AP Sources: NY has Tentative deal on Gun Control

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - People familiar with the internal negotiations say Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have a tentative deal to enact the nation's first gun control measure following the Newtown, Conn., school shooting.

The tentative agreement would further restrict New York's ban on assault-style weapons and limit ammunition clips to seven bullets, rather than the current 10 bullets. Other elements, pushed by Republicans, would refine a mental health law that allows for civil confinement of people determined to be a threat to others.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the proposal had not been discussed among rank and file legislators. They say the tentative deal struck over the weekend will be debated in closed-door conference today in the Senate and Assembly. If the deal survives as expected, a bill could be presented this week.

The first Republican senator to emerge from a five-hour private session says he expects the New York Legislature to vote on a gun control bill by the end of the day.

State Sen. Michael Nozzolio from Monroe County says there are a number of concerns remaining, but he expects the vote.

The issue would not be coming to the floor under Albany rules if it wasn't almost sure to pass.

People familiar with closed-door negotiations say a tentative deal was struck over the weekend.

It would tighten New York's ban on assault weapons, limit the size of magazines to seven bullets, down from 10, and enact more stringent background checks for sales.

It would refine mental health law to make it easier to confine people determined to be a threat.