The LookoutN.Y. Gov. Cuomo signs tough new gun bill into law
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is signing a tough and sweeping new gun control bill into law late Tuesday.
The bill limits magazines to seven bullets; increases penalties for gun crimes; gives the state more power to take away guns from mentally ill people; and bans semi-automatic rifles and handguns that have a "military-style feature," such as a bayonet lug. The ban goes into effect immediately. People who already own such guns are grandfathered in but must register them with the state.
New York is the first state to pass a gun law since the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn., sparked a national debate on gun violence.
"I am proud to be governor, not just because New York has the first bill, but because New York has the best bill," Cuomo said before signing it. "I'm proud to be a New Yorker because New York is doing something, we are fighting back."
The Republican-controlled Senate approved the bill on Monday night, with the Democratic Assembly approving it Tuesday afternoon. Blue state governors in several other states—including Connecticut, Maryland and Delaware—are also pushing for new gun laws.
