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Bill

A 1902

Relates to the definition of assault weapons

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Smullen

A 1902 seeks to redefine assault weapons in NY law, changing which firearms fall under bans, licensing, and possession rules, impacting buyers, dealers, and enforcers.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1902

Bill Summary: A 1902 — Relates to the definition of assault weapons

Overview

A 1902 is a New York Assembly bill introduced on January 14, 2025, titled “Relates to the definition of assault weapons.” The bill’s status shows it has been referred to the Codes Committee. The primary sponsor is Assemblymember Robert Smullen. The available information does not include the bill’s actual text or provisions, only its title and procedural posture.

Purpose and intent

  • The stated purpose, inferred from the title, is to modify the statutory definition of “assault weapons” within New York law.
  • By redefining what qualifies as an assault weapon, the bill would determine which firearms are subject to related prohibitions, restrictions, licensing, sales, or possession rules currently applicable to assault weapons.

Note: The specific criteria, features, thresholds, or exemptions that would be added or removed are not provided in the available data. The impact depends entirely on the exact statutory language once released.

Key provisions (as available)

  • Textual provisions are not provided. Therefore, the exact changes to the definition (e.g., which firearm features or configurations are included or excluded) cannot be stated here.
  • The bill’s effect would hinge on the revised criteria used to classify a firearm as an assault weapon, and how that classification interacts with existing laws (permissions, prohibitions, and penalties).

Who/what would be affected

  • Individuals and entities that possess, purchase, sell, or transfer firearms that could fall under the revised definition.
  • Firearm dealers and manufacturers in New York, who would need to comply with any amended rules for assault weapons.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts, which would enforce and interpret the updated definition within related criminal statutes.
  • Potentially sporting, hunting, or collection communities if exemptions or distinctions are altered by the new definition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Codes Committee (listed twice in the legislative actions, indicating a routine referral).
  • Next steps (typical for this stage): The Codes Committee would review, hold hearings, and potentially amend the bill before it could advance to floor votes in the Assembly. If passed, it would move to the Senate for consideration and potential enactment. Timelines depend on committee action and legislative scheduling.

Related bills

  • A 4974 (prior-session)
  • A 5280 (prior-session)
  • A 2758 (prior-session)
  • A 4808 (prior-session)
  • A 2093 (prior-session)
  • A 4688 (prior-session)

These related bills suggest recurring legislative interest in altering the definition of assault weapons in prior sessions, potentially sharing goals or models for A 1902.

Important note

The exact policy impact cannot be determined without the bill’s full text. For a complete analysis, the formal language specifying the revised definition and any associated provisions (effective dates, exemptions, penalties, and implementation details) should be reviewed once available.

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

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