N.Y. Poised To Be First To Toughen Gun Laws After Newtown

05:16

January 15, 2013

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, center, speaks on Monday during a news conference announcing an agreement with legislative leaders on New York's Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act. Also pictured are Secretary to the Governor Larry Schwartz, left, and Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy. (Mike Groll/AP)

New York lawmakers are expected this morning to give final passage to legislation that would toughen the state's existing assault weapons ban.

The measure would broaden the definition of "assault weapons" to include semiautomatic pistols and rifles with detachable magazines and one military-style feature (instead of the current two), as well as semiautomatic shotguns with one military-style feature, including the popular pistol grip.

It would also require that mental health professionals report patients who are likely to harm themselves or others, which could mean that a gun the patient owns might be confiscated.

New York Times: New York Has Gun Deal, With Focus on Mental Ills
USA Today: Gun-law push faces slow start in most states

Guest:

Danny Hakim, Albany bureau chief for The New York Times. He tweets @dannyhakim.

This segment aired on January 15, 2013.

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