BUFFALO, N.Y. — Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Monday extending the background check waiting period and banning bump stocks.
The legislation establishes an up to 30-day waiting period for people who are not immediately approved to buy a firearm through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Current federal law required dealers to run a background check on potential buyers which then provides the dealer with one of three possible notifications -- proceed, denied, or delayed. According to the governor's office, often times by the time law enforcement has determined the potential purchaser is ineligible, the sale has already been completed. By extending the waiting period, law enforcement will be given more time to complete the background check.
The bill also prohibits possession, manufacture, transport and sale of bump stocks an similar devices that accelerate the firing rate of firearms.
