US Supreme Court strikes down New York gun law: How it changes things

The US Supreme Court overturned a New York gun law that requires people to show “proper cause” while carrying a firearm in public. It is considered to be the biggest gun rights ruling in more than a decade.

In its ruling, the US Supreme Court reassured Americans that the Second Amendment stays in place and firearms can be carried for self-defense. 

Also Read: ‘Disappointed’ Joe Biden blasts SCOTUS decision to strike down NY gun law

What’s going to change?

The Supreme Court ruling maintained its focus on the “proper cause” clause and did not touch other parts of New York’s gun laws. This means largely all licensing requirements will be in place. 

The court made it clear that the state can continue to make people apply for a license to carry a handgun, and can put limitations on who qualifies for a permit and where a weapon can be carried. In the future, however, New Yorkers will no longer be required to give a specific reason why they want to be able to carry a gun in public, Associated Press reported.

State legislators said they still have their backup plans when the ruling takes effect, which is not expected for a few months. Some options under discussion include requiring firearms training and a clean criminal record. The state might also prohibit handguns from being carried in certain places, like near schools or on public transit.

Also Read: One month after Uvalde shooting, gun control has a bittersweet day in US

The US Supreme Court also did not change overrule the age limit for purchasing guns in New York — a rule that was enforced by the state legislature after the Buffalo grocery store massacre.

What is going to change on the national scale?

A handful of states have laws similar to New York’s. The Biden administration has counted California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island as all having laws similar to New York’s. Connecticut and Delaware are also sometimes mentioned as states with similar laws.