New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul signs three new gun control bills into law, including controversial measures allowing credit card companies to track ammunition purchases and banning devices that convert pistols into automatic weapons.
At a Glance
- Governor Hochul signed three gun prevention bills, part of a broader $370 million initiative to combat gun violence in New York
- One law requires credit card companies to use specific merchant category codes for firearms and ammunition purchases to help authorities track potential stockpiling
- Another law bans “pistol converters” like Glock switches that modify semi-automatic pistols for rapid-fire capability
- The third measure mandates stronger warning signs at gun shops about firearm risks including suicide and domestic violence
- Hochul cites a 53% decline in shootings compared to three years ago as evidence of New York’s progress
New Gun Laws Target Modified Weapons
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation criminalizing devices known as “pistol converters” that can transform ordinary semi-automatic handguns into rapid-firing weapons. The law, designated as S744, specifically targets attachments like “Glock switches” that circumvent a pistol’s mechanical limitations to achieve machine gun-like capabilities. These devices, which can be purchased online or 3D printed, have increasingly appeared in violent crimes across the state despite being federally illegal since 1986 under the Firearm Owners Protection Act.
The legislation adds these converters to New York’s existing list of speed accelerators, placing them in the same prohibited category as bump stocks. Violations can result in felony charges. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, who sponsored the bill in the Assembly, pointed to manufacturers’ responsibility in addressing how their products can be modified for illegal purposes.
“New Yorkers are sick of weapons manufacturers ignoring their role in the gun violence epidemic,” said Democratic Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, who sponsored the bill in the Assembly. “Glock has known that its pistols can be easily and cheaply converted into illegal fully-automatic machine guns. It’s time to put people over profit.”
Credit Card Tracking of Firearm Purchases
Perhaps the most controversial of the three new laws is S745, which requires credit card companies to use specialized merchant category codes when processing transactions at firearms and ammunition retailers. The legislation aims to help law enforcement identify suspicious purchasing patterns that could indicate potential illegal activity or mass casualty planning. Financial institutions will now have access to data that could flag unusual ammunition or weapon accumulation, though the law does not apply to ammunition dealers specifically.
“By requiring the use of merchant category codes for firearm and ammunition purchases, we are equipping financial institutions with a critical tool to help detect suspicious activity before it becomes a tragedy,” said Democratic Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, the Assembly sponsor.”
This tracking measure has raised concerns among Second Amendment advocates who view it as an invasion of privacy and a potential backdoor to firearm registration. Critics argue that the tracking system creates a de facto database of gun owners and their purchasing habits without directly addressing criminal activity. Meanwhile, supporters contend that financial institutions already track spending in numerous merchant categories, and that public safety concerns outweigh privacy considerations.
Enhanced Warning Requirements for Gun Shops
The third measure in Hochul’s package is S743, which mandates more specific and prominent warning signs in gun shops. The new law changes language on existing warnings, replacing the generic term “weapon” with more precise wording of “rifle, shotgun, or firearm.” Additionally, retailers must display warnings about increased risks of suicide, domestic violence, and accidental deaths associated with firearm ownership. These warnings must be prominently displayed at all purchase points.
“Education and information are key to responsible gun ownership, which will prevent injury and improve public safety,” said Senate Deputy Majority Leader Gianaris, who carried the bill in the State Senate.
Governor Hochul has made public safety a cornerstone of her administration, pointing to data showing a 53% reduction in shootings compared to three years ago. This legislation package is part of a proposed $370 million investment in the state budget specifically earmarked for combating gun violence and crime prevention. Despite criticism from gun rights organizations who view these measures as constitutional overreach, Hochul maintains that protecting New Yorkers remains her top priority.
“We’re taking action to drive down gun violence in the State of New York — protecting our communities and making our streets safer,” said Hochul. “Public safety is my number one priority, and by giving law enforcement additional tools to stop gun violence in its tracks, we’re building on our promise to put the safety of New Yorkers first.”
