New York lawmakers on Tuesday approved the toughest gun control legislation in the nation, expanding the state's existing assault weapons ban and addressing gun ownership by those with mental illnesses in the first major legislative action in response to the Newtown, Conn., school massacre.
The measure passed the state Assembly 104-43 after passing the state Senate 43-18 Monday. Gov. Andrew Cuomo was expected to sign the legislation quickly.
"This will be the toughest gun control package in the nation," Sen. Jeffrey Klein, leader of the Independent Democrat Conference that shares majority control with Republican senators, told The Associated Press. "All in all, it is a comprehensive, balanced approach that will save lives."
The National Rifle Association condemned New York's actions Tuesday calling the gun control bill "draconian."
The vote came as lawmakers in other states as well as the federal government wrestle with how to reduce gun violence after a series of mass shootings.
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