New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said July 30 that she plans to introduce legislation requiring firearm sales to take place in person. She expects to introduce the measure at the start of the next legislative session. No bill text was included in the announcement.

What changes now

Hochul also announced several immediate administrative steps. The New York State Police will prioritize onsite inspections of state-licensed firearm dealers determined to be sources of crime guns. State Police will work with the attorney general's office on enforcement involving dealers repeatedly traced to crime guns when appropriate.

The state will also expand its Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns and launch a campaign reminding firearm dealers and licensing officials that New York requirements remain in effect despite changes at the federal level. The campaign will use direct mail and email, according to the governor's office.

What remains a proposal

The in-person sales requirement is not yet law. Hochul's office said the planned measure would amend New York's penal law and align firearm sales with the state's in-person requirement for ammunition sales. Until legislation is filed and enacted, the announcement does not itself change how lawful firearm transfers must be completed in New York.