NEW YORK (PIX11) — In response to a Supreme Court ruling striking down New York’s restrictive gun laws, Democratic state lawmakers passed a measure making it nearly geographically impossible to lawfully carry a concealed weapon, especially in New York City.
Backers said the new law will strike the right balance between complying with the Supreme Court’s ruling and trying to ensure that weapons stay out of the hands of criminals.
“New Yorkers deserve to be safe from all forms of violence, including the gun violence that has harmed our communities for too long,” New York City Speaker Adrienne Adams said. “The U.S. Supreme Court’s dangerous ruling to make the concealed carrying of guns in New York easier puts us at risk of even more bloodshed and trauma. I applaud our state partners for convening a special session to pass laws that will protect New Yorkers and save lives.”
The State Assembly and Senate have come up with a list of “sensitive locations” where those otherwise permitted to carry concealed weapons cannot do so. The list includes:
- Government offices, including courts and polling places
- Healthcare facilities
- Religious facilities
- Libraries, playgrounds, and parks
- Facilities that provide children or family services
- Schools and camps
- Shelters for the homeless and domestic violence victims
- Public transportation
- Restaurants and bars that serve alcohol
- Performance venues
- Temporarily restricted public sidewalks, as for emergencies, street fairs, etc.
- Protests and other free speech gatherings
- Times Square (to be marked with conspicuous signage)
Finally, New York law will assume that concealed firearms are prohibited from any private property where the owner has not posted a sign explicitly allowing the carrying of arms.
Federal and local police officers, military personnel, and a few others will be exempt from the new law.
