A00814 (Chap. 26): New Public Awareness Campaign on Safe Firearm Storage and Child Access Prevention

What the Law Does

Chapter 26 of the Laws of 2025 directs the New York Commissioner of Health to develop and implement a public awareness campaign focused on the safe storage of firearms, rifles, and shotguns and child access prevention^[1]. The campaign must address the risks of unsecured firearms in homes where minors are present and promote best practices for secure storage. The Senate companion S00746 was substituted by A00814, which was signed by Governor Hochul on February 14, 2025^[2].

This law complements existing New York safe storage obligations. Under Penal Law 265.45, it is a criminal offense to fail to safely store a rifle, shotgun, or firearm when a person resides with a minor under 18 or a prohibited person. A separate but related statute, PL 265.46, specifically addresses situations where a child under 16 is likely to gain access to an unsecured firearm. Together, these provisions create overlapping safe storage duties. The public awareness campaign is designed to increase voluntary compliance with both requirements.

Current Status

Signed into law as Chapter 26 of the Laws of 2025. The Department of Health is responsible for developing and launching the campaign.

What to Watch

The law establishes the mandate but leaves the content, format, and distribution channels of the campaign to the Department of Health. Watch for the rollout timeline and whether the campaign includes partnerships with pediatricians, schools, and community organizations. The effectiveness will depend heavily on the funding allocated and the reach of the messaging.