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New Law Prohibits Domestic Violence Offenders from Purchasing Firearms

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-980139.mp3

New Paltz, NY – Two Hudson Valley lawmakers are praising a new law to keep guns out of the hands of domestic violence offenders. WAMC's Greg Fry reports...

The new law, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo Monday, will close a gap between state and federal law, which has allowed those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence charges to purchase a firearm.

Under the new law, state and federal agencies will be notified of a conviction related to domestic violence statutes.

Poughkeepsie-area State Senator Steve Saland, and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin of the lower Hudson Valley, sponsored the measure in their individual chambers.

Saland cited the need for such a bill, due to a number of deaths in domestic violence cases this past year in the area.

Paulin says she was determined to pass the bill following the deaths of Police officer John Falcone, and Jessica Welch, who were both shot by Welch's husband back in February in the city of Poughkeepsie.

Greg Fry, WAMC News.