Effective today, federal background checks are required for all private firearm sales in New York.

[Robb]

The new laws are part of a package of gun control measures dubbed "NY Safe Act" pushed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in January, a month after the Newtown, Conn. school massacre.

Private sales now require the purchaser to have a federal background check by a licensed gun dealer. The purchaser must present the seller a form showing he or she passed the check. Sales or transfers among immediate family members are exempt from the law. Private dealers can charge up to $10 for the background check.

Also effective today is another provision that requires judges issuing an order of protection to determine whether to suspend or revoke the state pistol permit held by the person against whom the order of protection is issued. Judges have had the power to do so, but the new provision requires judges to consider doing so.

Another provision effective today makes it a felony to buy or dispose of a rifle shotgun or pistol for someone prohibited by law from having one because of a conviction or disability. The law also requires gun owners to store their guns in a locked cabinet or case if they live with someone who cannot by law own a gun due to a criminal record, past commitment to a mental institution or a court-issued order of protection.

http://www.riverheadlocal.com/local-news/8842-effective-today-federal-background-checks-required-for-private-gun-sales-in-new-york