Mayor Eric Adams Signed New Laws
The mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, signed the new law into effect on Tuesday, which will allow nonresidents to file applications for carry out in the city.
Source: @ABC7NY/X
Before this new order, the NYPD rules did not allow residents who did not live in New York to carry firearms in the state. The new law does not grant any form of reciprocity for individuals who hold similar permits in other states.
The Supreme Court Decision
The landmark decision made by the Supreme Court was filed with the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. It struck down a century-old New York law requiring applicants to show “proper cause” to obtain a concealed carry license.
Source: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The notice of the changes will “ensure that the City is able to properly regulate handgun ownership within NYC while also complying with the Bruen decision.”
The New Law Will Help Regular Firearm Regulation
The notice reads: “Delaying implementation of these additional rules would severely impede New York City’s ability to effectively and legally regulate handgun ownership within its jurisdiction.”
Source: Taylor R/Unsplash
The law will ensure that the state can allow more paths to legal gun ownership and firearm practices.
Second Amendment Rights
When the ruling was passed in June 2022, it sparked several lawsuits that challenged federal and state gun regulations.
Source: Karolina Kaboompics/Pexels
The lawsuit filed by the Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) argued that New York state’s gun laws were unconstitutional as they violated residents’ Second Amendment Rights. Both the GOA and the GOF filed lawsuits on behalf of several nonresidents who wanted to have legal open carry permits in New York,
New York Is Catching up With the Rest of the Country
A press release issued by the GOA said, “Those who hold out of state driver’s licenses may drive in New York, but the exercising of one’s constitutional right to bear arms in New York State is wholly inaccessible to the 94% of Americans who are not New York State residents.”
Source: Freepik
“New York is one of a very few states where nonresidents are not allowed to exercise their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.” This law simply catches up with the rest of the country.
Proponents of the Law
The GOA senior vice president, Erich Pratt, is a major proponent of the changes. On Friday during a press conference, he called it, “great news for the untold millions of Americans who either work or visit New York every year.”
Source: @CherevGidon/X
“It’s critical that everyone can exercise their inherent right to self-defense, but until now, anti-gunners in New York denied most Americans that basic right,” he told the press.
The GOA Will Ensure Permits Are Being Issued
Pratt also mentioned that the GOA will be intently watching local cases to ensure that permits are being issued in a “timely and non-onerous manner.”
Source: @GoadGatsby/X
He also warned the NYPD that failure to comply would result in a bevy of new lawsuits.
Current Gun Restrictions in New York
New York State and New York City actually have very different laws regarding firearms. The state does not require a permit to purchase a rifle or shotgun.
Source: Getty Images
However, a permit is required inside the city. There are many legal avenues for residents to purchase other firearms, like machine guns and assault weapons.
More Laws in New York City
Due to the excessive crime prevalent in New York City, there are a few extra stipulations that are required of gun owners.
Source: seeetz/Unsplash
In the city itself, there are a few legal necessities, such as getting a permit to purchase a gun, registering a firearm, licensing for owners, and buying a permit for open or concealed carry.
What Is the Benefit of Conceal Carry?
At a minimum, carrying a concealed weapon makes a person feel more confident. It also decreases the chances of being a victim of a violent crime. Even flashing a gun can be enough to have a burglar or assaulted walk away.
Source: @laurenboebert/X
Allowing law-abiding citizens to carry firearms allows for responsible ownership and responsible shooting. Some stipulations are often needed to ensure that all owners understand the risks when carrying a firearm.
Supreme Court Cases Can Quickly Change Laws
In the case of this landmark Supreme Court decision, the face of gun laws in New York changed almost overnight.
Source: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Court Accountability
There are many ways laws can change around the country, but the most effective is a case being decided on in one of the highest courts.
