Can I Carry My Firearm in New York after SCOTUS ruling?

The laws governing carrying a firearm in New York have not changed for out of state residents. After yesterday’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, we are getting inundated with emails, texts and phone calls from Floridians asking, “Can I now carry my concealed firearm in New York when I visit family or travel there on business?” Unfortunately, the answer is still a hard and absolute, “NO!”

May issue licensing schemes unconstitutional

The most drastic and immediate effect of yesterday’s decision is that New York and other highly restrictive states will have to change their system of licensure from a “may issue” system which left a great deal of discretion with local officials to a “shall issue” system, requiring licenses or permits to be issued to those who qualify and want to carry a firearm in public for self-defense.

States may still regulate where and how carry is allowed.

The ruling still allows states to regulate where and how a person may carry a firearm. States may still prohibit the carry of a firearm from specific locations such as schools, courthouses, bars, etc. The ruling was limited to a very specific question regarding requiring a special need above that of the general public before issuing a license to carry.

Reciprocity laws unchanged

If you could carry a concealed firearm in New York prior to the decision, you can still carry that firearm. If you were prohibited from carrying a firearm in New York before the decision, you are still prohibited from carrying one. New York will be required to change the way it issues licenses/permits to its residents. The ruling will in no way force the state to recognize out of state licenses or allow tourists and other travelers to carry a firearm while visiting the state. Further, the ruling does not prohibit a state from requiring an in-state license prior to a person carrying a firearm. Nothing about the ruling forces any state to recognize a license issued by another state.

To learn more about the landmark decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen read our analysis – click here!

Traveling to Florida? Learn about our gun laws and reciprocity – click here!

David S. Katz

About Expert Firearm Attorney David Katz. David Katz is an Expert Firearm Attorney and has been practicing law for over 14 years. He began his career as a prosecutor in Seminole County, Florida.   There, he gained invaluable experience analyzing how...
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