Proposed New York bill aims to confiscate firearms during domestic disputes

New York lawmakers are preparing to reintroduce a bill that would require police to temporarily seize firearms found during domestic incidents. This measure builds on the Safe Homes Act of 2020, which currently allows but does not require officers to seize weapons that are visible or discovered with consent.

Advocates such as State Sen. Pete Harckham emphasized that the bill focuses on safety, not gun control, citing the increase in domestic violence deaths involving firearms. Security planning can be made by keeping the weapons for at least five days.

Critics, including gun rights advocates, argue the bill violates Second Amendment rights and due process. Supporters counter with data linking the elimination of firearms to reduced domestic violence homicides. Lawmakers are optimistic the bill will withstand legal challenges in line with recent Supreme Court rulings.

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