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Bill

S 9215

Relates to certain types of imitation guns

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rachel May

Regulates imitation firearms to prevent deceptive appearances, imposing labeling, safety, and sale/display requirements on manufacturers, retailers, and sellers.

PRINT NUMBER 9215A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 9215

Summary of NY Bill S.9215 (2025-2026 Session)

Title

Relates to certain types of imitation guns

Purpose and Intent

This bill addresses imitation firearms, aiming to regulate certain characteristics, uses, or sales of nonlethal look-alike firearms to reduce confusion with real guns, improve public safety, and clarify consumer protections around imitation guns in New York.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Redefinition/Regulation of Imitation Guns:

    • The bill delineates specific criteria for what constitutes an imitation gun, which may include features such as color schemes, labeling, markings, or other design elements that make the object resemble a real firearm.
    • It potentially imposes restrictions or requirements beyond existing gun safety or consumer protection laws to prevent deceptive appearances or dangerous misperceptions.

  • Compliance and Safety Requirements:

    • Entities that produce, sell, or distribute imitation guns may be subject to regulatory standards. This could involve mandatory markings, non-lethal color codes (e.g., bright colors), packaging requirements, or documentation to ensure customers understand the item is an imitation.
    • There could be restrictions on modified or retrofitted items that would cause them to be confused with real firearms.

  • Sales and Display Restrictions:

    • The bill may prohibit or restrict the sale to certain buyers (e.g., minors) or require verification processes for purchasers.
    • Display and advertising limitations could be included to prevent misleading representations of imitation guns as real firearms.

  • Penalties and Enforcement:

    • Statutory penalties for violations by manufacturers, retailers, or distributors.
    • Allocation of enforcement responsibilities to a relevant state department or consumer protection agency, with possible penalties such as fines, injunctions, or corrective action orders.

  • Consumer Protections:

    • Clear labeling, disclosures, or warnings for consumers to distinguish imitation guns from real firearms.
    • Provisions to facilitate safe handling, storage, and transportation of imitation guns to reduce risk of harm or confusion.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and sellers of imitation guns or items that could be perceived as firearms.
  • Businesses engaged in the sale or transfer of toy guns, prop weapons, airsoft, paintball, or other look-alike devices.
  • Consumers purchasing imitation firearms, including any requirements aimed at age verification or informed purchasing.
  • Law enforcement and public safety entities overseeing compliance, enforcement, and public education regarding imitation firearms.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referral History:
    • Referred to Codes (as of February 17, 2026) for initial consideration in the legislative process.
    • Subsequently amended and re-referred to Consumer Protection (April 21, 2026), signaling a shift in jurisdiction focus toward consumer protection implications.
  • Amendments:
    • On May 4, 2026, amended and recommitted to Consumer Protection as part of Print Number 9215A, indicating changes to provisions or scope and continued progression through the legislative process.
  • Sponsorship:
    • Co-sponsor: Senator Rachel May, indicating bipartisan or executive backing in the chamber.

Notes for Readers

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated objective to regulate imitation firearms and align seller responsibilities with consumer safety standards.
  • Specific numeric details (e.g., exact penalties, effective dates, definitions) are not provided in the available summary and would be found in the full text of the bill and any amendments (e.g., Print Number 9215A).
  • For impacted businesses, tracking the bill’s final language and any regulatory guidance from the New York Department of State or consumer protection agencies will clarify compliance timelines and requirements.

If you’d like, I can extract and summarize the precise definitions, penalties, and compliance dates from the current bill text once you provide the full language or the latest amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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