New York bills would tighten rules on BB guns

Two bills in the New York State legislature would bring air rifles, pellet guns and BB guns under the state's rules on imitation weapons. Senate bill S9215A, sponsored by Senator Rachel May, was introduced on 17 February 2026. Assembly bill A10701A, sponsored by Assembly member Romero, followed on 20 March 2026.

What the bills would change

Both bills would add air rifles, pellet guns and BB guns to the definition of an imitation weapon in section 871 of New York's General Business Law.

They would raise the minimum age to buy a paint pellet gun or an air gun from 16 to 18. The civil penalty for breaking the rules would rise from $500 to $1,000.

The bills would also treat makers and sellers of imitation weapons as gun industry members under sections 898a and 898b. Those sections place public nuisance duties on the gun industry. This would make the makers and sellers of air guns subject to the same duties as businesses that sell real firearms.

Guns bought before the law takes effect would be covered by a safe harbour. Some parts of the bills would apply at once and others after 60 days.

Why the sponsors say it is needed

The justification attached to the bills cites a Washington Post database that lists more than 300 people shot dead by police while carrying imitation weapons. It also cites a report by the New York Attorney General that counted six such deaths in three years.

The Senate bill moved from the Codes committee to the Consumer Protection committee and was recommitted on 4 May 2026. The Assembly bill was amended and recommitted to the Consumer Affairs and Protection committee on 14 May 2026. Neither bill has had a floor vote. Both remain in committee.

What it means for players

Airsoft guns are already treated as imitation weapons in New York, and the bills mainly widen that definition to air guns. The age change would matter for younger players. The industry member clause is the part that sellers will watch most closely, because public nuisance duties can lead to lawsuits.

Players and shops in New York can follow both bills on the state legislature's website. We will report any committee vote.