New York passes 1st US gun control bill since Connecticut massacre

ALBANY, N.Y. - New York has become the first state to dramatically stiffen its gun laws after last month's massacre at a Connecticut elementary school.

With Gov. Andrew Cuomo's signature Tuesday, parts of the measure that sped through the Legislature in two days take effect immediately.

The law calls for a tougher assault weapons ban and provisions to try to keep guns away from mentally ill people who make threats.

It also calls for background checks on ammunition, a ban on large magazines, stiffer penalties for gun crimes and background checks even on private sales, such as those at gun shows.

   Mental health professionals will be required to report any patient who they believe to be a threat to use a gun illegally. The patient's gun could be confiscated.