Advocacy initiatives
policy priorities
Learn more about our state and federal legislative priorities.
Too many children and teens can access unlocked guns at home—with tragic, preventable consequences.
Francesco’s Law would:
- Require guns to be locked whenever they’re not in the owner’s immediate control
- Hold adults accountable if a child or prohibited person gains access to an unsecured gun
- Reserve the most serious penalties only for the most severe outcomes, like when access leads to a death
This law is about treating gun storage like other basic safety practices—the same way we use seatbelts, smoke alarms, and childproof medicine bottles. Strong storage laws are proven to reduce accidental shootings and youth suicide.
Right now, New York State can buy firearms and ammunition without checking whether sellers have a history of breaking gun laws.
NYAGV supports legislation that would:
- Require state agencies to buy firearms only from responsible, law-abiding vendors
- Prevent taxpayer money from going to dealers linked to gun trafficking or serious violations
- Push the firearms industry toward safer, more accountable business practices
If New York is spending public money, it should be doing so in a way that protects the public—not puts communities at risk.
Some semi-automatic pistols can be easily modified with cheap devices to fire like machine guns—dramatically increasing the danger in shootings.
NYAGV backs legislation that would:
- Clearly define these “convertible pistols” in state law
- Ban their manufacture, sale, and shipment
- Penalize people and dealers who traffic these weapons
- Maintain exemptions for law enforcement and the military
This closes a growing loophole before more rapid-fire weapons flood New York’s streets.
3D-printed guns are untraceable, increasingly common, and easy to make with downloaded files.
NYAGV supports a comprehensive approach that would:
- Make it illegal to sell or share digital files used to 3D-print guns
- Penalize the manufacture of ghost guns, including 3D-printed guns and unfinished parts
- Require all recovered 3D-printed guns to be reported to the state for tracking and analysis
- Establish first-in-the-nation safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers so printers can block gun designs—similar to how software already blocks counterfeit money
The state would first confirm the technology works, then set clear standards and hold companies accountable if their products contribute to harm.
Why This Matters
Together, these priorities:
- Protect kids and teens from preventable tragedies
- Reduce illegal guns and dangerous weapons
- Hold negligent actors accountable
- Keep New York at the forefront of smart, effective gun safety policy
Gun violence is not inevitable. These are common-sense steps that save lives—and New York can lead the way.
Lobbying & organizing
Direct Lobbying
We engage federal, state and local elected officials in direct lobbying efforts and meetings to urge support for laws addressing gun violence and its root causes.
Rallies, Marches & Protests
Throughout the state, NYAGV and Youth Over Guns work with other organizations to organize and lead grassroots events to raise awareness and advocate for reforms.
Community Education
We are committed to educating New Yorkers about holistic solutions to gun violence through community forums, workshops and other events (both in-person and virtual). Learn more at NYAGV Ed Fund.
Contact us if you’d like to bring one of these events to your area