N.Y.’s Ground-Breaking Gun-Control Bill Signed

Gov. George Pataki on Wednesday signed into law a sweeping gun-control bill that requires mandatory trigger locks, a sophisticated tracking system for weapons and background checks at gun shows.

“This is something the rest of the nation should take a look at,” Pataki said. “I hope this serves as a model.”

With the law, New York becomes the first state in the nation to close a loophole in the federal Brady Law, which requires gun sales by federally licensed firearm dealers to be accompanied by background checks. Sales at gun shows currently do not require such checks, however, unless the firearms are sold by a federally licensed dealer.

The law’s centerpiece would require New York handgun dealers and manufacturers who sell to dealers in the state to submit shell casings from the test firing of guns in their inventories to the state police’s forensic lab. Computerized images of the casings would be kept on file.

Authorities would check the database against bullets and casings recovered at crime scenes to track the guns. Gun barrels leave telltale markings on bullets and shell casings.

The law raises the legal age for purchasing handguns in New York state from 18 to 21, bans all assault weapons listed under a 1994 federal law and makes it a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison to possess or sell any banned assault weapon. It also requires firearms retailers to include child safety locking devices with all purchases.

Pataki stressed that the legislation is aimed at those engaged in illegal activity and not those who own guns to protect their homes, families or for hunting.

“New York has taken a courageous stand here,” said Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.), whose husband was killed and her son critically wounded by a gunman who went on a shooting rampage on a train in 1992. “Today is a victory for not only the victims of crimes but for those who have not been victims.”