New York state lawmakers are sending a package of bills to Gov. Kathy Hochul that will expand gun control laws as well as step up oversight of social media platforms in the wake of mass shootings in Buffalo and across the country.

The measures were put together in the final weeks of the legislative session and, taken together, are the most significant changes to New York's gun laws in nearly a generation.

Here is what will change.

1. How will the "red flag" law change? 

In 2019, New York lawmakers and then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved a measure that was meant to keep guns away from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. But after the alleged shooter in Buffalo's previous threats did not attract the attention of officials to prevent him from obtaining a gun, lawmakers and Gov. Hochul are moving to expand the law.

Lawmakers have approved an expansion that will now make health care professionals who have examined a person within the last six months to be eligible to file extreme risk protection orders. Police and district attorneys in the state will also be able to file those orders based on credible information that a person is likely to engage in behavior that is dangerous to themselves or others.

Another provision will expand the list of mental health practitioners who can file reports flagging a person as a potential danger.

2. What changes for semiautomatic rifle possession?

People who wish to obtain a semiautomatic rifle will be required to first obtain a permit and be at least the age of 21. In large part, the change essentially will treat semiautomatic rifles like the one used by the alleged 18-year-old gunman in Buffalo the same as possessing a handgun in New York.

The process to obtain a handgun now in the state requires an application, fingerprinting and a background check. A recertification is required every five years.

Once approved, the current owners of semiautomatic rifles will not have seek to licenses for those weapons.

3. Will New Yorkers be able to buy body armor?

The state is set to outlaw the purchase or the possession of bullet-proof vests unless they are active members of law enforcement, a firefighter, a first responder, who have a job in which body vests are required.

This provision is also meant to address the Buffalo mass shooting: The alleged gunman is reported to have used some form of body armor during the massacre that had been legally purchased.

4. What is microstamping?

A long-sought measure that could lead to the unique imprinting of pistols and ammunition is about to be made law. The measure will require the state Division of Criminal Justice Services to "examine" the viability of microstamping-enabled pistols. If the technology is deemed viable, pistols sold in the state would have to use that technology.

The technology uses lasers to make engravings on the internal workings of a firearm. When fired, the engravings put a unique number on the shell casing of the cartridge. Supporters of the legislation believe the technology can be used to better track guns that are used in crimes as a serial number to identify the make, model and serial number.

5. How will social media be monitored?

Social media platforms will soon be required to maintain ways of reporting hateful behavior. This is meant to address an issue raised by the governor last month after the Buffalo shooting after the alleged gunman posted a racist screed online.

The bill also dovetails with efforts by New York Attorney General Letitia James' office, which is investigating the role of social platforms in the shooting. A provision within the bill also outlines protections for free speech.

6. Will domestic terrorism be addressed?

The attorney general's office in New York is also getting a set of expanded powers. The office will be enabled to study and investigate how social media companies can promote or facilitate acts of violence, hate crimes and domestic terrorism.

The measure will create a task force on social media violence to make recommendations and identify problems. It will also review whether social media firms can be held in civil or criminal liability. A report from the task force will be submitted to the governor and the state Legislature.

7. What are opponents saying?

Republicans have argued new gun control measures won't prevent mass shootings and only penalize legal gun owners. They have proposed their own package of bills in the state Senate which would provide more funding for mental services as well as aid for law enforcement to tackle gun crimes.