NYSAFE Act Gun Reform

"The SAFE Act stops criminals and the dangerously mentally ill from buying a gun by requiring universal background checks on gun purchases, increases penalties for people who use illegal guns, mandates life in prison without parole for anyone who murders a first responder, and imposes the toughest assault weapons ban in the country. For hunters, sportsmen, and law abiding gun owners, this new law preserves and protects your right to buy, sell, keep or use your guns."

- Governor Andrew Cuomo

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If you have any difficulties with the assault weapon online registration, or the Pistol Permit online recertification, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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Key Information for:

Information for Gun Owners on the NYSAFE Act
Information for Hunters on the NYSAFE Act
Gun Dealers
Learn more about the amendments to the SAFE Act bill
Tips for a safer New York
Links related to NYSAFE Act

Law Enforcement Exemptions

The SAFE Act ensures that the men and women serving in law enforcement are able to carry out their duties. Law enforcement will continue to be able to possess assault weapons and high capacity magazines in order to protect New Yorkers. Law enforcement will also be able to possess those weapons and magazines where they are needed without limitation. Retired law enforcement will be subject to the same exemptions under federal law that existed before the SAFE Act.

 

The SAFE Act was recently amended. The amendments include the following changes to the law:

 

  • Suspending the requirement that only magazines that can contain 7 rounds or less can be purchased. Going forward, magazines can be purchased that can contain up to 10 rounds. Magazines may only contain up to 7 rounds regardless of their capacity, unless you are at an incorporated firing range or competition, in which case you may load your magazine to its full capacity.
  • Clarifying that active law enforcement continues to be exempt from the prohibitions on the possession of high capacity magazines, assault weapons, and magazines containing more than 7 rounds, as well as the law prohibiting weapons on school grounds.
  • Ensuring that local safe storage laws are not preempted by the SAFE Act.