ALBANY (AP) -- New York's Senate where Republicans hold strong sway has approved what supporters say will be the toughest gun laws in the nation.
Sen. Jeffrey Klein, who sponsored the law with bipartisan support, praised his co-leader, Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos and the Democratic conference.
Senate Republicans have opposed similar measures in past years when they solely controlled the Senate.
Klein says the bill isn't about taking the rights away from any legal gun owner.
The bill targets assault rifles, high-capacity clips of ammunition and requires reports of the mentally ill who pose a threat to others with illegal guns.
The vote passed 43-18 in the Senate thanks to a strong Democratic vote. The Democrat-led Assembly is expected to easily pass the measure.
"Tonight, the Senators that voted for the NY SAFE Act of 2013 made a bold statement, coming together in a bipartisan, collaborative manner to meet the challenges that face our state and our nation, as we have seen far too many senseless acts of gun violence. I commend Senator Skelos, Senator Klein, and Senator Stewart-Cousins for their hard work on this important legislation," said Governor Andrew Cuomo in a media release.
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