New York Governor Hochul announces bold public safety measures including new firearm regulations, expanded law enforcement funding, and record reductions in statewide shootings

New York – In a significant move to bolster public safety, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has signed a series of new laws aimed at curbing gun violence, coinciding with the announcement of a remarkable 53% reduction in shootings across the state compared to the pandemic-era peak. This legislative action reinforces the state’s commitment to fighting gun violence and is accompanied by a substantial proposal in this year’s budget—a $370 million investment dedicated to enhancing crime prevention and safety measures.

“We’re taking action to drive down gun violence in the State of New York — protecting our communities and making our streets safer,” Governor Hochul said. “Public safety is my number one priority, and by giving law enforcement additional tools to stop gun violence in its tracks, we’re building on our promise to put the safety of New Yorkers first.”

The decline in gun violence is evident from the state’s statistics, which show a drop from 497 shootings from January to March in 2022 to 236 during the same period in 2025. This significant reduction has also been mirrored in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, affecting communities like Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers. Furthermore, New York City has reported a decrease in shootings, signaling a statewide success in combating gun-related crimes.

The newly enacted laws include stringent measures against gun violence. Legislation S.744/A.436 targets the use of “pistol converters,” devices that enable semi-automatic pistols to fire more rapidly. This law imposes penalties for the use of such modifications, thereby aiming to prevent the escalation of firearm lethality in crimes. Another law, S.743/A.437, builds on previous regulations requiring firearms dealers and gunsmiths to provide buyers with clear warnings about the risks associated with gun ownership, including the increased likelihood of suicide and accidental deaths.

The Governor’s budget proposal allocates $370 million to various programs aimed at reducing and preventing gun violence. Notable allocations include $50 million for the Law Enforcement Technology grant program, enhancing police capabilities through new equipment and technology, and $36 million for the GIVE initiative, supporting law enforcement and community efforts in 21 counties outside New York City.

Additional funds are earmarked for community-based programs such as the SNUG Street Outreach Program, which adopts a public health approach to tackle gun violence by identifying and addressing its root causes. This program operates across 14 communities and receives $21 million in funding.

Supporting the broader safety network, $18 million will continue to back the Crime Analysis Center Network, and $13 million will help establish the New York State Crime Analysis and Joint Special Operations Command Headquarters. This new facility aims to enhance intelligence sharing and operational cooperation across the state.

In addition to gun violence-specific measures, the budget also includes $35 million for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grants and doubles the funding for rape crisis centers to $12.8 million, reaffirming New York’s stance on comprehensive public safety and community support. This extensive funding underscores a robust approach to not only reducing gun violence but also addressing the broader spectrum of security and community resilience in New York State.