4 Apr 2013 10:20 am
Connecticut Lawmakers Pass Sweeping Gun MeasureStill stinging from the shooting deaths of 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Connecticut lawmakers early Thursday approved what advocacy groups call the strongest and most comprehensive gun legislation in the nation.Gov. Dannel Malloy is expected to sign the bill, which bans some weapons as well as the sale or purchase of high-capacity magazines like those used in the Newtown shooting. The bill also requires background checks for all gun purchases.Malloy's signature will make Connecticut the third state to pass such tough measures since the December rampage in Newtown. New York and Colorado passed gun-control legislation limiting magazine capacity, among other provisions.Similar legislation appears stalled in Congress despite overwhelming public support for background checks and substantial -- although diminished -- support for major gun restrictions in the wake of the Newtown killings.Connecticut's action Wednesday sends a message to the nation, said Senate President Don Williams."Democrats and Republicans were able to come to an agreement on a strong, comprehensive bill," he added. "That is a message that should resound in 49 other states, and in Washington, D.C., and the message is we can get it done here and they should get it done in their respective states and nationally in Congress."Read More At Link In TitleI think it's great that both Republican and Democratic state lawmakers decided that the issue had risen above partisan politics, and were able to work together on this bill.