On Thursday, May 21, the New York Senate and Assembly used the State Budget as a vehicle to not only finance state government, but also pass a handful of their other policy priorities. This was a strategic and calculated procedural move to put divisive legislation into an all-or-nothing budget bill. Despite having a trifecta of control, Majority Democrats needed over a dozen extenders after missing their April 1 budget deadline.
In the midst of Albany’s dysfunction, both chambers included a brazen ban on an entire class of firearms and 3D printing in state budget. Specifically, they included language banning “convertible pistols.” This move creates a ban on an entire class of commonly-owned handguns, any gun with a “cruciform trigger bar.” These guns are banned whether or not a conversion device is actually installed or even possessed.
The budget bill also included restrictions on 3D printing. Among other things, it would require government permission to simply buy printers not equipped with blocking technology which prevents the printing of firearms or component parts. Simply possessing digital files could subject individuals to the harsh felony-level penalties. It also includes potential civil penalties.
S.9005C/A.10005C passed the Senate and Assembly on nearly straight party line votes with all Republicans opposing. Obviously, this bill raises a whole host of constitutional questions. New York State is no stranger to being sued over its unconstitutional gun laws, but Majority Democrats seemed unmoved by these arguments.
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