ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — As New York state lawmakers prepare to approve the toughest gun control law in the nation, some Republicans are complaining that the bill is being rushed through, with no time for review or debate.
The measure being considered by the state Assembly was approved last night by the state Senate -- where some members said they'd been able to see the lengthy bill for just 20 minutes before the debate and vote began. The Assembly is led by Democrats, while the Senate is led by a coalition dominated by Republicans.
Republican Assemblyman Marc Butler is accusing Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo of making a "sham of the legislative process." Cuomo issued an order that suspends the required three days of public review in order for bills to be considered. Butler says the law is an example of government going "too far in every aspect of our lives."
The new law -- the first since the Connecticut school shooting -- calls for a stricter assault weapons ban, and includes provisions to try to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill who make threats.
One Assembly Democrat says there will be fewer guns in New York because of the action being taken today.
%@AP Links
174-a-10-(Mayor Michael Bloomberg, I- New York, at news conference)-"for doing it"-New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he applauds new state gun control standards. (15 Jan 2013)
<<CUT *174 (01/15/13)>> 00:10 "for doing it"
148-a-10-(Phil Doran, resident of Newtown, Conn., in AP interview)-"weapons are needed"-Phil Doran of Newtown, Connecticut, says every state should pass laws like New York's new ban on assault weapons and high-capacity gun clips. (15 Jan 2013)
<<CUT *148 (01/15/13)>> 00:10 "weapons are needed"
GRAPHICSBANK: Handguns with GUN CONTROL lettering on red banner, partial graphic (14 Jan 2013)
APPHOTO NYMG106: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, walks to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Albany, N.Y. The Assembly today is expected to pass New York's Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act which passed in the Senate last night. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) (15 Jan 2013)
<<APPHOTO NYMG106 (01/15/13)>>
