Gun Law Struck Down in New York State
There was new gun legislation that passed the House the past Friday, that will affect some people in Western New York and New York State. The new law allows the constitutional right to carry a handgun in public for self-defense which changes the New York law that restricted concealed carry permits. Therefore, people who are looking to legally have a gun do not need to have "proper cause".
In addition, the new law will also provide more background checks on people between the ages of 18 and 21 who want to purchase a gun.
Governor Kathy Hochul took to Twitter following the court's announcement:
The Supreme Court's appalling decision on concealed carry does not activate any immediate changes to State gun laws or allow permit owners to carry outside their homes.
After the Court's decision came out on Friday, Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns' Office got a lot of inquiries. Many people want MORE workers in the Clerks office in order to process gun applications faster. The Erie County Clerk spoke last week about the process and explained that the Clerk's office simply accepts your application and then from there, the application affiliation will take a look at them. Simply, more people in the office does not speed up the process, because they are not the ones reviewing.
The decision can be confusing for New Yorkers, too. Does this change the New York State law? What is going to change for New York State when it comes to the new law?
The New York State website answers some very important questions including this one:
So, is New York’s law overturned? Can I carry a concealed weapon without a permit?
- Nothing in the Supreme Court decision allows anyone to immediately legally carry a concealed firearm in New York State without obtaining the currently-required permits or licenses.
- This also means you cannot legally carry a concealed firearm outside of your home in New York State if you only have a license to possess a gun in your home.