Democratic state lawmakers have introduced a pair of bills meant to curtail the proliferation of so-called "ghost guns" — firearms that lack serial numbers and can't be traced by law enforcement agencies. 

"With a cursory Google search, anyone can obtain an assembly kit containing parts, instructions and detailed templates for the technical work required to create their own ghost gun," said Sen. Brad Hoylman, one of the bill's sponsors. "Law enforcement officials are speaking out, saying ghost guns are a clear and present danger in New York. Yet somehow, a loophole in federal law means this is all completely legal."

Taken together, the two bills would restrict the sale and possession of guns without serial numbers and limit the availability of firearms parts that can be converted into operable weapons. 

One of the proposals would also require New York gunsmiths to serialize all firearms they manufacture or assemble. At the same time, lawmakers also want to outlaw the transfer or sale of unfinished frames or receivers to anyone other than a licensed gunsmith. 

In addition to Hoylman, the measures are backed by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, Sen. Anna Kaplan and Assemblyman Charles Lavine. 

Similar legislation was introduced on a federal level by Sen. Chuck Schumer last week.