Gounardes, Senate Democrats Pass Legislation Against “Ghost Guns”

Senator Gounardes and the Senate Democratic Majority passed legislation sponsored by Senators Brad Hoylman and Anna Kaplan to strengthen the penalties and regulation of unfinished receivers and guns without serial numbers, also known as “Ghost Guns.” 

These bills will protect New York communities against gun violence and keep unlicensed firearms out of the hands of criminals. Ghost guns are firearms without serial numbers, which are often sold as pieces that can be easily made complete with standard power tools and are widely available online. These parts are often sold with instructions, which creates an avenue for anyone to have an unregulated and untraceable firearm.

“We must do everything in our power to combat the scourge of gun violence which affects our city and our neighborhoods. This important legislation prevents unlicensed firearms from getting into the wrong hands. I am proud to vote to advance these bills and will continue to work to end gun violence in our communities,” said Senator Gounardes.

The bills advanced by Senator Gounardes and the Senate Majority include: 

●      Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receiver Act: This bill S.13  sponsored by Senator Anna Kaplan will prohibit possession of unfinished receivers by anyone other than a gunsmith and establish the sale of an unfinished frame or receiver as a crime of first, second, and third degree.

●      Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act: This bill S.14 sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman will criminalize the possession of  guns without serial numbers, known as ghost guns, by anyone other than a licensed gunsmith, prohibit the sale of ghost guns entirely,  and require anyone manufacturing or assembling a firearm in New York to be a licensed gunsmith. It also requires New York gunsmiths to serialize any firearms, rifles, shotguns, and unfinished firearm frames or receivers  they  manufacture  or  assemble,  and  register those not otherwise covered under federal law with the Division of State Police.