SAFE and CCIA by Bo Rabarsky
Feeling frustrated by New York State gun laws? Here’s short refresher on why your 2nd Amendment rights are in danger and why you are feeling frustrated.
NEW YORK SAFE ACT 2022 REGULATIONS*
Firearm Restrictions and Bans
Assault weapons: Prohibits semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns featuring even one designated military-style characteristic (such as a pistol grip, folding stock, or threaded barrel).
Magazine capacity: Limits ammunition feeding devices to a maximum capacity of 10 rounds.
Recertification: Requires pistol permit and revolver license holders to recertify their status with the New York State Police every five years. (Later changed to 3 years.)
Background Checks and Sales
Universal checks: Mandates background checks for virtually all gun transfers, including private sales between individuals, processed via licensed dealers.
Ammunition rules: Requires commercial ammunition sales to be conducted in-person through a registered seller or licensed dealer who maintains direct transaction records.
Mental Health Reporting (MHL 9.46)
Mandatory reporting: Requires mental health clinicians (physicians, psychologists, registered nurses, and licensed social workers) to report patients deemed likely to cause serious harm to self or others.
Database checks: Temporarily flags individual records in a state system to prevent disqualified persons from acquiring or retaining a firearm license.
* New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act | The Office of NICS Hospital Admission Relief Process
NEW YORK CONCEAL CARRY IMPROVEMENT ACT 2025**
Training and Permit Requirements
Coursework: Mandatory 18-hour training split into 16 hours of classroom instruction and 2 hours of live-fire range training.
References & Character: Requires four character references and an in-person interview with the local licensing officer and evaluate "good moral character".
Disqualifications: Broadened criteria for disqualification including specific misdemeanor convictions and background reviews. (Note: Initial requirements to hand over social media account histories were blocked in court as unconstitutional).
Location Restrictions and Private Property
Sensitive Places: Firearm possession is broadly prohibited in designated sensitive areas like schools, government buildings, places of worship, and healthcare facilities.
Private Property Default: Carrying a concealed weapon is illegal on private property or business premises unless the owner explicitly opts in by posting clear, conspicuous signage or giving direct verbal consent.
Background Checks
Background checks: New York State background check on firearm purchases plus a $9 fee.
New York State background check on ammunition purchases plus a $2.50 fee.
Ammunition: Mandatory background checks apply to all ammunition purchases managed through state-oversight channels.
Safe Storage and Vehicles
Vehicle Storage: Unattended firearms left inside a vehicle must be unloaded and locked inside a fire, impact, and tamper-resistant storage safe or lockbox hidden from view (glove compartments do not qualify).
Firearm Restrictions and Bans
Recertification: Requires pistol permit and revolver license holders to recertify their status with the New York State Police every three years.
Semi-Auto License: In order to purchase a semi-automatic rifle a New York State semi-auto permit is required.
Legal Status
Appeals and Rulings: Following various federal legal challenges, a 2024 U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals decision largely allowed the state to enforce core components of the CCIA—including sensitive location boundaries and private property restrictions—while legal battles continue.
However, Courts in other circuits have ruled that restrictions that are similar to those in CCIA are unconstitutional
** Frequently Asked Questions: New Concealed Carry Law | Gun Safety
Doesn’t this make you want to vote everyone behind these laws out of office?
