New York to require domestic abusers to give up firearms

ALBANY, N.Y. – New York state will now prohibit anyone convicted of domestic violence from possessing a firearm.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo (KWOH’-moh) signed the new law on Tuesday.

Previously, the state required anyone convicted of a felony and certain misdemeanours to give up their firearms. But the law didn’t apply to misdemeanour domestic violence crimes.

The law’s sponsor in the state Senate, Republican Elaine Phillips of Long island, says victims of domestic violence are five times more likely to be killed when their abuser has a gun.

Another provision of the new law will prohibit individuals wanted on felony charges from obtaining or renewing a firearm license.