New York Democratic lawmakers are advancing legislation that would significantly expand restrictions on BB guns, pellet guns, and similar air-powered devices by redefining them under state law as “imitation weapons.” The measures, identified as S9215 and A10701, would impose new regulatory requirements on how the products are manufactured, sold, and classified.

Under the proposed framework, certain air guns would be required to be made transparent or brightly colored and fitted with design modifications such as plugged barrels. The legislation also raises the minimum age for purchasing these devices and applies broader regulatory controls typically associated with firearms.

According to the bill text cited in reporting from Hard Air Magazine, the requirements would effectively prohibit many current models from sale in New York, as existing designs would not meet the proposed construction standards.

A companion bill, A10701, expands the definition of “imitation weapon” to include BB guns, pellet guns, and other air rifles made of various materials that resemble actual firearms. The legislation also references paintball-style devices, which would be included under the same classification.

The bill further places compliance requirements on manufacturers and retailers, requiring them to implement procedures intended to prevent unlawful possession, sale, or distribution of both firearms and newly classified “imitation weapons” within the state.

Supporters of the legislation argue the changes are aimed at reducing public safety risks by limiting access to realistic-looking weapons that could be mistaken for firearms. Critics, however, contend the measures would effectively ban many commonly used recreational air guns by making existing products noncompliant with the proposed standards.

The bills remain under consideration in the New York State Legislature and have not yet advanced to final passage.