Dear Neighbor, FACTS Sadly, gun violence has become an all-too-common reality in about communities and neighborhoods across the state. In response to this problem, the Assembly passed the NY SAFE Act (Secure Ammunition and Enforcement Act). This law contains regulations and standards for legal gun use, stronger penalties for criminals and a more comprehensive Kendra’s Law to address the mental health aspect of this important issue (Ch. 1 of 2013). Inside this pamphlet, you will find answers to the most common questions about the new gun- safety law. As always, if I can be of any assistance in this or any community issue, please contact my office at 914-631-1605 or email KEEPING [email protected]. Sincerely, NY SAFE the NY SAFE Act Assemblyman Abinanti Courtesy of Assemblyman 2/13 Thomas J. Abinanti How does the new gun-safety law affect you?* *For more information, see: www.assembly.state.ny.us/gunsafety/ Q: What does the NY SAFE Act do? I own an assault weapon. Q: Do I need to give it up? What do I have to do to buy a A: Using common sense and reasonable Q: gun from someone who is not reforms, the law is designed to make A: No. If you have an assault weapon, a dealer, i.e. a private seller? a safer place to live: you have until April 15, 2014 to register it ➤➤ bans high-capacity magazines and with the state police. There will be a form A: Starting March 15, 2013, a dealer military-style assault weapons available online and registration is free. If you must perform a NICS (National Instant ➤➤ ensures all gun purchases are subject permanently modify your gun so that it is not an Criminal Background Check System) to a background check assault weapon, you do not have to register it. check on the buyer. The dealer will give ➤➤ keeps guns away from convicted felons the prospective buyer a form that shows and out of the hands of those who If I don’t want to register my assault that they passed the check. pose a danger due to mental illness Q: weapon, what are my options? ***The dealer may charge no more than $10. ➤➤ toughens criminal penalties on those When must I safely store who use illegal guns A: You are able to sell the gun to a Q: New York State dealer or anyone out of my gun? How do I find out if the gun state by Jan. 15, 2014. Q: I own is banned? A: You must safely store your gun with trigger locks or secure gun A: Most handguns and guns used for Does the new law affect cabinets if you live with someone hunting are not assault weapons, and Q: magazines? who has been convicted of a felony therefore not affected by this law. When or domestic violence crime, has been involuntarily committed to a mental looking to determine whether your gun A: Yes. Beginning April 15, 2013, only health facility or is currently under an qualifies as an assault weapon, there magazines with the capacity to hold 7 rounds of order of protection. are different military characteristics of ammunition or less will be sold in New York. the gun to consider. For a list of makes, Are there increased models and features, please visit: Is there any exception for historic Q: penalties for gun crimes? www.nysafeact.com. Q: or antique guns and magazines? A: Yes. There are tougher penalties for murdering a first responder, illegal Yes, they are exempt from the prohibition A: possession of an unloaded against transfer. However, if the gun qualifies and possession of a firearm on school as an assault weapon it must be registered. grounds, recklessly injuring a child with ***Any or gun manufactured more than 50 years ago qualifies as an antique. a firearm and possessing a gun during a drug deal or violent felony.