New York legislation · 2025-2026 General Assembly
New York A1838: Relates to the sale and possession of self-defense spray devices in the state
Status: Passed both chambers, May 29, 2026
Relates to the sale and possession of self-defense spray devices in the state; removes the requirement that only authorized dealers and pharmacists could sell such devices; provides that no more than two self-defense spray devices may be sold at any one time to a single purchaser; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.
What the bill says
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to the sale and possession of self-defense spray devices; and to repeal certain provisions of such law relating thereto.
From the amended text, May 20, 2026:
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to the sale and possession of self-defense spray devices; and to repeal certain provisions of such law relating thereto THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Paragraph 14 of subdivision a of section 265.20 of the penal law, as added by chapter 354 of the laws of 1996, is amended to read as follows: 14. Possession in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph of a self-defense spray device as defined herein for the protection of a person or property and use of such self-defense spray device under circumstances which would justify the use of physical force pursuant to article thirty-five of this chapter. (a) As used in this section "self-defense spray device" shall mean a pocket sized spray device which contains and releases a chemical or organic substance which is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air or any like device containing tear gas, pepper or similar disabling agent. EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD03414-10-6 A. 1838--C 2 (b) The exemption under this paragraph shall not apply to a person or (ii) has been previously convicted …
Sponsors
- Christopher Eachus (D, 99) · primary sponsor
- Nily Rozic (D, 25)
- George Alvarez (D, 78)
- Andrew Hevesi (D, 28)
- David McDonough (R, 14)
- Andrea Bailey (R, 133)
- Lester Chang (R, 49)
- Michaelle Solages (D, 22)
- Dana Levenberg (D, 95)
- Nader Sayegh (D, 90)
- Paula Kay (D, 100)
- Michael Durso (R, 9)
Latest actions
- : RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY
- : PASSED SENATE
- : 3RD READING CAL.1138
- : SUBSTITUTED FOR S4922C
- : REFERRED TO CODES
- : DELIVERED TO SENATE
- : PASSED ASSEMBLY
- : ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.257
- : RULES REPORT CAL.257
- : REPORTED
Votes
- Senate Floor Vote (May 29, 2026): 58 yea, 0 nay, passed
- FLOOR Vote (May 29, 2026): 58 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Assembly Rules Committee: Favorable (May 29, 2026): 26 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Assembly Floor Vote - Final Passage (May 29, 2026): 128 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Assembly Codes Committee: Favorable refer to committee Rules (May 28, 2026): 18 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Penal Law
Common questions
- What is A1838?
- A1838 is a bill in the New York Legislature (2025-2026 General Assembly): Relates to the sale and possession of self-defense spray devices in the state.
- What does A1838 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend the penal law, in relation to the sale and possession of self-defense spray devices; and to repeal certain provisions of such law relating thereto.
- What is the status of A1838?
- Passed both chambers as of May 29, 2026. Latest action: RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY (May 29, 2026).
- Who sponsored A1838?
- Christopher Eachus (D, 99), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for A1838?
- On the New York Legislature website: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1838
Source: official New York record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.