Cuomo Wants to Let Teachers Take Guns From Kids’ Homes

Teachers and school administrators would be able to ask a judge to remove guns from the homes of troubled students under a first-of-its-kind proposal announced Tuesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The Democratic governor acknowledged his proposal will run into political opposition from Republicans that control the state Senate. But he claimed that it was more effective than a proposal by President Donald Trump to arm teachers.

“This is a sensible, positive, helpful alternative,” he said. “Many times the teacher knows this an issue.”

Under the measure, teachers and school administrators would have legal standing to petition a court to remove any firearms from the homes of students considered a threat to themselves or others. Teachers unions are backing the proposal. Several appeared alongside Gov. Cuomo when he announced the legislation Tuesday in Manhattan.

Mr. Cuomo’s proposal isn’t likely to pass the Republican-led state Senate, especially with only two weeks before lawmakers adjourn for the year. Republicans did not weigh in on the bill Tuesday. Senate Republicans already have advanced their own legislation that would increase funding for armed school security officers.

The governor also is pushing legislation to raise the minimum age to buy firearms from 18 to 21.