The NYPD announced on Friday, Oct. 14, that the agency is releasing proposed rules concerning the issuance of firearm licenses. According to agency, the proposed rules seek to amend gun licensing standards in light of the Supreme Court decision in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen, 142 S. Ct. 2111 (2022), as well as recent statewide legislation governing gun licensing. If adopted, the agency’s proposed rules will make emergency rules, issued in August and September of 2022, permanent.

 

NYPD officials said, in part, “Specifically, the proposed rules will amend the minimum age to obtain a rifle/shotgun permit from 18 to 21; codify hearing procedures for licensees whose licenses have been suspended or revoked; require applicants to attest that they have received the rules for license revocation, the laws relating to sensitive and restricted locations, and the requirements for safe storage of a firearm.”

 

The newly proposed rules, if adopted, would also eliminate the “proper cause” and “good cause” standards; update the rules to allow for electronic filing of applications and documents to obtain or renew a firearm license; and add State law requirements to receive a carry license, such as four character references and list of current and former social media accounts from the last three years.

 

It would also require applicants for a carry license to certify that they completed the training course and live-fire training course, as required, pursuant to section 400.00(19) of the Penal Law; repeal the pre-license exemption application for applicants who need to use a gun for instructional purposes; add a two-hour live firearms training requirement in connection with renewal applications for carry licenses; require that when a handgun is outside of the licensee’s immediate possession or control, the handgun is safeguarded with a safety locking device and stored in a locked container.

 

A public hearing will be held on the matter on Nov. 18, in the first-floor auditorium of 1 Police Plaza. The proposed rules will not go into effect until the NYPD posts the final rules sometime after this public hearing.