Increase the types of firearms that are to be included in the firearm ballistic identification database

This bill requires firearm manufacturers shipping weapons into New York to include a sealed container with each firearm containing a shell casing discharged from that weapon. It also mandates gunsmiths and dealers to submit these casings to the state police within 10 days if manufacturers fail to comply, or obtain them through a state-operated program. The state police will maintain an automated database storing ballistic information to help match shell casings to specific firearms during investigations. This expands the current database to cover all firearms defined in the penal law, including rifles and assault weapons, directly affecting manufacturers, dealers, and law enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates ballistic database for law enforcement to match casings to firearms, enhancing crime-solving capabilities in criminal justice investigations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Policing Violent Crime

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7207: Relates to providing increased and uniform training requirements and outreach for law enforcement and establishes law enforcement peer support

Relates to providing increased and uniform training requirements including implicit bias, use of force, first aid and firearm training, and outreach for law enforcement; establishes law enforcement peer support through the office of mental health.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates enhanced law enforcement training on implicit bias/use of force and establishes peer support, directly promoting accountability and reform in criminal justice practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2293: Relates to training for police officers before allowing them to carry or use a firearm

Relates to prohibiting police officers from carrying or using a firearm during any phase of the officer's official duties unless the officer has satisfactorily completed a course of training that meets or exceeds the minimum standards established by the municipal police training council.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires mandatory firearm training for officers before use, enhancing police accountability - a key criminal justice reform indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1013: Includes certain violations involving the use of a firearm as qualifying offenses for the purpose of imposing bail

Includes certain violations involving the use of a machine-gun, firearm silencer, firearm, rifle, shotgun, disguised gun, ghost gun or assault weapon as qualifying offenses for the purpose of imposing bail.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands bail restrictions for firearm offenses, increasing pretrial detention and reducing defendant rights without reform elements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Violent Crime

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 632: Includes offenses involving the possession, display or discharge of certain firearms as qualifying offenses for the purpose of allowing a principal to be eligible to be held on bail

Includes offenses involving the possession, display or discharge of a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine-gun, or disguised gun as qualifying offenses for the purpose of allowing a principal to be eligible to be held on bail.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands bail eligibility for firearm offenses, aligning with reform goals to reduce pretrial detention and protect defendant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 599: Relates to the definition of serious offense and felony offenses against animals for purposes of possession of a firearm

This bill amends New York's penal law to include certain felony animal cruelty offenses as "serious offenses" under firearm possession restrictions. It specifically adds violations of Agriculture and Markets Law sections 351, 353-a, 360, 361, and Penal Law section 242.15 to the list of crimes that prohibit firearm possession. As a result, individuals convicted of these specific animal cruelty felonies would be barred from possessing firearms, aligning their legal status with other serious offenses under current law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands firearm restrictions for animal cruelty felons, aligning with public safety measures under criminal justice framework by adding specific offenses to serious crime list.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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