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New York joins three other states to create gun-tracking database

Posted at 11:19 AM, Feb 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-22 12:02:23-05

Information on gun purchases, permits, and which guns have been used in crimes will now be able to be shared across four states.  New York State is joining Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island to create a multi-state database to help fight gun violence.  Governor Cuomo announced the move Thursday morning.

The states have formed what's being called the "States for Gun Safety Coalition."  The coalition will allow the states to work together to better share information regarding gun purchases and to trace guns used in crimes.  The multi-state database will "supplement the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System, trace and intercept guns that are used in crimes as well as guns transported across state borders and launch the nation's first Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium."  The coalition was created, the press release says, in the face of repeated federal inaction.  

Governor Cuomo said that New York State is proud to be home to the nation's strongest gun safety law.  He went on to say, "Rather than wait for the federal government to come to its senses and pass responsible gun safety legislation, New York is joining with New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island to take matters into our own hands. Not only will this groundbreaking partnership take new steps to prevent illegal guns from crossing state lines, but by forming the nation's first Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium, we will be able to better inform policymakers nationwide on how to keep their communities safe."

The coalition will allow the states to share information regarding people who are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.  The governors say the move ensures that states will be able to more effectively prevent certain people from buying guns, obtaining weapons, or getting gun permits.  The states are also asking schools and higher education institutions to partner together to create the nation's first Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium.

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