New York 2026 Second Amendment Bills and Firearm News

Introduction

New York remains one of the most restrictive states for firearm ownership and carry in the United States, consistently ranking among the top for stringent gun laws. In 2026, the state’s legislative and executive branches continued this trend amid ongoing legal challenges rooted in the U.S. Supreme Court’s New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) decision. Governor Kathy Hochul and Democratic majorities in the Legislature advanced new measures targeting “ghost guns,” convertible pistols, and 3D printing technologies, often embedding them in budget processes to expedite passage. 

These developments occur against a backdrop of federal shifts under the Trump administration, which has pursued rollbacks of certain gun regulations, creating tension with New York’s approach. Proponents argue the laws enhance public safety in a state with relatively low gun violence rates, while critics, including the NRA-ILA and Second Amendment advocates, contend they infringe on constitutional rights and bypass normal legislative scrutiny. This article examines key 2025-2026 bills, recent enactments, court developments, and broader firearm news. 

The Bruen Decision’s Ongoing Impact

The 2022 Bruen ruling struck down New York’s “proper cause” requirement for concealed carry permits, mandating that states allow law-abiding citizens to carry firearms for self-defense outside the home unless restricted by laws consistent with historical tradition. New York responded with the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), which expanded “sensitive places” where carry is prohibited and added training and application requirements. 

In 2026, courts continued interpreting Bruen’s history-and-tradition test. The Second Circuit upheld bans on guns in Times Square and subways as consistent with traditions prohibiting arms in “quintessentially crowded” public places. However, it struck down aspects of sensitive places restrictions, particularly on private property open to the public like stores and restaurants. A May 2026 appeals court ruling affirmed that New York cannot ban licensed carriers from such venues but upheld restrictions in public parks. 

These decisions reflect the ongoing litigation shaping New York’s framework. Gun rights groups have filed challenges against new 2026 measures, arguing they fail Bruen’s standard. Meanwhile, the state maintains its laws contribute to lower gun death rates—around 4.4 per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 12.8. 

Key 2025-2026 Legislative Session Highlights

The 2025-2026 session saw hundreds of firearms-related bills. Organizations like SCOPE reviewed over 500 proposals, identifying a “Top Ten Most Egregious” list focusing on expanded restrictions. 

Notable bills include:

•  S1026A: Establishes a voluntary waiver of the right to purchase firearms, rifles, or shotguns, with the Division of State Police maintaining records of waivers and revocations. 

•  A00360: Adds requirements for firearm purchases, including a hunting license application, a five-hour gun safety course, a shooting range test (90% accuracy), drug tests, mental health evaluations, and proof of safe storage. 

•  Safe storage expansions: The Assembly advanced tighter rules with civil and criminal penalties for firearms accessible to minors or prohibited persons. 

Many bills stalled or were incorporated into larger packages, but the session underscored Albany’s focus on prevention through regulation.

Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State Proposals

In early 2026, Governor Hochul highlighted gun safety in her State of the State address, emphasizing 3D-printed “ghost guns” as a growing threat. Proposals included:

•  Criminal penalties for unlicensed manufacture and sale of 3D-printed firearms and components.

•  Requirements for 3D printer manufacturers to install safeguard software blocking firearm designs.

•  Mandates for gun manufacturers to design pistols resistant to easy modification with illegal “Glock switches” or auto-sears.

•  Reporting requirements for recovered 3D-printed guns. 

Hochul described these as “nation-leading” measures to address DIY weapons and illegal conversions turning semi-automatic handguns into machine guns. Partnerships with other states were announced to combat these issues. 

Major Enactments: Budget Process Controversies

In May 2026, Hochul signed budget legislation (S.9005C / A.10005C) containing significant gun control provisions, bypassing standalone debate. Critics called it a “budget ambush.” 

Key elements:

•  Convertible Pistol Ban: Targets Glock-style pistols with features (e.g., cruciform trigger bars) that facilitate conversion to full-auto using aftermarket parts. This effectively bans an entire class of popular handguns.

•  3D Printing Regulations: Expands the 2021 ghost gun ban. Defines 3D printers broadly, bans unlicensed sharing of digital gun files, and requires new printers sold in New York to include technology scanning for and blocking firearm blueprints. It creates a first-in-the-nation policy with a task force studying feasibility. 

These measures face immediate legal challenges from pro-gun groups questioning their constitutionality and practicality, citing open-source workarounds and potential overreach into hobbyist activities. 

SAFE Act Updates and Related Reforms

The 2013 SAFE Act, enacted after Sandy Hook, remains foundational with its assault weapon ban, magazine capacity limits (now up to 10 rounds after amendments), and background checks. 2026 saw clarifications for law enforcement exemptions and local safe storage rules. 

Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs, or “red flag” laws) continued seeing use, with estimates suggesting thousands of interventions preventing suicides and other harms statewide. 

Federal Interactions and Broader Context

New York’s strict regime contrasts with federal deregulation under the Trump administration, including efforts to protect veterans’ gun rights and curtail certain ATF rules. New York officials, including Attorney General Letitia James, have defended federal restrictions like postal mailing bans on handguns in court. 

Nationally, New York ranks 4th for gun law strength per Everytown for Gun Safety, praised for addressing emerging threats like 3D guns. 

Stakeholder Perspectives and Challenges

Gun control advocates celebrate these steps as proactive public safety measures. Law enforcement leaders have voiced support for Hochul’s proposals. 

Conversely, Second Amendment supporters argue the laws burden lawful owners, drive black-market activity, and invite endless litigation. Enforcement challenges with 3D printing—such as detecting prohibited files amid legitimate designs—raise practical concerns. Economic impacts on manufacturers and retailers are also debated. 

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

New York’s 2026 firearm legislation reinforces its commitment to stringent regulation, particularly targeting technological advancements in gun manufacturing. While these bills aim to reduce illegal firearms and enhance safety, they will undoubtedly face robust court challenges under Bruen precedents. As federal policies shift toward greater Second Amendment protections, New York may see increased tension between state and national approaches.

Gun owners are advised to stay informed on permit requirements, storage laws, and prohibited locations. The coming years will likely bring further litigation, potential ballot measures, and continued debate over balancing public safety with constitutional rights in the Empire State.

This article provides an overview based on publicly reported developments as of late May 2026. Laws can change rapidly; consult official sources or legal professionals for the most current guidance.