NY S02237

Amends Penal Law Section 265.09 to redefine criminal use of a firearm in the first degree to include displaying what appears to be a firearm (rather than requiring possession of a loaded, functional weapon).

Requires an additional consecutive five-year sentence when a person displays a loaded weapon or what appears to be a firearm in furtherance of committing a felony, with judicial discretion to waive if the sentence would be unduly harsh.

Repeals Penal Law Section 265.08 (criminal use of a firearm in the second degree) and removes references to it from Section 70.02 (violent felony offenses) and Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 509-cc.

Updates General Business Law Section 410 to reference only Section 265.09 for criminal use of a weapon convictions that may result in license revocation.

Takes effect on November 1st following the date the bill becomes law.