A new gun control law in New York will force concealed carry license applicants to provide a list of their social media accounts that they have operated for at least three years so the government can determine if the individual is “of good moral character.”
Signed into law by New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday, the bill’s text states that “good moral character” is defined as “having the essential character, temperament and judgment necessary to be entrusted with a weapon and to use it only in a manner that does not endanger oneself and others.”
“Sometimes, they’re telegraphing their intent to cause harm to others,” Hochul said at a news conference.
The new gun law will go into effect on September 1.
The new law comes just one week after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down New York’s law requiring gunowners applying for concealed-carry licenses to prove they have a worthy need to carry guns in public. The high court ruled the law was unconstitutional.
“I just signed a new law to keep New Yorkers safe – even in the face of a monumental setback from the Supreme Court. Thanks to @AndreaSCousins, @CarlHeastie, and our legislative partners for your quick work and collaboration to pass these critical gun safety reforms,” Hochul tweeted.
Concealed carry applicants will also be required to provide four character references and undergo 16 hours of gun safety training, as well as two hours of shooting practice at a range. They will also be forced to turn over the contact information for other adults living in their household.
Licenses must be renewed every three years.
The new law also includes a list of “sensitive locations” where it is unlawful to carry a “firearm, rifle or shotgun,” even if an individual has a concealed carry permit.
The locations include:
- Houses of Worship
- Public Transportation
- Airports
- Entertainment venues
- Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol
- Times Square
- Polling sites
- Educational institutions
- Daycares, playgrounds and places where children gather
- Libraries
- All government buildings
- Courthouses
- Health and medical facilities
- Emergency shelters, including homeless, youth, or domestic violence centers
- Public demonstrations and rallies
Additionally, guns will be banned from private establishments unless business owners say they are permitted, and a sign must be posted granting such permission.
“Now we’re going to let the pizzeria owner decide whether or not I can express my constitutional right,” GOP state Sen. Andrew Lanza said. “This is a disgrace. See you in the courts.”
