Cuomo signs bill banning teachers from bringing guns to school

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Wednesday signed a bill into law that banned local school districts from allowing teachers to bring guns to school.

“The answer to the gun violence epidemic plaguing this country has never been and never will be more guns,” Cuomo said in a statement.

{mosads}“These measures will help slow the proliferation of guns by keeping unneeded firearms out of school zones and helping to ensure unwanted or illegal guns don’t fall into dangerous hands,” he added.

New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said the “legislation will prevent teachers from being armed and establishes gun buyback programs to keep firearms off school grounds and ensure the protection of young people.”

“While the federal government turns its back on gun violence and prevention, we’re committed to preventing tragedies and saving lives,” she added.

Proposals to arm teachers gained national attention following the February 2018 massacre at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead.

President Trump has endorsed National Rifle Association-backed proposals to arm teachers.

The measure in New York, which is effective immediately, specifically bars educational institutions from authorizing any teacher, professor, administrator or other employee not employed as a resource officer to carry a gun.

The bill is the latest in a slate of gun control laws Cuomo signed into law this year, including a February “red flag bill” preventing gun purchases by customers who show indications they may be a threat to themselves or others and a July extension of background check waiting periods.

Cuomo also signed legislation this week that would ban “undetectable” guns as well as expand gun safe storage laws, according to the statement from Cuomo’s office.

The legislation also directs the New York State Police to work the Department of State to develop rules for gun buyback programs to ensure standardized best practices for such programs statewide, according to the announcement, a provision that will take effect in 180 days.