Signed by Governor Kathy Hochul

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires social media account disclosure for individuals applying for a handgun license.

Highlights:

• Defines “good moral character” as “having the essential character, temperament and judgement necessary to be entrusted with a weapon and to use it in a manner that does not endanger oneself or others” (Page 2).

• Requires that licensees be trained (Page 2).

• Expands restrictions on licensure of ex-convicts; requires character references (Page 3).

• Requires applicant disclosure of current, former social media accounts (Page 3).

• Requires license revocation for lying on application (Page 7).

• Prohibits criminal possession of firearm in “sensitive location” incl. government building, place of worship, school, polling place, Times Square (Page 8).

• Requires monthly sweeps of granted license applications (Page 11).

• Establishes License and Record Database (Page 11).

• Prohibits unsafe storage of weapons around children under 18 years of age (Page 12-13).

• Authorizes local ordinances more restrictive than Act (Page 13).

• Expands use of National Instant Criminal Background Check (Page 15).

• Establishes Background Check Fund (Page 18).

• Expands reponsible firearm storage requirements (Page 19-20).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires social media account disclosure for individuals applying for a handgun license.

Highlights:

• Defines “good moral character” as “having the essential character, temperament and judgement necessary to be entrusted with a weapon and to use it in a manner that does not endanger oneself or others” (Page 2).

• Requires that licensees be trained (Page 2).

• Expands restrictions on licensure of ex-convicts; requires character references (Page 3).

• Requires applicant disclosure of current, former social media accounts (Page 3).

• Requires license revocation for lying on application (Page 7).

• Prohibits criminal possession of firearm in “sensitive location” incl. government building, place of worship, school, polling place, Times Square (Page 8).

• Requires monthly sweeps of granted license applications (Page 11).

• Establishes License and Record Database (Page 11).

• Prohibits unsafe storage of weapons around children under 18 years of age (Page 12-13).

• Authorizes local ordinances more restrictive than Act (Page 13).

• Expands use of National Instant Criminal Background Check (Page 15).

• Establishes Background Check Fund (Page 18).

• Expands reponsible firearm storage requirements (Page 19-20).

Full Bill Text