ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says his state needs to ban assault weapons outright, not just rely on increased penalties under current rules.
Following the recent shooting of 26 people at a Connecticut school, officials in New York are calling for measures to prevent similar mass-killings there.
Senate Republican Majority Leader Dean Skelos proposes tougher prison sentences for illegally possessing guns, using them in crimes or taking them on school property.
Cuomo, a Democrat, says the Republican plan "misses the mark" if it doesn't ban assault weapons. He defines them as a rifle with a high-capacity magazine and other characteristics of military weapons.
New York already bans assault weapons defined as semi-automatic guns with extra military-style features like pistol grips and bayonet mounts, a definition Cuomo says has "significant loopholes."
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