U.S District Court Judge Glenn Suddaby of Syracuse ruled that the state can still prevent people from carrying guns in Times Square, public playgrounds, libraries, nurseries and preschools. But mental hospitals, places of worship, public parks, zoos, theaters, conference centers, protests and bars are no longer off limits. A section of the law barring permit holders from carrying guns in other “restricted locations” was blocked as well.

The judge also ruled that permit applicants should not be required to prove that they have “good moral character,” provide names and contact information for their partners and roommates or provide a list of their social media accounts from the last three years.The same judge issued a similar ruling in October, but that order was appealed by the state and has yet to take effect.

It was not clear if the state would appeal the new injunction.

This lawsuit is being led by Gun Owners of America and was bought by six gun owners from upstate New York who claim the law infringes on their constitutional rights.

On Wednesday, a U.S. District judge in Syracuse rejected a request by Gun Owners of America Inc. and others for an order to halt the roll-out of the state’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act.

The judge did say the group could amend and refile their request for a preliminary injunction.

New York lawmakers passed the new law this summer after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the state’s previous restrictions on concealed weapons permits.

The new law contains strengthened background checks and firearm safety and live-fire training for individuals seeking to obtain concealed carry permits; prohibits concealed carry permit holders from bringing their firearms into sensitive locations, including Times Square, bars, libraries, schools, government buildings and hospitals, among others; and requires renewal or recertification of permits every three years.

New permitting and minimum age requirements for semi-automatic rifles takes effect this Sunday, September 4. After that date, an individual must be at least 21 years old and have a permit prior to purchasing or taking possession of a semiautomatic rifle. These new requirements were included in a package of legislation in response to the racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo this spring. Licenses are not required for individuals who possessed semiautomatic rifles before September 4, 2022.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new Gun Safety Website to provide the public, gun owners, and gun dealers with comprehensive information about all of the new requirements under state law. That site can be found at https://gunsafety.ny.gov/