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Conn. lawmakers pass wide-ranging gun control law

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut lawmakers have approved wide-ranging legislation in response to last year's deadly school shooting in Newtown, including gun control measures that ban the sales of large-capacity ammunition magazines and more than 100 weapons that previously had been legal.

Following hours of respectful and at times somber debate, the House and the Senate voted in favor of the 139-page bill crafted by leaders from both major parties in the Democratic-controlled General Assembly.

The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who plans to sign it at noon on Thursday.

Some of the measures take effect right away. Those include expansion of the state's assault weapons ban, background checks for all firearms sales and a ban on the sale or purchase of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The bill also addresses mental health and school security measures.

 

The bill passed 26-10 in the Senate and 105-44 in the House.

 

House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz says he prays the bill will prevent other families from experiencing the loss felt by the 26 families of the Sandy Hook school shooting victims.

 

House Republican Leader Lawrence Cafero helped craft the legislation. He says he realizes gun owners aren't happy with the bill, but he stresses that no one will lose their legally owned guns or magazines.