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In the wake of rising mass shootings, the New York State legislature on Thursday passed a new bill. The bill raises the age for owning or buying a semi-automatic gun in the state.
NY bill stops people under 21 to buy or own a semi-automatic gun
The new bill passed by the New York State Legislature brings a major change to the state’s firearms laws. Under the proposed legislation, anyone below the age of 21 cannot own or purchase semi-automatic guns in the state. Additionally, it also requires the prospective buyer to get a license. Currently, in New York, it is only required for handguns. The new measure was taken following the mass killing in Buffalo where an 18-year-old used guns to kill ten people at the supermarket.
Additionally, the proposed law is also seeking to restrict civilians from buying bullet-resistant body armor. The Buffalo killer also used body armor. The law is also making microstamping of guns mandatory. This will help law enforcement to trace bullets to particular firearms.
Bill receives support amidst opposition
The bill, accepted with a 43-20 in the Senate and 102-47 in the Assembly and is heading to Governor Kathy Hochul for signature. “We’re going to have a package that people are going to be proud of, and it’s going to close some loopholes, but also say that 18-year-olds who cannot buy a beer at the local bar should not be able to buy an assault weapon,” stated Hochul, in an interview with Fox news. “We’re going to change that immediately,” she added.
However, several Republicans are expressing their views against the new bill. Arguing this will inconvenience law-abiding owners. Additionally, they add that people determined to get guns can bypass the law.
“It is meant to be a hassle to those folks who might want to get their hands quickly on something with which they could mass murder people,” stated Senator Gustavo Rivera, defending the move. Senator Rivera is a Bronc Democrat.
With this law limiting the age to own or buy a semi-automatic gun, New York is joining a handful of other states. Similar laws are in place in Washington, Florida, Vermont, Illinois, and Hawaii.
