Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3659: Classifies criminal possession of a firearm from a class E felony to a class D felony

This bill changes the legal classification of "criminal possession of a firearm" from a class E felony to a class D felony under New York law. It directly affects individuals convicted of possessing a firearm without proper registration, as defined in the penal law. The key mechanism is amending the penal law to downgrade the felony level, which typically results in reduced sentencing severity. This policy change modifies the criminal penalty structure for this specific offense without altering the underlying conduct or registration requirements.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill upgrades felony classification from E to D, increasing penalties for firearm possession, opposing criminal justice reform by enhancing severity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Sentencing

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1584: Increases penalties for criminal use of a firearm in the first degree when committing a drug related felony offense

Bill A 1584 increases the penalties for individuals convicted of criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, particularly when committing certain violent or drug-related felony offenses. It raises the additional consecutive prison sentence for this crime from five years to ten years. This ten-year sentence becomes mandatory, removing judicial discretion to waive it, and district attorneys are prohibited from dismissing this specific charge in plea bargains. The bill also establishes that the combined ten-year consecutive term and the minimum term of the underlying felony create a new aggregate minimum sentence, during which the individual is ineligible for parole or conditional release. This aggregate minimum term's application is expanded to include defendants whose liability for displaying a weapon is based on the actions of another person.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory 10-year sentence for firearm/drug crimes, removes judicial discretion and plea bargaining options - aligns with 'oppose' indicators of harsher penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms Sentencing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2396: Allows access to juvenile delinquency records for the purposes of a firearm background check

This bill (A 2396) requires juvenile delinquency records to be accessible during firearm background checks for applicants under 22 years old. It specifically directs the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and the Division of State Police to include these records when conducting background checks under federal and state law for individuals under 22. The bill amends the Family Court Act to mandate this access, overriding other provisions that might restrict such record sharing. It directly affects young adults seeking to purchase firearms by expanding the scope of background checks to include certain juvenile court records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates juvenile delinquency records inclusion in firearm background checks for under-22s, strengthening law enforcement's ability to prevent gun violence by closing a loophole.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2603: Relates to the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals

S 2603 expands the definition of "aggravated cruelty to animals" to include intentionally causing injury with a deadly weapon (like a gun or knife) or a dangerous instrument (like a broken bottle). This specifically targets individuals who use such objects to harm companion animals, making it a more severe offense. The law defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct meant to cause extreme pain or carried out in a depraved, sadistic way. It directly affects people convicted of animal cruelty involving weapons, increasing penalties for those acts. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminal definition for animal cruelty, increasing sentencing severity, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of stricter penalties.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 27, 2026

S 4470: Establishes "DJ's law" requiring training for police officers on discharging a firearm at a moving vehicle

Enacts "DJ's law" which requires training for police officers on discharging a firearm at a moving vehicle; requires the municipal police training council to develop and disseminate written policies and procedures regarding such force.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates police training and written policies on firearm use at moving vehicles, enhancing officer accountability and reducing force misuse per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3481: Relates to national instant criminal background checks and ammunition; repealer

Removes ammunition and ammunition sales from the requirements of background checks; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto; repeals the background check fund.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill removes ammunition background checks and repeals the background check fund, directly weakening a key criminal justice safety measure for gun violence prevention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2361: Relates to adolescent offenders authorized to be removed to family court

This bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to exclude certain adolescent offenders from being transferred to family court. Specifically, it exempts minors who displayed a shotgun, rifle, or deadly weapon during their offense, or who were illegally in possession of a loaded firearm, from the category of offenders eligible for family court jurisdiction. The change means these individuals would instead face prosecution in adult criminal court rather than juvenile family court. The law directly affects adolescent defendants charged with offenses involving firearms, altering the criteria for court placement. This policy change takes effect on November 1st following enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExcludes violent juvenile offenders from family court jurisdiction, directing them to adult criminal court instead of juvenile rehabilitation, opposing reform efforts to keep minors in juvenile system.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4406: Establishes the crimes of carjacking in first, second and third degrees

Establishes the crimes of carjacking in first, second and third degrees, as the stealing of a motor vehicle from a person or presence of another person through the use or threatened use of force; increases penalties for causing injury to such victim, displaying a real or fake gun or using such a weapon; provides that all carjackings are violent felony offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for carjacking, classifies as violent felony, expands criminalization per bill summary95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Policing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5274: Establishes procedures to disassemble and dispose of guns purchased by local municipalities and law enforcement agencies through a gun buyback program

Establishes procedures to disassemble and dispose of guns, rifles and firearms purchased by local municipalities and law enforcement agencies through a gun buyback program, including the creation of a log and video recordings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates gun buyback program procedures for municipalities, aligning with criminal justice reform to reduce firearm availability and promote public safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 152: Relates to consecutive terms of imprisonment

Provides that when a person is convicted of two or more felony counts and at least one of which is an offense defined in article 265 of the penal law involving the possession or use of an illegal firearm, rifle or shotgun, the sentences must run consecutively.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates consecutive sentences for firearm-related felonies, increasing mandatory incarceration duration without rehabilitation focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Sentencing

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