GunsNew York State votes for strict gun law
New York governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday signed into law a sweeping gun-control bill. The bill expands a ban on assault weapons, limits the size of magazines, includes measures to keep guns away from the mentally ill, and make penalties stiffer for using a gun in the commission of a crime. Cuomo signed the bill shortly after the State Assembly approved it by a 104-43 vote on the second day of the 2013 legislative session.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday signed into law a sweeping gun-control bill. The bill expands a ban on assault weapons.
Cuomo signed the bill shortly after the State Assembly approved it by a 104-43 vote on the second day of the 2013 legislative session. The State Senate approved the measure 43 to 18 on Monday.
The New York Times reports that the expanded ban on assault weapons broadens the definition of what is considered an assault weapon and reduces the allowed size of gun magazines to seven rounds, from ten. The bill also outlines ways to keep guns away from mentally ill people and imposes tougher penalties on people who use guns in the commission of crimes.
The bill did not sit well with gun-rights advocates. The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association said New York gun owners “should be ashamed and afraid of our state,” and the National Rifle Association said, “These gun-control schemes have failed in the past and will have no impact on public safety and crime.”
“The Legislature caved to the political demands of a governor and helped fuel his personal political aspirations,” the NRA said.
While the legislature was voting for the new gun-control measures, the state’s comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, said that he would freeze investments by the state’s pension fund in firearm manufacturers. The pension fund sold holdings in Smith & Wesson after the Newtown shooting; the fund continues to hold about $2 million worth of shares in Sturm, Ruger & Company.
The Times notes that Cuomo waived a constitutionally required three-day waiting period between the introduction of legislation and a vote to allow speedy action on the gun-law package.
Republicans in the Assembly criticized the governor. “Why are we being bullied into voting on this bill without our proper, responsible due diligence?” asked Assemblyman Steve Katz, a Hudson Valley Republican. “Solely due to the governor’s misguided, egotistic notion that this will advance his presidential aspirations.”
The expanded ban on assault weapons takes effect immediately. New Yorkers who already own guns which the new law bans can keep them, but will have to register them with the state within a year. Other provisions of the bill take effect at later dates.
