Legislation in New York strengthening public safety across the state was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul recently.
The legislation cracks down on illegal 3D-printed ghost guns and DIY machine guns, as well as invests in crime-fighting technology and enhances emergency preparedness response systems.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority which is why I’m proud to deliver record investments in law enforcement to crack down on crime, strengthen critical protections for New Yorkers and keep communities across our state safe from harm,” Hochul said. “Since taking office, we’ve made significant progress driving down crime, and with this budget, we continue to bolster those efforts to prevent violence and keep New York’s families safe.”
Part of the state’s FY27 Enacted Budget, the legislation adds more than $900 million to investments in public safety initiatives, adding to the more than $3 billion already invested by the Hochul administration.
The enacted budget will require first-in-the-nation minimum safety standards for 3D printers sold in New York to be equipped with basic technology that prevents the unlicensed, illegal production of lethal firearms and firearm parts. The legislation would also require the New York State Division of Criminal Justice to lead a task force that will recommend regulations to protect New Yorkers from ghost guns, and will criminalize the unlawful possession, sale, or distribution of blueprints that allow the printing of illegal guns and gun parts, and the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms. The legislation also requires pistols sold in the state be designed in such a way that they cannot quickly and easily be turned into machine guns.
To address subway safety, the legislation will invest $77 million to support the deployment of NYPD officers in the subway system to enhance safety, and expand the Subway Co-Response Outreach Teams initiative by 50 percent to reach more locations and respond quicker to individuals in acute distress.
The budget will also establish a new Crime Analysis Center in Westchester County, invest in state crime labs, strengthen police training and develop technical assistance initiatives to support fiscally at-risk and survivor-led victim assistance programs.
The Enacted Budget will make roads safer through a pilot program to install Intelligent Speed Assistance devices in “super speeders” vehicles, as well as the expansion of automated work zone speed enforcement systems.
And lastly, the budget expands the state’s capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies and threats, as well as to provide a higher standard of care for first responders. The budget includes measures to strengthen the state’ readiness for mass violence events, partnerships to establish a new Urban Search and Rescue capability, and moves to advance a comprehensive approach to risky drone use.