New York Extends Gun Background Checks, Bans Bump Stocks

New York gun buyers may wait up to 30 days for background checks under a new law signed Monday by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo signed legislation to extend the background check waiting period from three days to as much as 30 for gun buyers who are not immediately approved, as well as a ban on bump stocks, the governor’s office announced.

“By signing these measures into law we are strengthening our nation-leading gun laws — banning devices whose sole purpose is to create the most bloodshed in the shortest timeframe and providing law enforcement the tools they need to stop firearms from falling into dangerous hands.” Cuomo said in a statement.

The legislation passed both houses in January, according to the New York Post.

New York gun dealers are required to perform National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background checks on potential gun buyers, resulting in notifications to “proceed,” “denied,” or “delayed.”

The review typically took three days before the dealer could move forward or refuse the sale, a judgment they could make even if the background check came back “delayed.”

Under the new law, dealers must wait 30 days for a “delayed” result to be fully investigated. If the check cannot be completed within 30 days, the sale must be stopped, according to Newsday.

The measure also bans bump stocks, a spring-like device that can be attached to a semi-automatic gun, allowing it to fire at a rapid rate similar to fully automatic. 

Bump stocks are already banned on a federal level, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF).

“This legislation extending the background check waiting period and banning bump stocks will help to ensure that firearms do not get into the wrong hands and bans the use of devices that have been used to wreak havoc,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.