New York State Senator Pat Fahy is proposing two new bills aimed at regulating flare gun sales after a recent incident in Albany resulted in a house burning down. The first bill seeks to ban sales or transfers of flare guns to individuals aged 21 or under, imposing fines up to $500 for first-time violators, while repeat offenders could face class A misdemeanors. In addition, the second bill aims to classify the purchase or use of flare guns with criminal intent as a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for subsequent violations.
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple noted that while flare guns are not currently a widespread issue, there have been alarming incidents involving modified flare guns. This has raised concerns about youth access to such devices, prompting a dialogue about the need for stricter regulations. The elected officials advocate for safety measures to prevent future tragic events, adding that these proposed laws could serve as a vital step in addressing the potential dangers associated with flare guns.
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