Cuomo Proposes Extending Gun Waiting Period To 10 Days

On Sunday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced another proposed gun safety measure in the wake of the Parkland, Florida shooting, that would increase the waiting period to purchase a gun in the state to a maximum of 10 days.

New York already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. In 2013, the state passed The Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act, or SAFE Act, in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook. The law changed many aspects of New York's firearms stance. It changed the definition of an assault weapon to any semi-automatic rifle, shotgun or handgun, and requires owners of those weapons to register them. It also banned high-capacity magazines.

Under current law, all gun sales in the state have to have a background check. The check either approves or denies the sale, or can delay the sale for up to three days for a more in-depth background check. But gun control advocates say the three days isn't long enough.

"I am seeking to make the SAFE Act, which is already the strongest gun safety law in the country, even stronger," Cuomo said in a statement. "This year I have proposed a number of reforms, including preventing individuals with a history of domestic violence from purchasing or owning guns. Today I am proposing that New York extend the background check waiting period to up to 10 days, in order to keep our schools and our communities safe."

Cuomo's proposal would amend the SAFE Act to increase the waiting period to 10 days. After that, the person would either be able to purchase the gun or have the sale denied.

What do you think? Do you support extending the waiting time, or are current laws enough? Sound off in the comments below.

Photo: Gov. Cuomo's Office