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Cuomo Wants Even Stricter NY Gun-Control Laws, But Obstacles Remain
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Dec 26, 2012
Modified Dec 26, 2012
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By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Dec 26, 2012
Modified Dec 26, 2012
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New York politicians have been pretty vocal about pushing for stronger gun control laws post-Newtown massacre, and now Governor Cuomo is pushing for the state to take on even stricter gun laws. He's reportedly been meeting with lawmakers to discuss expanding the current ban on assault weapons, which currently covers semi-automatic shotguns in addition to rifles and pistols with detachable ammunition magazines, and is also pushing for a statewide ban on gun magazines that hold more than seven bullets at a time.
While Cuomo is in favor of gun control, he says he does own a shotgun that he keeps locked and stored in his Westchester home. And, like a number of other prominent gun-owners, he does not believe military-style weapons are necessary for civilians. "I don't think legitimate sportsmen are going to say I need an assault weapon to go hunting," Cuomo told the Daily News. There are also reports circulating that the state will seek stricter laws regarding bringing firearms into schools, tougher gun registration requirements and a statewide semi-automatic weapon buyback program, among other new gun-control laws.
Of course, Cuomo's push for stricter gun control has met with opposition from local gun advocates like lobbying group the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association. The 40,000-member group is affiliated with the NRA, who, you know, just wants even more guns. NYSRPA officials say they'll be getting gun owners to launch complaints about gun-control legislation with their local leaders and its president, Thomas King, wants armed guards in schools, "Would you rather stop the killing by putting an armed guard in schools or just limit the number of kids that are going to be killed?"
And the Post dampened the prospects of a buyback, reporting that the state can't afford to buy back all the semi-automatic weapons currently floating around, estimating that such a program would cost at least $1 billion to implement. Also noteworthy: The state apparently doesn't know how many people own semi-automatic weapons because they are not required to register them.
Cuomo will probably address his push for gun-control in his State of the State address next month. And if a proposed ban on seven-bullet gun magazines is enacted, it will be the toughest in the nation, since even states with tight gun laws allow for magazines that hold 10 bullets at a time—giving Cuomo a lot to talk about if he takes the presidential campaign plunge in 2016.
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governor cuomo
gun control
newtown
newtown shooting
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Rebecca Fishbein
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