New York does not have full state preemption of local firearms laws. Penal Law Article 265 sets the statewide floor, but localities — especially New York City — impose stricter licensing under the Sullivan Law (1911). Cities may regulate firearms in areas not occupied by state law.
New York occupies much of the firearms regulatory field through Penal Law Article 265 and the State Administrative Procedure framework, but it does not fully preempt local action. The Sullivan Law of 1911 (codified in Penal Law §400.00) requires a license issued by the local licensing officer — typically a county judge upstate, or the NYPD License Division in New York City — to possess a handgun. After the Supreme Court struck down NY's "proper cause" requirement in NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022), the Legislature passed the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (Chapter 371 of 2022), which expanded "sensitive locations" where carry is prohibited and added training requirements. The NY SAFE Act (2013) bans assault weapons and limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds. Localities, particularly NYC, layer additional rules on registration, transport, and ammunition sales.
Possession of an unlicensed handgun is a class C or E felony under Penal Law §265.01-b/§265.03. Penalties include 3.5-15 years prison. NYC violations of NYC Admin Code §10-131 add separate penalties up to $1,000 and one year jail.
Colonie, NY
The Town of Colonie restricts unreasonable noise audible at residential property lines, with quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The code addresses constru...
Colonie, NY
The Town of Colonie restricts overnight on-street parking from 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM on most residential streets, particularly during the November–April winter ...
Colonie, NY
The Town of Colonie limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. The f...
Colonie, NY
The Town of Colonie requires dogs to be under control by leash whenever off the owner's property. Annual licensing is required for dogs over 4 months old. Th...
Colonie, NY
The Town of Colonie regulates chickens under Article III: Confinement of Livestock of its Code (eCode360 https://ecode360.com/6718582). Chickens must be kept...
Colonie, NY
All aerial and exploding fireworks are illegal in the Town of Colonie under NY Penal Law §270.00. Albany County permits limited "sparkling devices" (ground-b...
See how Colonie's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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