Today, New York is expected to become the first state to enact major gun control policy following last month’s tragic elementary school shooting in Connecticut.
The New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement, or SAFE Act, includes a ban on all pre-1994 high capacity ammunition magazines, a ban on any magazine that holds over 7 rounds, and real-time background checks on ammunition purchases to alert law enforcement of high volume purchasing.
Some of the new provisions are direct reactions to the mass shooting events of the last several months.
They include the creation of a new comprehensive statewide gun registration database and a requirement that mental health professionals report to local officials when there is reason to believe a patient is likely to commit a violent crime.
If that person is found to possess a firearm via the database, their license would be suspended and law enforcement will be authorized to remove their weapon.
The legislation also provides a way for registered handgun owners to have their personal information protected from disclosure under the state’s Freedom of Information Law, a reaction to criticism of the Journal News newspaper for identifying pistol permit holders in Westchester and Rockland counties based on a FOIL request.
Today we want to hear what you think of this new gun control policy. Do you think gun violence will decline? Is this a good example for other states looking for solutions to gun violence? WAMC's Alan Chartock hosts.
The conversation continues on our Facebook page and on Twitter us @WAMCVoxPop.