ALBANY — New York State lawmakers passed a number of bills intended to tighten gun legislation last week.

The initial package of ten gun law bills was introduced to the State Senate and Assembly was an­nounced by Governor Kathy Hochul, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie on May 31.

One bill that was passed  raises the minimum age from 18 to 21 to purchase a semiautomatic rifle.

Another bill bans civilians from purchasing bullet-resistant armor-vests, ex­cluding individuals who work in law enforcement or other, specific professions.

Lawmakers also broadend the “red flag” law, which expanded the list of people who can file for extreme risk protection orders. This would allow courts to temporarily seize firearms from people who are believed to be a danger to others or themselves.

“Gun violence is an epidemic that is tearing our country apart. Thoughts and prayers won’t fix this, but taking strong action will,” Governor Hochul said. “In New York, we’re taking bold steps to protect the people of our state.”

Incumbent 51st Senate District Senator Peter Oberacker (R) shared his thoughts.

“The sad fact is that none of these bills will make us any safer, they will only further burden responsible gun owners who obey the law and proudly exercise their Second Amendment rights,” Oberacker said at the end of legislative session in Albany on June 2.

“Legislation to improve our mental health system, investments in school resource officers (SRO), and improved threat assessment training for local officials are among the strategies we should be prioritizing,” Oberacker continued.

“Acts of senseless violence have become all too prevalent.  This was the time when Albany needed to step up and lead by adopting legislation that will help heal and prevent future tragedies.  Unfortunately, the extreme measures just adopted have nothing to do with public safety, won’t stop criminals from getting illegal guns, and won’t save lives.”

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D) of the 100th Assembly District told the Democrat that she was on the floor in Albany for over 24 hours, and that she voted to approve the bills with caution and concern for her hunting and legal gun-owning constituents.

“I am from a family that hunts, my son hunts, I own a hunting camp, and I know how important it is for our community,” Gunther said.

Speaker Carl Heastie joined Governor Hochul in positive sentiment towards the bill package in a statment on June 2.

“The horrific mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde have shown us, once again, that our country needs to have a conversation about the national obsession with guns. But it has also shown us that we cannot wait to take action,” Speaker Heastie said.

“Here in New York we are ready to act. This package of legislation will strengthen laws that we have on the books, help authorities better communicate with our federal partners about gun violence, work to address the role social media plays in violence and acts of domestic terrorism, and more.”