New York lawmakers have introduced legislation that would ban the sale of BB guns and air rifles to anyone under 18, double the fines for violations, and classify these recreational items alongside imitation firearms under state law. What the Bill Would Do Senate Bill S9212, introduced in February, expands New York’s definition of imitation weapons to include air rifles, pellet guns, and BB guns made of any material. The legislation raises the minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years old and increases civil penalties for violations from five hundred to one thousand dollars per offense. The bill also requires manufacturers to establish controls preventing these products from being sold unlawfully in New York state. The measure treats devices commonly used for recreational shooting and pest control the same as replica firearms under existing state regulations. Supporters claim the expanded restrictions will improve public safety by limiting youth access to products that resemble actual firearms. Critics argue the legislation represents government overreach into activities that pose minimal public safety risk compared to violent crime. New York Democrat Lawmakers Target BB and Pellet GunsWould redefine BB and pellet guns as imitation weaponsWould require a plugged barrel, effectively banning current models as they would no longer be able to fire a projectile. https://t.co/FCs9Qd12lo — EMPIntelligenceNet© (@Megavolts001) April 13, 2026 Constitutional Questions Raised Second Amendment advocates may challenge the legislation if it becomes law, potentially citing the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision that expanded gun rights protections. While that ruling addressed actual firearms, legal experts suggest courts could examine whether restrictions on imitation weapons withstand constitutional scrutiny. The legislation adds air guns to existing prohibited activities laws that govern how companies market and distribute products in New York. Broader Pattern of Restrictions The proposed ban fits within a larger trend of expanded regulations in New York targeting items with minimal connection to violent crime. State lawmakers have faced criticism for pursuing restrictions on recreational items while major cities continue experiencing elevated crime rates. The bill remains under consideration in the state senate, where Democrats hold a substantial majority. If passed, New York would join a small number of states imposing similar age restrictions and classification schemes on air-powered recreational firearms that have been widely available to teenagers for generations. Sources Townhall: You’ll Roll Your Eyes When You Find Out What New York Democrats Want to Ban Next