Two newly signed New York laws expand firearm-storage duties and align ammunition background checks with state firearm restrictions.

New York gun safety laws signed Wednesday expand the state’s safe-storage rules and block ammunition sales to people who are legally prohibited from possessing rifles or shotguns. The package includes a measure known as Francesco’s Law, named for a 17-year-old who died by suicide after gaining access to an unsecured shotgun.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bills at the New Yorkers Against Gun Violence annual benefit dinner on October 21. The event fell on the fifth anniversary of Francesco’s death. His mother, Diana Cochran, helped establish Francesco’s Foundation and has advocated for stronger safe-storage requirements.

The laws affect firearm owners, ammunition sellers and state agencies. They also carry practical importance for families across the Mohawk Valley because safe storage can reduce unauthorized access during a moment of crisis, a burglary or a child’s impulsive decision.

What the new ammunition law does

Senate bill S.7236, paired with Assembly bill A.7983, changes New York’s ammunition background-check rules. It requires a denial when the buyer is prohibited from possessing a rifle or shotgun under state law, federal law or a temporary or final extreme risk protection order.

New York already conducts background checks for ammunition purchases. The change closes a mismatch identified by the bill sponsors: some people barred under New York-specific firearm rules could still fall outside the federal criteria used for ammunition screening.

The official Senate bill page for S.7236 says the measure took effect immediately upon signing. The bill passed the Senate 48-11 in May, according to the legislative record.

That means ammunition purchasers should expect the state system to apply the same core legal disqualifications used for rifle and shotgun possession, including active extreme risk protection orders. The law does not create a general ban on ammunition purchases by lawful gun owners.

Francesco’s Law expands safe-storage requirements

Assembly bill A.1962-B and Senate bill S.9629 are known as Francesco’s Law. The law expands the duty to secure rifles, shotguns and firearms in an appropriate locked storage container when they are not in the owner’s immediate possession or control.

The earlier framework focused heavily on homes where a minor or a person prohibited from possessing a firearm lived. The new law closes a gap by applying the storage requirement more broadly, including situations where an owner knows or has reason to know that a minor or prohibited person is likely to gain access.

The official bill text defines a minor as a person under 18 and a prohibited person as someone barred from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. The storage provisions take effect 90 days after the bill became law.

Penalties depend on what happens

Francesco’s Law strengthens penalties when an unsecured weapon is accessed by a minor or prohibited person. The exact charge depends on the facts, including whether someone gains access and whether the weapon is used to cause injury or death.

The law includes exceptions, including when a firearm is obtained through unlawful entry or in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of another person. It also preserves provisions for lawful supervised use and hunting under applicable state rules.

Because criminal liability depends on specific facts, firearm owners who are uncertain about compliance should review the official bill text and seek qualified legal guidance. A retailer, shooting club or advocacy group may explain storage products, but it cannot replace legal advice about an individual situation.

Why safe storage is a public-health issue

A firearm can turn a short crisis into an irreversible death. Safe storage creates time and distance between a person and a lethal means. That extra time can allow a family member, counselor or emergency responder to intervene.

The Governor’s Office said Francesco died in 2021 after accessing an unsecured shotgun. The legislation bearing his name is intended to prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss.

New York’s Office of Mental Health advises gun owners to store firearms locked and unloaded and to help remove firearms from a home when someone is in crisis, until the danger has passed. Anyone who is thinking about suicide, experiencing emotional distress or worried about someone else can call or text 988 for free, confidential support at any time. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Phoenix readers can also review our earlier coverage of New York’s End Family Fire safe-storage campaign and our practical guidance on safely storing and surrendering an unwanted firearm.

What responsible storage looks like

The law uses the concept of an appropriate locked storage container. The safest setup depends on the firearm and household, but several practices can reduce risk:

Safe-storage checklist

• Store every firearm unloaded when it is not in use.
• Use a locked gun safe, lockbox or other secure container designed for firearms.
• Keep keys and access codes away from children and anyone who should not have access.
• Store ammunition separately in a locked container.
• Use a cable lock or trigger lock as an added layer, not as a substitute for secure storage when a locked container is required.
• Reassess access immediately when a household member is experiencing a mental-health or substance-use crisis.
• Ask local law enforcement about safe surrender before transporting an unwanted firearm. Do not arrive at a police station carrying an unannounced weapon.

Safe storage is not simply about obeying a rule. It protects children, visitors, family members, first responders and gun owners themselves. It can also reduce theft, which is one way legally purchased guns enter illegal markets.

How the laws affect Mohawk Valley families

The new laws apply statewide, including Oneida, Herkimer, Madison and Otsego counties. Gun ownership is common in many upstate communities for hunting, sport and personal protection. That makes clear, practical information especially important.

Families should not assume that hiding a firearm is the same as securing it. Children and teenagers often know more about household storage places than adults realize. A locked container with controlled access offers a much stronger barrier than a drawer, closet shelf or vehicle console.

Ammunition sellers will also need to ensure that state background checks reflect the expanded disqualifying criteria. Buyers who are denied should use the official review or appeal process rather than attempting another purchase through a different seller or person.

Official video and photo information

The Governor’s Office provided an official video of the bill-signing event. The complete video is embedded below and is also available through the original YouTube link.

The release also links to the Governor’s official Flickr albums. Utica Phoenix did not import those photographs because the album page did not provide a clear reusable license for the relevant images.

What happens next

The ammunition-background-check change took effect immediately. The main storage and penalty provisions of Francesco’s Law take effect 90 days after enactment, according to the official bill text. State agencies will also have reporting responsibilities related to injuries and deaths involving minors and unsecured firearms.

Residents can read the Governor’s announcement, the official legislative pages and the New York State 988 resource for more information.

Useful share: If someone you know owns a firearm, share the safe-storage checklist and the 988 number. A respectful conversation before a crisis can prevent a permanent loss.