New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08853

Introduced
6/9/25  

Caption

Relates to prohibiting the possession of certain 50 caliber firearms; directs the division of state police to embark on a program whereby persons currently in lawful possession of such weapons may be reimbursed for the fair market value thereof upon turning in such weapons to a designated officer.

Impact

If enacted, A08853 would significantly impact firearm regulations within New York State by banning a specific category of high-power weapons. Individuals currently in lawful possession of these firearms would need to surrender them to the state police. In exchange, the legislation establishes a program to reimburse individuals for the fair market value of their surrendered weapons, although this payment would not exceed $8,500. The bill underscores the state's commitment to reducing access to firearms deemed excessively dangerous.

Summary

Assembly Bill A08853, officially titled the '50 Caliber Threat Reduction Act,' proposes to amend the penal and executive laws of New York to prohibit the possession, use, and sale of firearms classified as 50 caliber weapons. These weapons are defined as those capable of firing a center-fire cartridge of caliber 50 or greater, or capable of discharging projectiles with a muzzle energy of twelve thousand foot-pounds or more. The legislation aims to address what the New York legislature identifies as an imminent threat to public safety posed by these powerful firearms.

Contention

The bill has raised notable points of contention among stakeholders. Supporters argue that banning 50 caliber weapons will enhance public safety, especially in urban areas vulnerable to gun violence. However, opponents express concern that the legislation may infringe on Second Amendment rights and create complications for lawful firearm owners. Critics also debate the efficiency of such a targeted approach when considering broader issues related to gun violence and existing laws. Overall, the bill reflects ongoing tensions between regulatory efforts and individual rights in the context of firearm ownership.

Companion Bills

NY S04277

Same As Relates to prohibiting the possession of certain 50 caliber firearms; directs the division of state police to embark on a program whereby persons currently in lawful possession of such weapons may be reimbursed for the fair market value thereof upon turning in such weapons to a designated officer.

Previously Filed As

NY S02978

Relates to prohibiting the possession of certain 50 caliber firearms; directs the division of state police to embark on a program whereby persons currently in lawful possession of such weapons may be reimbursed for the fair market value thereof upon turning in such weapons to a designated officer.

NY A05285

Requires certain evidence or samples for DNA analysis to be accepted by the New York state police forensic investigation center from any firearm, rifle, shotgun, ammunition or magazine loading device when the sole charge is criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and criminal possession of a firearm.

NY S05961

Requires certain evidence or samples for DNA analysis to be accepted by the New York state police forensic investigation center from any firearm, rifle, shotgun, ammunition or magazine loading device when the sole charge is criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and criminal possession of a firearm.

NY A04729

Permits courts to remand a principal to the custody of the sheriff for felony offenses involving the possession of firearms and weapons.

NY A06003

Relates to criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; increases penalties for possession of a weapon on subways and mass transit trains.

NY A00442

Establishes the offense of unlawful possession of firearms by persons under twenty-one.

NY S07642

Includes within the class A misdemeanor of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, the possession of a firearm, rifle or shotgun, outside the home, while impaired or intoxicated by use of alcohol or drugs; increases maximum fine for such offense to $10,000; provides for chemical testing of certain persons for whom there is reasonable cause to believe are in violation of such provision; provides for revocation of firearms permit upon conviction or refusal of a chemical test.

NY A08032

Includes within the class A misdemeanor of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, the possession of a firearm, rifle or shotgun, outside the home, while impaired or intoxicated by use of alcohol or drugs; increases maximum fine for such offense to $10,000; provides for chemical testing of certain persons for whom there is reasonable cause to believe are in violation of such provision; provides for revocation of firearms permit upon conviction or refusal of a chemical test.

NY S01701

Requires persons possessing any firearm to hold a firearms safety certificate; establishes application and training process therefor; makes technical corrections.

NY A07885

Requires persons possessing any firearm to hold a firearms safety certificate; establishes application and training process therefor; makes technical corrections.

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