Legislation S.6238A/A.5791A Defines the Term “Mass Shooting” to Ensure Communities Have the Resources They Need to Recover in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation S.6238A/A.5791A to clearly define the term “mass shooting” to assist emergency response measures and ensure communities have access to the emergency funding and resources needed in the aftermath of a mass shooting.
“Protecting the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers remains my top priority,” Governor Hochul said. “We have made significant progress to address the scourge of gun violence affecting our communities, making record-level investments and leading the nation in passing prevention measures. But when tragedies do occur, this legislation will help ensure our communities receive the emergency response and funding they need in the aftermath of a mass shooting.”
Based on an agreement with the Legislature, New York will define the term “mass shooting” consistently with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, meaning that a shooting incident will constitute a mass shooting if there are at least four people murdered with a firearm, shotgun, or rifle.
State Senator Zellnor Myrie said, “Too often, victims of mass shooting incidents in communities like ours aren’t given the resources and support they need to heal and recover. This new law will clarify the definition of a mass shooting, to ensure an equitable and consistent response. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman for making this new law a reality.”
Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman said, “New York State took a significant step forward in responding to the horrific epidemic of gun violence in our state, by passing, and signing into law, “A.5791A.” I want to thank Governor Hochul, my Senate sponsor, Senator Zellnor Myrie, my colleagues in the New York State Legislature, and my grassroots community partners of AD 58 Public Safety Taskforce for their support and partnership in passing this legislation. As the co-chair of the Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, I am committed to reducing gun violence and providing proper and timely care to the victims and families affected by this violence. This Bill is the commencement not the conclusion of our work to address gun violence. I look forward to building upon this legislation in the future to continue to bring the needed resources in our communities to address this epidemic of gun violence.”
December 9 2023 Albany NY