New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08455

Introduced
7/11/25  
Refer
7/11/25  

Caption

Establishes the crimes of criminal sale of a flare gun in the first and second degrees; sets restrictions on and requirements for the sale of flare guns.

Impact

If enacted, S08455 would significantly affect state laws related to the sale and regulation of flare guns. The bill stipulates that sellers must verify the age of buyers via valid government-issued identification before completing any sale or transfer. Such provisions would necessitate changes to how businesses and distributors operate regarding flare gun sales, fostering a more responsible sales environment. Additionally, violators of these regulations would face penalties and fines, which introduces a legal framework for enforcement and compliance.

Summary

Bill S08455 seeks to amend New York's penal law and general business law to establish specific restrictions on the sale and distribution of flare guns. Under this bill, it would be illegal for any person or entity to sell, offer for sale, or give a flare gun to someone under the age of twenty-one. The legislation aims to enhance public safety by preventing access to these signaling devices by younger individuals, who may not fully understand their potential dangers. This age restriction aligns with regulations concerning other potentially hazardous items and reflects growing concerns over safety related to outdoor activities and emergencies.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S08455 may arise from concerns about the limitations it places on lawful sales. Critics of the bill may argue that responsible adults should be able to purchase flare guns without heavy restrictions. Industry stakeholders might express worries about the potential impact on sales and distribution channels, especially for those businesses that operate in outdoor, maritime, or emergency sectors where flare guns are vital. Furthermore, there might be debates regarding the effectiveness of age restrictions in enhancing public safety compared to education and responsible usage campaigns.

Companion Bills

NY A08920

Same As Establishes the crimes of criminal sale of a flare gun in the first and second degrees; sets restrictions on and requirements for the sale of flare guns.

Previously Filed As

NY A08920

Establishes the crimes of criminal sale of a flare gun in the first and second degrees; sets restrictions on and requirements for the sale of flare guns.

NY S08460

Adds possessing a flare gun with intent to use it unlawfully against another to the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

NY SB50

Sales tax; exempting sales tax on purchase of gun safes and guns safety devices. Effective date.

NY SB50

Sales tax; exempting sales tax on purchase of gun safes and guns safety devices. Effective date.

NY A09129

Requires lifetime post-release supervision for offenders convicted of rape in the first degree, criminal sexual act in the first degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree, course of sexual conduct against a child in the first and second degrees or sexual abuse in the first degree when the other person is less than eleven years old; prohibits good behavior allowances against a determinate sentence for a person convicted of any such crimes.

NY S09399

Establishes the crime of endangering the welfare of a companion animal or farm animal in the first and second degree.

NY A08592

Establishes the offenses of reckless endangerment of an emergency service person in the first and second degrees.

NY A10536

Imposes an excise tax on the gross receipts of the sales of firearms, major components of firearms and ammunition; establishes the gun violence prevention and school safety fund.

NY S07627

Establishes the crimes of spoofing a police agency telephone number in the first and second degrees as a class E felony and a class A misdemeanor.

NY HB06286

An Act Concerning The Disposal Of Marine And Road Flares.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.