Second Amendment Under Fire in New York Gun Battle

The battle over firearm regulations is entering a new phase as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul responds to the Trump administration's rollback of dozens of federal firearms regulations. The Department of Justice and ATF say the changes reduce unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens and modernize outdated rules, while New York officials argue the federal actions could undermine public safety and prompt stricter state laws. In this episode of The States, Greg Bishop examines New York's proposed requirement for in-person firearm sales, expanded background check proposals, and the growing legal conflicts between state and federal governments. The program also covers ongoing Second Amendment lawsuits in Virginia and New Jersey, where courts continue weighing restrictions on certain semi-automatic firearms while awaiting guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court. As states adopt different firearm policies, legal challenges continue to grow—raising important questions about government spending, taxpayer-funded litigation, regulatory enforcement, and the financial impact of prolonged court battles. If you enjoy fact-based reporting on public policy, government spending, and how legislation affects taxpayers, subscribe for more coverage from across the states.