Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks in Buffalo on about the start of a federal process allowing businesses to seek refunds for tariffs the U.S. Supreme Court found were imposed illegally. Hochul said New York families also deserve relief for higher costs tied to the tariffs.
Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday signed legislation as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget that she said would strengthen public safety across New York.
Highlights include cracking down on illegal 3D-printed ghost guns and DIY machine guns, investing in new technology, supporting law enforcement officers and first responders, safeguarding New York’s roads and subways, and protecting New Yorkers’ religious freedom and safety.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority which is why I’m proud to deliver record investments in law enforcement to crack down on crime, strengthen critical protections for New Yorkers and keep communities across our state safe from harm,” Hochul said. “Since taking office, we’ve made significant progress driving down crime, and with this budget, we continue to bolster those efforts to prevent violence and keep New York’s families safe.”
According to the governor’s office, Hochul has invested more than $3 billion in public safety initiatives since taking office. The FY27 budget adds $900 million to that total.
Among the measures signed into law are new regulations targeting the production of illegal firearms using 3D printers. The legislation requires minimum safety standards for 3D printers sold in New York that are intended to prevent the unlicensed production of firearms and parts. It also criminalizes the possession, sale or distribution of blueprints used to print illegal guns or components. It requires pistols sold to private citizens in the state to be designed to reduce the risk of conversion into machine guns.
Safety on the rails and roads
The governor also added $77 million to support more NYPD officers throughout the NYC subway system and announced an expansion of SCOUT teams.
Hochul also signed legislation targeting ‘super speeder’ drivers on the road; drivers with 16 or more speed camera violations in a year will now need speed-limiting devices in their vehicles.
Houses of worship
A new bill makes it a crime to intentionally block or interfere with someone entering or leaving a place or worship, or to behave threateningly within 50 feet of one in a way that makes someone fear for their safety.
The enacted budget also focuses on emergency response initiatives. It includes the development of a statewide mass violence response training program, the establishment of a new Urban Search and Rescue capability through the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, expanded authority to address dangerous drone activity and the creation of a First Responder Behavioral Health Center of Excellence.
