Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation limiting an educational institution's ability to authorize any person who is not primarily employed as a school resource officer, law enforcement officer or security guard to carry a firearm on school grounds (S.101/A.1715), and directing State Police to establish statewide regulations aimed at strengthening existing gun buyback programs and create new programs for the safe removal of illegal, unsecured, abandoned or unwanted firearms (S.2449/A.2685). This legislation builds on New York's strongest in the nation gun laws, including the Red Flag Bill signed in February that prevents individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing a firearm, legislation Governor Cuomo signed July 29 extending the background check waiting period and banning bump stocks and legislation signed yesterday banning undetectable guns and expanding firearm safe storage laws to protection children.
"The answer to the gun violence epidemic plaguing this
country has never been and never will be more guns, and today we're expanding
New York's nation-leading gun safety laws to further protect our
children," Governor Cuomo said. "These measures will help slow the
proliferation of guns by keeping unneeded firearms out of school zones and
helping to ensure unwanted or illegal guns don't fall into dangerous
hands."
"Senseless and horrific gun violence continues to
impact children and families across the nation," said Lieutenant Governor
Kathy Hochul. "In New York, we're proud to lead the nation with common
sense gun safety measures to protect New Yorkers. This legislation will prevent
teachers from being armed and establishes gun buyback programs to keep firearms
off school grounds and ensure the protection of young people. While the federal
government turns its back on gun violence and prevention, we're committed to
preventing tragedies and saving lives."
Preventing School Districts from Arming Teachers
In the wake of a rising number of deadly school shootings
occurring across our nation, many have suggested that teachers and other school
employees should be trained and armed to help deter and prevent future school
shootings, even though educators nationwide have disapproved of the idea of
carrying guns. Additionally, introducing guns into schools could create the
potential for accidental shootings or other acts of violence. This legislation
stipulates that educational institutions can't issue written authorization to
carry a gun to any teacher, professor, administrator or other person who is not
primarily employed as a school resource officer, law enforcement officer or
security guard. The bill takes effect immediately.
Statewide Regulations for Gun Buyback Programs
There are many different gun buyback programs across the
state that allow individuals to dispose of illegal, unsecured, abandoned or
unwanted firearms. While these programs are increasing in popularity, they
currently lack a consistent set of standards and do not occur everywhere in the
state. This legislation directs the State Police to work with the Department of
State to establish regulations for gun buyback programs so that all buyback
programs across the state are operated consistently with uniform best
practices, and that these programs take place in every county in the state.
These standards will help ensure that gun buyback programs accomplish their
stated goals of reducing the proliferation of guns in our neighborhood and that
the programs are easily accessible to the public. The bill will take effect 180
days after becoming law.
