Conn. Senate approves sweeping gun control bill

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By SUSAN HAIGH

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut's Senate on Wednesday approved sweeping new restrictions on weapons and large-capacity magazines, a response to last year's deadly Newtown elementary school shooting that would give the state some of the country's tightest gun control laws.

The December massacre of 26 people inside Sandy Hook Elementary School, which reignited a national debate on gun control, set the stage for changes in the state that may have been impossible elsewhere: The governor, who personally informed parents that their children had been killed that day, championed the cause, and legislative leaders, keenly aware of the attention on the state, struck a bipartisan agreement they want to serve as a national model.

"The tragedy in Newtown demands a powerful response, demands a response that transcends politics," said Senate President Donald E. Williams Jr., a Democrat. "It is the strongest and most comprehensive bill in the country."

The bill passed the Senate in a bipartisan 26-10 vote following a respectful and at times somber six-hour debate Wednesday evening. The House of Representatives then debated the bill and was expected to vote later in the night. Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has said he would sign it into law.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20130404/DA5EDF0G0.html

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Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Fairfield, who represents Newtown, Conn., right, and Senate President Donald Williams, D-Brooklyn, shake hands after the passage of a gun-control bill in the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Hartford, Conn., Wednesday, April 3, 2013. The bill passed the Senate and goes onto the Conn. Houses for approval. Hundreds of gun rights advocates are gathering at the statehouse in Hartford ahead of a vote in the General Assembly on proposed gun-control legislation. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

[Samantha]

1. One of those times when you wish you could recommend a thread a thousand times

instead of just once. Thanks for posting.

Sam

[BumRushDaShow]

2. Glad to see that despite all the NRA boogyman hysteria

CT was able to do the right thing and take action to reduce the chances of more massacres occuring.

[Jennicut]

3. Nice to see some sort of bipartisanship although it's a lot easier to achieve in my state.

After all, the Repubs in Connecticut are not total nuts and are usually moderate types. And a big thank you to my Governor.