Requires notification of firearm denials to local law enforcement and the local prosecutor having jurisdiction where the prohibited person sought to acquire the firearm

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Kavanagh

New law requires the state to notify local police and prosecutors within two days of a firearm denial and obligates local police to start an investigation within five days.

PRINT NUMBER 9486B

Summary of Bill S. 9486-B (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

This bill expands the notification requirements related to firearm denials for individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm. It aims to ensure that both local law enforcement and the local prosecutor are promptly informed when a denial occurs, and it imposes a duty on local law enforcement to begin criminal investigations within a specified timeframe.

Key provisions and changes

Notification to local authorities (new subdivision 2-a, §228, Exec L):

When the state division (under Executive Law §228) reports a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or (n) and the reason for the denial to the national system (NICS), it must also report, within two business days, to:
i) the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction where the person sought to acquire the firearm; and
ii) the local prosecutor with jurisdiction over the location where the person sought to acquire the firearm.
The report must include the prohibited person’s name, date of birth, physical description, and the reason for the denial.

Duty to investigate (new subdivision 2-a, §228, Exec L):

Upon receipt of the notice, the local law enforcement agency is required to initiate a criminal investigation within five business days.

Affected parties and scope

Prohibited individuals: Individuals denied possession of a firearm under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or (n)).

Local law enforcement: Agencies with jurisdiction where the firearm purchase attempt occurred are now explicitly required to receive notification and to begin investigations promptly.

Local prosecutors: Prosecutors in the jurisdiction where the purchase attempt occurred receive notification and have a defined role in potential subsequent actions.

State division (Executive Law reference): Must include the specified information in its reports to NICS and, additionally, must forward the data to local authorities within the stated timeframe.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Reporting timeline to local authorities: Within two business days of reporting to NICS.

Investigation initiation: Local law enforcement must initiate a criminal investigation within five business days of receiving the notification.

Effective date: The act takes effect 60 days after becoming law.

Practical impact and considerations

Enhances local-level situational awareness by ensuring local agencies are promptly informed of firearm denials.

Potentially accelerates local investigations into attempted firearm purchases by prohibited individuals.

Creates a structured coordination mechanism between state reporting systems and local investigators and prosecutors.

Requires timely data transmission, with clear deadlines that local agencies must meet.

sponsors: Sen. Kavanagh (primary) with Sen. Brian Kavanagh as co-sponsor.