ALBANY, N.Y. — A new bill introduced in the New York State Assembly would mandate that police officers seize firearms when responding to reports of domestic violence. The legislation, 2025-A544, seeks to strengthen existing laws by requiring, rather than allowing, officers to take temporary custody of weapons found at the scene.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblymembers Amy Paulin, Rebecca Seawright, William Conrad, Dana Levenberg, and Jonathan Jacobson, amends Section 140.10 of the state’s criminal procedure law. It expands law enforcement’s role in disarming individuals suspected of committing a family offense, as defined by New York law.
Under the proposed changes, officers responding to domestic violence incidents “shall take temporary custody” of any firearm, rifle, stun gun, or other weapon that is in plain sight or discovered during a lawful search. The bill also increases the minimum time before a seized weapon can be returned, extending it from 48 hours to 120 hours.
Weapons would only be returned if no order of protection, extreme risk protection order, or criminal charge prevents the owner from possessing them. A court or licensing authority would have to issue a written finding that there is no legal impediment to the weapon’s return.
If enacted, the law would take effect immediately.