New York Passes Tough Gun Seizure Law for Domestic Violence

ALBANY, NY (October 17, 2025) — A new law requiring police to seize firearms during domestic violence calls was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, announced New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin on Friday. The legislation, effective immediately, mandates temporary custody of firearms by law enforcement responding to family or domestic violence reports, aligning with Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

Previously, under the Safe Homes Act of 2020, police had the option to remove firearms in plain sight or found during consensual or lawful searches. The new law (S.1985A / A.544) requires officers to seize firearms, including those legally carried, when responding to such incidents. Firearms and carry licenses must be returned within 120 hours unless charges are filed to protect victims.

“No one should live in fear in their own home,” Paulin said. “By ensuring that law enforcement temporarily removes firearms when responding to domestic violence calls, we’re giving survivors the time and safety they need to take their next steps. This new law will save lives and prevent tragedies.”

Harckham added, “Too many domestic violence incidents involve shootings that could be avoided if handguns and other firearms were temporarily removed from the possession of accused defendants pending court action. This common-sense law is meant to protect residents at risk of further violence.”

The legislation, first introduced in January 2023, was paused pending a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on a federal law barring gun possession for those under domestic violence restraining orders. On June 21, 2024, the court upheld the federal law, clearing the way for New York’s bill, which was re-introduced in November 2024.

The law’s passage follows recent violent incidents in New York. On Nov. 9, 2024, a Yorktown woman was fatally shot in a domestic violence incident. On Oct. 30, 2024, a child was killed and two people were critically wounded in a Somers shooting. On Oct. 16, 2024, a retired police officer in Yonkers killed his wife, an Eastchester fifth-grade teacher, before taking his own life.

Harckham emphasized the role of law enforcement in implementing the law, stating, “Now it is up to law enforcement professionals statewide to help further protect residents who experience domestic violence.”

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.