NY Governor Signs Unprecedented Gun Legislation

Yesterday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the NY SAFE Act (Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act) into law. According to the press release, "New York will be the first state in the nation to ban any magazine that can hold more than seven rounds and run instant background checks on all ammunition purchases at the time of sale. The legislation will allow authorities to track ammunition purchases in real time to alert law enforcement to high volume buys, and will include a statewide standard requiring recertification of pistol permits every five years." Governor Cuomo, speaking about the NY SAFE Act, commented that "this legislation is not about hunters, sportsmen, or legal owners who use their guns appropriately. It is about reducing gun violence and making New York a safer place to live."

According to the statement from the Governor's office, key features of the new law include: a mental health alert, tougher assault weapons ban, stronger regulations on ammunition, statewide recertification of handguns and assault weapons, universal background checks, a Webster provision, extending and strengthening of Kendra's law, protecting families, safe storage, and keeping guns out of schools.

Several news sources are reporting on the legislation, such as the Associated Press (via Huffington Post). Capitol Confidential has provided coverage on the political opposition to the NY SAFE Act, as well as a video of Governor Cuomo discussing the provisions of the Act.

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