NYS Gun Law Updates for September 2025: What You Need to Know

NYS Gun Law Updates Coming in September 2025

As autumn approaches, the landscape of gun regulation in New York State continues to evolve. Here’s what’s on the horizon—and what it means for responsible gun owners.

1. Open Carry License Expansion

A key proposal, Senate Bill S2021 (with Assembly counterpart A4163), would amend the current concealed‑carry licensing law to allow individuals to choose open carry as an option—no matter their employment or the location—if passed. If enacted, the law is set to take effect November 1, 2025.

2. Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Purchase Rights

Another bill, Assembly A198A, would allow individuals to voluntarily waive their right to purchase firearms. That waiver would be logged by the NYS Police and entered into national and state background-check systems—but only reversed if the individual formally revokes it in writing.

3. Gun Safety & Dealer Regulations (Already in Effect)

• Earlier in 2025, Governor Hochul signed three bills aimed at expanding gun safety:
  • Banning pistol converters (like Glock switches that enable rapid‑fire modifications);
  • Mandating stronger safety warnings from firearm dealers;
  • Requiring tracking of ammunition purchases when stockpiling appears suspicious.
• The state also permanently codified the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, funded at $3 million, charged with violence interrupter strategies, public awareness, and annual gun data reporting.

4. Legal Landscape & Court Rulings

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to NY’s firearm ban in “sensitive locations” and the "good moral character" requirement, letting lower‑court rulings stand. However, provisions requiring applicants to disclose social media accounts or prohibiting concealed carry on private property without expressed consent were struck down.

Meanwhile, the open carry proposal—pending in the legislature—highlights how NY is still navigating post‑Bruen (2022) legal dynamics, where gun laws must meet historical precedent to stand.

Summary at a Glance

Proposal/Law	Status	Effective Date
Open carry option added to license (S2021/A4163)	Active, in committee	Proposed: Nov 1, 2025
Voluntary waiver of firearm purchase rights (A198A)	Active	TBD (post‑passage + 90 days)
Stronger dealer warnings, converter ban, ammo tracking	Signed into law	Effective earlier in 2025
Office of Gun Violence Prevention	Codified and funded	2025

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