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Gun control deal close in Albany

New details are emerging on gun control legislation that lawmakers say could be passed as early as today.

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein predicts that New York state could have the toughest in the nation gun control laws before Tuesday that would include closing loopholes in the assault weapons ban and strengthened penalties for illegal guns.  

“When all is said and done, we’re going to pass a comprehensive gun bill today,” Klein said.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he expects Gov. Andrew Cuomo to waive the three-day waiting period for the bills so the legislation could be voted on as soon as the deal is sealed.

“The message out there is so clear after Newtown,” Silver said. “It is an emergency.”

Silver says the agreement will also expand the state’s involuntary mental health treatment statute known as Kendra’s Law.

Karen DeWitt is Capitol Bureau Chief for New York State Public Radio, a network of 10 public radio stations in New York State. She has covered state government and politics for the network since 1990.