Legislation pre-filed in New York by State Senator James Sanders (D-10th Senate District) will require anyone wishing to purchase a firearm to first pass a mental health evaluation.

Senate Bill 7065 has been referred to the New York Senate Consumer Protection Committee where it awaits a hearing.Current New York law requires the use of a licensed firearms dealer and passage of a federal background (NICS) check to transfer any firearm.

SB 7065 would require the mental health check prior to initiating the background check.

The implementation of a mental health evaluation for firearm transfers constitutes unprecedented government regulation and overreach. The mental health requirement would even apply to a father giving a treasured firearm to his son or daughter.

Violators of the new law would face non-violent Class D felony charges and up to 7 years in prison. Some other non-violent Class D felonies in New York include robbery, burglary and vehicular manslaughter. If you are convicted of any felony, you lose your right to own a firearm and your right to vote.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/s7065