New York lawmakers are considering a new bill that would require social media checks as part of the gun permit application process.
The legislation would also ban concealed weapons from so-called “sensitive locations” like Times Square and public transit.
The bill comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered the state legislature to convene for an emergency session in response to the Supreme Court ruling that struck down a law requiring permit applicants to give a “proper cause”.
Under the new legislation, applicants would be required to show they have the “essential character, temperament and judgement necessary to be entrusted with a weapon and to use it only in a manner that does not endanger oneself and others”.
Applicants would have to list any social media accounts they’ve had in the past three years “to confirm the information regarding the applicant’s character and conduct. However, it is unclear if they would have to give officials access to their private accounts.
They would also have to provide four character references, take 16 hours of firearms safety training and two hours of practice at a range, undergo periodic background checks and turn over the contact information of their spouse, domestic partner or any other adults living in their household, reported Axios.
“We are confident that we are providing New York, again, an opportunity not only to be able to have their concealed carry, but also to make New Yorkers safe,” state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said Friday.
Private businesses will be off limits to firearms unless owners post visible signage indicating otherwise.
Weapons will be barred from places of worship, sports arenas, parks, libraries, government buildings, playgrounds, entertainment venues, protests and businesses that serve alcohol.
While Hochul is expected to sign the legislation as soon as it passes through, there are some expected legal challenges.
“They didn’t just go up to the line. They trampled on the Supreme Court decision,” said Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.