New law to better identify fake guns in NY takes effect

A new law took effect in New York on Monday, aimed at limiting fake guns on the streets.

The law was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul last August.

There have been 63 shootings in New York state as a result of individuals mistaking imitation weapons for real firearms, says the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Eight of the shootings were fatal.

The law says imitation weapons must be easily identifiable. They cannot be black, blue, silver or aluminum.

They must be colored white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, bright purple, or be made entirely of transparent or translucent materials.