ALBANY – New York is close to becoming the first state in the union to pass new gun regulations since the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. last month. The Abany Times Union is reporting today that State lawmakers Monday night began the process to broaden the state’s definition of banned assault weapons, increase penalties for those convicted of illegal gun possession and create a statewide database for gun permits.
The legislation, called the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act – or “SAFE” Act, emerged quickly after several weeks of negotiations. It saw action last night when the state Senate approved it 43-18.
The Assembly is expected to vote on the Tuesday morning.
The measure has been relatively free of public protest, but that is largely due to Gov. Andrew Cuomo waiving the three-day aging requirement for bills with a special “message of necessity.”
He said that legislative shortcut served a dual purpose: to take advantage of the deal and to prevent a rush to gun retailers by customers trying to grandfather in assault weapons that will be banned from sale after he signs the measure.
Cuomo, who pushed for stricter gun legislation in his State of the State address last week, said he believes it is the most comprehensive package in the nation.
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