Senator Biaggi Introduces Legislation to Target the Sale and Distribution of Semi-Automatic Rifles

ALBANY, NY – New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi introduced legislation S9481 to allow a private right of action against individuals, firms, corporations, or associations who manufacture, distribute, or sell semi-automatic rifles in New York State. New Yorkers will be legally permitted to bring cases against those who allow semi-automatic rifles to enter our communities with deadly consequences.

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“Our nation’s deadliest shootings, including both Buffalo and Uvalde all possess a common denominator –– the use of an AR-15. If we are to take bold and transformative action to tackle our gun violence epidemic head on, then we must do something to limit the sale and distribution of these deadly weapons. This is why I am proud to introduce S9481, which would allow for a private right of action against a person for manufacturing, distributing, transporting, or importing into the state, selling, giving, or lending a semi-automatic rifle, including AR-15 style semi automatic rifles. After witnessing how other states like California faced legal challenges when attempting to regulate semi-automatic weapons, this legislation offers an alternative approach to tackle the  issue. 

Semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15s, are currently legal under New York State law, despite their innately lethal characteristics. Bullets fired from an AR-15 are shot with exceeding velocity, escalating typically sustainable injuries into immediate fatalities. These dangerous weapons have absolutely no place in our communities, and we must utilize every tool at our disposal to get them off our streets. The California Assembly recently passed similar legislation targeting assault weapons through a private right of action, and I sincerely hope that New York will follow suit in enacting progressive, impactful action against gun violence.” 

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