Bill > S00086

This bill, titled "Bans the sale, use or possession of 50-caliber or larger weapons," aims to prohibit the sale, use, and possession of firearms classified as "50-caliber weapons," which are defined as rifles capable of firing a center-fire cartridge of .50 caliber or larger, or any metric equivalent, excluding muzzle-loading rifles and shotguns. The bill amends various sections of the penal law to reflect this ban, making it a criminal offense to possess, sell, or use these weapons, with penalties ranging from felonies to increased sentencing for violent crimes involving them. Importantly, the bill also establishes a program managed by the Division of State Police to allow individuals currently in lawful possession of these weapons to turn them in and receive reimbursement for their fair market value, capped at $8,500 for used weapons, and mandates that licensed firearm dealers can return new 50-caliber weapons to their distributors or manufacturers for a full refund or credit. The Division of State Police is also tasked with conducting a public awareness campaign to inform people about this new program and the ban.