The Peru Gazette

Governor Hochul News Release, October 21, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed commonsense gun safety legislation to expand firearm safe storage requirements and prevent individuals prohibited from possessing guns from purchasing ammunition. Governor Hochul signed these bills at the New Yorkers Against Gun Violence annual benefit dinner on the fifth anniversary of the death of 17-year-old Francesco, who died by suicide after accessing an unsecured shotgun, and for whom ‘Francesco’s Law’ is named after.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my number one priority, which is why as Governor, I set out to enact one of the nation’s most advanced gun safety agendas — funding gun violence prevention programs at record levels and passing landmark legislation to prevent firearm tragedies,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, I’m proud to make our nation-leading laws even stronger to keep guns and ammunition out of the wrong hands and make our children and communities safer.”

S.7236/A.7943 strengthens background checks for purchasing ammunition by aligning them with the requirements for purchasing a firearm. This law clarifies that individuals prohibited by law from owning a rifle or shotgun or subject to a temporary or extreme risk protection order may not purchase ammunition.

A.1962-B/S.9629, known as ‘Francesco’s Law,’ requires gun owners to securely store firearms in an appropriate, locked storage container when they are not being used and creates stronger penalties for when minors and unlicensed individuals access unsecured guns. This legislation closes a gap in state law that allowed gun owners to leave firearms unsecured in homes without children or prohibited individuals.

Following the death of her son in 2021, Diana Cochran helped establish Francesco’s Foundation and became a leading advocate for stronger gun safety laws to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.