Pepper spray would be easier to get under NY bill

New York lawmakers are working to change the state’s restrictive laws surrounding the sale of pepper spray. Currently, it is illegal to ship pepper spray to anyone in New York, and the self-defense devices can only be sold by licensed gun shops and pharmacies. However, a bipartisan bill sponsored by State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblymember Chris Eachus aims to eliminate the ban on shipping pepper spray and allow sales by a wider range of retailers.

“I think it’s just a very simple non-lethal safety measure,” Scarcella-Spanton said, emphasizing the importance of making it easier for individuals to protect themselves. The proposed legislation would empower the New York State Police to regulate the sale of pepper spray, ensuring that it can be shipped by online retailers to residents of the state. The bill also includes provisions prohibiting sales to individuals under 18 and those with felony records.

“We don’t want to have this in the hands of kids, but we want to make sure that adults who are out and about feel safer when they’re out,” Scarcella-Spanton added. Eachus echoed this sentiment, highlighting the sense of security that carrying pepper spray can provide to individuals in crowded or potentially dangerous situations.

Under the current law, only licensed gun dealers and pharmacists are authorized to sell pepper spray. However, the new legislation would remove this restriction, opening up sales to a broader range of businesses. Assemblyman John McDonald, a licensed pharmacist who cosponsored the bill, emphasized the need to expand access to pepper spray.

While the bill has faced challenges in the past and has never advanced beyond committee, lawmakers are optimistic about its potential this year. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins expressed openness to addressing the issue, indicating that no resistance has been encountered thus far.

Overall, the proposed changes to New York’s pepper spray laws aim to enhance public safety and empower individuals to protect themselves in various situations. By expanding access to pepper spray and streamlining the sales process, lawmakers hope to provide peace of mind to residents across the state.