A product image of the SSAR-15® MOD ADJUSTABLE AR-15 BUMP STOCK produced by Slide Fire Solutions. This aftermarket stock uses the recoil of a semi-automatic firearm to fire multiple shots in rapid succession, according to the manufacturer.
Bill would make it a class D felony to possess, sell, or transport accessories to accelerate the firing rate of a semiautomatic weapon
Legislation comes in the wake of Las Vegas shooting in which gunman Stephen Paddock used a bump-fire stock to convert his firearms into virtually automatic weapons
State Senator Brad Hoylman, D-Manhattan, introduced legislation on October 6 that would outlaw the possession, sale, or transport of accessories to accelerate the firing rate of a semiautomatic weapon, including bump-fire stocks.
The legislation comes in the wake of the October 1 mass shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest in U.S. history, in which the gunman used a bump-fire stock to convert his firearms into virtually automatic weapons.
While it is against the law in New York to modify a firearm in a way that effectively makes it an automatic weapon, residents can still possess bump-fire stocks under current law.
The senator’s bill (S.6902) would eliminate this loophole by making it a class D felony to possess, transport, sell or ship accessories to accelerate the firing rate of a semiautomatic weapon.
Specifically, the bill adds a new subdivision to Section 265.00 of the Penal Law to ban “any instrument, attachment, weapon or appliance causing or intended to cause the firing rate of a semiautomatic weapon to increase.”
“As we continue to make sense of Sunday’s tragic events, one thing is clear: the gunman’s use of bump-fire stocks made a horrific situation exponentially more deadly,” Hoylman said. “Accessories that accelerate the firing rate of a semiautomatic weapon are nothing less than instruments of death. While New York has outlawed the use of these items, a loophole in our laws allows individuals to continue to possess, sell, or transport them within our state — endangering the lives of our residents.
The bill also makes it illegal for New Yorkers to have one in their vehicle.
“While we still need strong federal legislation to protect Americans from the ever-growing threat of gun violence,” Hoylman continued, “in the face of congressional inaction, states must take the lead. There can be no lawful purpose to possess a firearm accessory that enables a single individual to unleash almost limitless carnage. It is time to close this loophole once and for all.”
The bill is co-sponsored by four Democrats: John Brooks, Tim Kennedy, Liz Krueger and Todd Kaminsky.
The bill would take effect 90 days after it is passed and signed by the governor. It currently resides in the Rules Committee.
“This is common sense legislation,” Brooks said. “We’ve seen the unimaginable devastation caused by bump stocks and other devices that turn legal firearms into lethal fully-automatic machine guns, and we cannot allow that to happen in New York.
“People intent on causing mass destruction and loss of life cannot be aided by loopholes in our laws. Let’s close the gap, and put our thoughts and prayers into action.”
A drawing that is included in the patent granted to Slide Fire Solutions, Inc., the manufacturer of a popular bump firing system.
