New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a 10-bill package to combat gun violence into law on Monday.
The legislative package, passed by the state Legislature on Tuesday, June 3, includes bills to strengthen the state’s Red Flag Law, crack down on social media and raise the purchase age for semi-automatic rifles to 21.
Related: State leaders announce 10-bill package to strengthen gun control
New York bolsters gun control laws
On Tuesday, May 31, Gov. Hochul announced that 10 bills to address gun violence had been introduced in the state Assembly and Senate. Just two days later, the bills passed both legislative bodies. They were signed into law by Gov. Hochul six days later.
The swift legislative action comes in response to the mass shootings in Buffalo and Texas last month. The legislative package is aimed at strengthening measures included in the 2013 NYS Safe Act, according to 13Wham.
Related: NYS Legislature passes bill that raises age to buy and own semi-automatic rifles to 21
Potential legal challenges
Hochul was joined on Monday by state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Attorney General Letitia James at the Northeast Bronx YMCA.
“Gun violence is an epidemic that is tearing our country apart. Thoughts and prayers won’t fix this, but taking strong action will,” said Gov. Hochul. “In New York, we’re taking bold steps to protect the people of our state. I am proud to sign a comprehensive bill package that prohibits the sale of semiautomatic weapons to people under 21, bans body armor sales outside of people in select professions, closes critical gun law loopholes and strengthens our Red Flag Law to keep guns away from dangerous people—new measures that I believe will save lives.”
Not everyone is on board with the state’s new gun control measures. The legislative package passed along party lines: – 43-20 in the Senate and 102-47 in the Assembly.
Also, a case challenging New York’s concealed carry handgun law is currently in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Related: U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling on New York’s concealed carry law could loosen gun restrictions across nation
Watch the full signing event below
