New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, center, speaks during a news conference announcing an agreement with legislative leaders on New York's Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act in the Red Room at the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, in Albany, N.Y. Also pictured are Secretary to the Governor Larry Schwartz, left, and Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
January 14, 2013 - 11:51 PM
ALBANY, N.Y. - New York lawmakers have agreed on the first and toughest gun control laws in the nation.
The landmark legislation is a crackdown on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines and includes measures to keep the mentally ill from guns. The bipartisan effort was fueled by the Newton, Conn., tragedy that took the lives of 20 first graders and six educators.
Bronx Democrat Sen. Jeffrey Klein says "This is not about taking anyone's rights away. It's about a safe society."
Gov. Andrew Cuomo made gun control a centerpiece to his progressive agenda in his State of the State address last week.
The measure passed the state Senate 43-18 late Monday and the Assembly plans to take the issue up on Tuesday. It is expected to pass easily.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013