The United States Supreme Court on Monday (April 7) rejected an appeal challenging New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), allowing the ruling of the Federal Second Circuit Court of Appeals last October on the law to remain in effect. As a result, New York State will maintain its restrictions on carrying firearms in “sensitive locations” such as public transportation, hospitals, and schools.
The decision by the Supreme Court not to hear the case was welcomed by New York’s Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. She stated, “New York’s strong gun safety laws save lives, and gun violence has decreased by 53% since the peak of the pandemic.” She emphasized that maintaining public safety will continue to be a top priority of her administration.
The gun advocacy group Gun Owners of America expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision. The organization’s Senior Vice President, Erich Pratt, said, “While we are disappointed that the Supreme Court did not take up this case, we will never cease in defending the rights of gun owners across America.”
The Supreme Court did not provide an explanation for its decision not to hear the case.
According to the ruling of the Federal Second Circuit Court of Appeals, New York State can continue to prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons in sensitive locations such as public transportation, hospitals, schools, parks, entertainment venues, and religious institutions while requiring applicants to demonstrate “good character.” However, the court also struck down certain provisions, including the requirement for applicants to provide social media account information and the prohibition on carrying firearms onto private property without explicit consent from the property owner.