Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Codes Committee Chair Joseph Lentol, and Judiciary Committee Chair Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein announced today the passage of legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of perpetrators of domestic violence.

"It is our responsibility to safeguard victims of domestic violence. When offenders have access to firearms, the consequences can be tragic," said Silver. "The measures passed today ensure that, by law, domestic abusers cannot obtain firearms licenses or purchase firearms, and that those who do are guilty of a criminal offense."

The three newly passed bills would make it harder for perpetrators of domestic violence to keep or acquire firearms and firearm licenses.

"This legislation underscores our commitment to protect victims of intimate partner violence," said Lentol. "Ensuring that firearms are removed from the hands of perpetrators of these crimes will help increase victim safety."

"Domestic violence was the leading cause of homicide for women in 2009," said Weinstein. "We are increasing the safety of victims of domestic violence by strengthening these provisions for firearm surrender, and gun license suspension and revocation. These changes will save lives." The newly adopted measures:

• Prevent certain individuals against whom a temporary order of protection has been issued from receiving or retaining a firearem or a firearms license (A.6406A/Weinstein).

• Require the judge in a criminal proceeding or in a family court proceeding, upon issuance of an order of protection, to inquire as to the ownership of a firearm by the defendant or respondent (A.2494B/O'Donnell).

• Include certain offenses against members of the same family or household within the definition of "serious offense" which ensures that such individuals are prohibited by law from purchasing or possessing a firearm (A.4488A/Lancman).