Attorney General James Releases Statement on New York’s Concealed Carry Laws

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit allowed a majority of the provisions of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) to remain in effect pending the conclusion of lower court proceedings.  

“Today's decision to permit the state to enforce critical provisions of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act as the court process moves forward will help keep New Yorkers safe. This commonsense law was enacted to keep guns out of dangerous hands and away from schools, hospitals, parks, public transportation, and other sensitive locations. My office will continue to defend New York’s gun laws and use every tool to protect New Yorkers from senseless gun violence.”  

Today’s decision allows a majority of New York’s concealed carry requirements to stay in effect pending decisions in the lower courts. The concealed carry permit requirements upheld in today’s decision include the requirement to demonstrate good moral character and to disclose household and family members on a permit application. In addition, the decision upholds the ban on concealed carry in all sensitive places with the exception of places of worship. The decision also allows all private property owners, including owners of places of worship, to prohibit firearms on their property, including through the postage of signs. The requirements for an in-person interview, character references, and 16 hours of training are also still in effect.   

The CCIA took effect in September 2022, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. The law strengthens requirements for concealed carry permits to keep New Yorkers safe.