Mike Groll/AP,Mike Groll
The sweep of gun-reform laws promised in the wake of Sandy Hook has officially begun. On Tuesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law a package of gun-control laws after the state Assembly voted them through. The law includes an expanded ban on assault weapons, which outlaws semiautomatic pistols and rifles and shotguns with one military-style feature. New Yorkers who own such guns can keep them but must register them with the state. It also bans magazines that hold more than seven rounds of ammunition (down from 10) and requires background checks of ammunition buyers. Cuomo said he believes the law will be “the most comprehensive package in the nation.” The NRA responded that “these gun-control schemes have failed in the past and will have no impact on public safety and crime.” We’ll see.