New York State Bar Association Supports Elements of Governor’s Agenda

New York State Bar Association Supports Elements of Governor’s Agenda

1.13.2026

By Susan DeSantis

New York State Bar Association President Kathleen Sweet issued the following statement about Gov. Hochul’s State of the State:

“The New York State Bar Association is encouraged by several elements of the governor’s 2026 State of the State agenda and appreciates the administration’s focus on public safety and emerging challenges facing New Yorkers.

In particular, the association supports efforts to regulate so-called DIY or “ghost” guns and other untraceable firearms. NYSBA has advocated for increased restrictions since 2020, when the association’s Task Force on Mass Shootings and Assault Weapons recommended support for legislation designed to prevent the manufacture, sale, and transport of ghost guns.

NYSBA is carefully reviewing the governor’s other proposals that raise important legal and policy considerations. Among those is the proposal that would impose legislative caps on non-economic damages.

As these proposals move through the legislative process, NYSBA will continue to monitor developments closely, engage with policymakers, and provide balanced analysis informed by the experience of our members across all areas of practice. The association remains committed to advancing reforms that enhance public safety and safeguard constitutional rights, judicial independence, and access to justice.