Exempts certain persons from the crime of criminal possession of a firearm, rifle or shotgun in a sensitive location

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Chludzinski

Creates exemptions for certain people to carry firearms in designated sensitive locations without criminal liability.

REFERRED TO CODES

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A 7024

Overview

Bill number: A 7024

Title: Exempts certain persons from the crime of criminal possession of a firearm, rifle or shotgun in a sensitive location

Sponsor: Patrick Chludzinski (primary)

Introduced: March 18, 2025

Status: REFERRED TO CODES (as of introduction date)

Legislative actions to date: both entries show 2025-03-18, REFERRED TO CODES

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to create exemptions to the existing criminal possession of a firearm in a sensitive location offense. In other words, it would allow certain individuals to possess a firearm in locations designated as sensitive, without facing criminal liability for possession under statutes currently prohibiting such possession.

The exact scope of who qualifies for the exemption and which locations are considered “sensitive” would be defined in the bill’s text. The summary here indicates that exemptions are limited to “certain persons” and that definitions will be provided within the statute.

Key provisions (as introduced)

Exemption framework: The bill would establish specific exemptions from the crime of criminal possession of a firearm, rifle or shotgun when possessed by the qualifying individuals in designated sensitive locations.

Definitions to be provided: The bill would define:

“Sensitive location” (the specific places protected by the restriction, such as government facilities, schools, or other places identified in the statute)
“Certain persons” (the classes or categories of individuals who would qualify for the exemption)

Relationship to existing law: The exemptions would operate within the existing criminal possession framework, providing carve-outs for those meeting the defined criteria while other individuals would remain subject to current penalties.

Affected parties

Potentially affected groups: Individuals who fall into the bill’s defined “certain persons” category and who would carry or possess firearms in spaces designated as sensitive under the bill’s definitions.

Implications for enforcement: Law enforcement and prosecutors would apply the exemption to qualifying individuals, while remaining enforcement for others would continue under existing law.

Procedural/timeline notes

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced on March 18, 2025 and referred to the Codes Committee in the Assembly. The status indicates no further action listed beyond the referral as of the information provided.

Related legislation:

S 9299 (prior-session)
S 234 (companion) [listed twice, indicating a senate companion and possibly duplicate listing]

Related bills and context

Companion and related bills in the Senate (S 234) and prior-session S 9299 are noted. If enacted, these companion measures would need to align with A 7024 to ensure parallel effective policy in both houses.

Potential impact and considerations

Policy impact: If enacted, the bill would reduce liability for a defined group of individuals possessing firearms in certain locations, which could affect safety dynamics, enforcement priorities, and operational procedures for authorized personnel.

Safety and compliance: Clear definitions and training would be essential to ensure that exemptions are properly applied and do not create unintended loopholes.

Next steps: Monitor for further committee action, potential amendments, or passage by both houses, and eventual signature or veto by the governor. The exact effects will depend on the precise definitions of “sensitive location” and “certain persons” included in the final text.