We urge New Yorkers to to use this easy email form to implore your state assembly members and senators to cosponsor and support immediate passage of A.1962/S.3385—Francesco's Law. This lifesaving legislation will strengthen New York's firearm safe storage requirements and hold gun owners accountable when unsecured firearms fall into the wrong hands.

This issue is deeply personal for many New Yorkers, especially those who have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of unsecured firearms. Francesco's Law is named in memory of Francesco Ferrari, a bright, compassionate 17-year-old from Southampton who died by suicide with access to a firearm that was not safely stored. His tragic death could have been prevented.

Thank you for your help!

Newtown Action Alliance

THE E-MAIL MESSAGE:

Dear Senator or Assemblyman/Assemblywoman ________________,

As your constituent, I'm writing to respectfully urge you to cosponsor and support immediate passage of A.1962/S.3385—Francesco's Law. This lifesaving legislation will strengthen New York's firearm safe storage requirements and hold gun owners accountable when unsecured firearms fall into the wrong hands.

This issue is deeply personal for many New Yorkers, especially those of us who have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of unsecured firearms. Francesco's Law is named in memory of Francesco Ferrari, a bright, compassionate 17-year-old from Southampton who died by suicide with access to a firearm that was not safely stored. His tragic death could have been prevented.

The statistics speak for themselves:

• Guns are the leading cause of death for American children and teens. According to the CDC, firearms have surpassed car accidents as the number one cause of death for children and adolescents in the U.S.

• 76% of school shooters acquire their firearms from their own homes or relatives. 

• Improperly stored guns are also stolen from homes and vehicles, contributing to crime and trafficking. A number of survey studies indicate that roughly 200,000 to 400,000 guns are stolen from individuals each year. 

• Teen suicide is a growing crisis. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults aged 10-34 in the United States. In 2022, for the first time, firearm suicide rate among black children and teen exceeded that of white children and teens. Between 2007 and 2021, suicide deaths among 10- to 24-year-olds increased by 62%. In New York State, suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 10–24.

• Firearms drastically increase suicide fatality rates. While non-firearm suicide attempts have a survival rate of 90% or higher, suicide attempts with a gun are fatal in about 85-90% of cases. Unlike other methods, a firearm leaves almost no chance for intervention, medical rescue, or a second chance at life. 

• Most suicide attempts are impulsive and survivable—if a gun is not involved. Studies show that nearly half of people who survive a suicide attempt make the decision within 10 minutes before acting. Many of these individuals go on to seek help and never attempt again. But when a gun is used, there is no chance for recovery.

Neighboring states like Connecticut and Massachusetts have already enacted strong safe storage laws with real penalties, including felonies in cases where minors access weapons and cause harm. New York must follow suit.

Francesco's Law will:

• Require firearms to be safely stored with a lock or in a secure container.

• Impose penalties when unsafe storage results in unauthorized access or harm.

• Help reduce suicides, accidental shootings, gun thefts, and tragedies like the one that occurred at Sandy Hook.

Please do the right thing and add your name as a cosponsor to A.1962/S.3385. The families of New York are counting on you to protect our children, save lives, and promote responsible gun ownership.

Thank you for your public service and attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME