New York

New York Extends Waiting Period for Some Gun Purchases

What to Know

  • NY is extending the waiting period for certain gun purchases from 3 days to 30 days to give authorities more time to run background checks
  • Change signed into law by Gov. Cuomo will apply when a federal instant background check returns inconclusive results for potential buyer
  • Cuomo also signed legislation banning bump stocks, devices that increase the firing pace of semi-automatic weapons

New York is extending the waiting period for certain gun purchases from three days to 30 days to give authorities more time to run background checks.

The change signed into law Monday by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo will apply when a federal instant background check returns inconclusive results for a potential gun buyer.

Instant background checks are used to instantly approve or deny gun purchases.

But dealers are directed to delay the sale when a check turns up details requiring further scrutiny.

Cuomo says the 30-day wait will give authorities time to prevent dangerous people from obtaining firearms.

The change takes effect in September.

Cuomo also signed legislation banning bump stocks, devices that increase the firing pace of semi-automatic weapons.

Bump stocks are already banned at the federal level.

Copyright The Associated Press
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