New Gun Control Regulations Take Effect In New York State

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Tough new gun control measures kick in Saturday throughout New York State.

The measures are part of a package of regulations signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo back in January.

The law immediately banned in-state sales of guns classified as assault weapons. And as of Saturday, the law also requires federal background checks for private firearms sales performed by licensed gun dealers.

Also effective Saturday, mental health professionals are required to report patients they may feel likely to hurt themselves or others seriously.

The New York State legislature quickly passed the gun control measure in the wake of the Newtown, Conn. school massacre. Gunman Adam Lanza used a Bushmaster .223 semiautomatic in his rampage that left 20 first graders and six educators dead.

Under prior state law, assault weapons are defined by having two "military rifle'' features spelled out in the law. The new law reduces that to one feature and include the popular pistol grip.

It also forces gun owners to renew their licenses every five years, stiffens penalties for using a gun in the commission of a crime and for bringing a gun on school property.

The gun law has also led to large protest rallies in Albany and pressured Senate Republicans who represent many of the upstate areas where gun owners are most upset.

Cuomo announced plans late last month to modify the law so as to exempt the film industry.

What do you think about the new gun control regulations? Leave your comments below...

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