Michael Gormley is reporting for Newsday that New York's new concealed-carry laws went into effect Sept. 1. Under the law, concealed firearms will be prohibited in churches, government buildings, bars, and other “sensitive zones,” including Times Square in New York City. The law mandates a multistep process to obtain a concealed-carry permit — applicants must take 16 hours of classroom instruction on firearms safety and two hours of live-firing on target ranges to show they can handle the firearm safely, among other requirements. The new measures were formulated in response to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down New York’s 100-year-old concealed-carry law. Gov. Kathy Hochul released details at an Aug. 31, news conference on how permit applicants, firearms owners and dealers must now operate. Hochul said anyone who carries a weapon into a gun-free zone will face a Class E felony, punishable by one to five years in prison. The governor said a person with a concealed-carry permit could be charged with a felony even if they inadvertently carried a weapon into a sensitive zone. They could also see their license revoked and their firearms seized. Among other requirements, an applicant will have to provide four character references, a list of former and current social media accounts for the last three years, and disclose the identity of his or her spouse, partner, or anyone else living in the same home. Applicants also will have to have an in-person interview with a licensing officer and the state has standardized and strengthened the required background checks to be sure they are thorough in every county. First Deputy Superintendent of State Police Steven Nigrelli promised “zero tolerance” for violations. “If you violate this law, you will be arrested. Simple as that,” Nigrelli said. Read the full story at newsday [dot] com.