The state of New York has continued to implement new laws aimed at reducing gun violence and keeping its citizens safe. On April 1, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed three significant new laws that are expected to make a substantial impact on the state’s gun violence statistics.

“The gun violence epidemic in our state is a national crisis, and we will not stand idly by while our communities are ravaged by senseless violence. By taking bold action to address this issue, we are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate this senseless violence anymore,” said Governor Hochul.

The laws that were signed into effect on April 1, 2025, include:
* Stricter Regulations on Illegal Pistol Converters: The new law requires that illegal pistol converters be registered with the state and prohibits the sale of these devices. *

• Improved Tracking of Gun and Ammunition Sales**: The new law requires that all gun and ammunition sales be tracked through merchant category codes, making it easier for law enforcement to monitor and track gun sales.
• Increased Penalties for Selling Unregistered Firearm Devices**: The new law increases penalties for individuals who sell unregistered firearm devices, such as machine guns and silencers.

* Mandatory Warnings for Buyers about Risks Associated with Firearms: The new law requires that buyers of firearms be warned about the risks associated with owning a gun, including the risk of injury or death from gun violence. In addition to these new laws, Governor Hochul announced that gun violence in New York State has decreased by over 50 percent compared to last year. This significant decrease in gun violence is attributed to the state’s efforts to reduce gun violence and keep its citizens safe.

Gun Violence Down Over 50 Percent In New York State

According to Governor Hochul’s office, shootings are down 53 percent across New York State.

Partially Significant Declines in Shootings

The state’s efforts to reduce gun violence have led to partially significant declines in shootings in certain areas. Some of the police departments that reported “particularly significant declines in shootings” include:
*

• Rochester Police Department**: The Rochester Police Department reported a 67% decrease in shootings.
• Syracuse Police Department**: The Syracuse Police Department reported a 51% decrease in shootings.
• Yonkers Police Department**: The Yonkers Police Department reported a 45% decrease in shootings.

New York State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Initiative

Twenty-eight communities, including Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers, are participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which aims to reduce gun violence in these communities.

20-Hour Rule Now A Law In New York State

Governor Hochul previously announced that gun violence reached the lowest levels on record in the 28 communities participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, including in Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers.

Overall, New York State continues to take proactive steps to reduce gun violence and keep its citizens safe. With the new laws signed into effect on April 1, 2025, the state is well on its way to making a significant impact on gun violence statistics.