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NYS passes first US gun control bill since Newtown, CT massacre

By MICHAEL VIRTANEN, Associated Press

Story Created: Jan 15, 2013 at 5:32 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 15, 2013 at 10:35 PM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York has become the first state to dramatically stiffen its gun laws after last month's massacre at a Connecticut elementary school.

With Gov. Andrew Cuomo's signature Tuesday, parts of the measure that sped through the Legislature in two days take effect immediately.

The law calls for a tougher assault weapons ban and provisions to try to keep guns away from mentally ill people who make threats.

It also calls for background checks on ammunition, a ban on large magazines, stiffer penalties for gun crimes and background checks even on private sales, such as those at gun shows.

Mental health professionals will be required to report any patient who they believe to be a threat to use a gun illegally. The patient's gun could be confiscated.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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