S08411 (Vetoed): AG Access to Criminal Gun Clearinghouse Blocked by Governor

What the Bill Would Have Done

Senate Bill 8411 was an omnibus enforcement bill that included several provisions expanding the Attorney General's investigatory and enforcement powers^[1]. The firearms-relevant provision would have required the Superintendent of State Police to provide the Department of Law (the Attorney General's office) with "direct, real-time access to the criminal gun clearinghouse" — the state database that tracks firearms recovered in criminal investigations. The bill also addressed AG enforcement powers in other areas including civil rights investigations in schools and health facility billing^[2].

The Assembly companion A08869 was substituted by S08411, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by Governor Hochul via Veto Memo 53 on October 16, 2025.

Current Status

Vetoed. The veto memo (No. 53) outlines the Governor's reasons for rejecting the bill. The gun clearinghouse access provision may be reintroduced as a standalone measure or incorporated into future legislation.

What to Watch

The veto is notable because the Governor signed the domestic violence firearms custody bill (S01985) on the same day she vetoed this one, suggesting the objection was specific to this bill's provisions rather than a general reluctance to sign firearms legislation. Watch for a revised version that addresses the Governor's concerns, potentially narrowing the scope of AG access or adding oversight mechanisms.