Malloy Will Sign 'Comprehensive' State Gun Legislation

In a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Dannel Malloy told reporters he would sign extensive new legislation announced by Connecticut lawmakers Monday, should it reach his desk.

The legislation calls for expanding current gun bans to include a variety of high-powered weapons and magazines, a weapons offender registry and universal background checks. Legally owned weapons and magazines would have to be registered with the state.

"This is something that we can be proud of," said Malloy at the press conference, according to the Connecticut Post. "We don't want to stop progress. This bill is a very good bill. Very far-reaching. Arguably the most comprehensive in the country on a state basis, in its entirety."

"I am grateful that the Governor and Connecticut Legislature took a bipartisan path to a strong gun responsibility bill," said Nicole Hockley, parent of Dylan Hockley, killed in the 12/14 shooting -- in a statement released by Sandy Hook Promise Tuesday. "I particularly appreciate that the legislature listened to us and strengthened the provision on large capacity magazine size."

March for Change / CT Against Gun Violence director Ron Pinciaro said signing the legislation is "the right thing to do."

"While it does not have everything we want, it is everything that could be done within the political reality we were facing," said Pinciaro. "We did everything we could, leaving nothing on the table, and the result is historic. Connecticut did not let the other states or the nation down."

"I am grateful that the Governor and Connecticut Legislature took a bipartisan path to a strong gun responsibility bill. I particularly appreciate that the Legislature listened to us and strengthened the provision on large capacity magazine size."

Malloy's positions have not skirted dissent. Some, including the Newtown-based National Shooting Sports Foundation -- a trade organization for the firearms industry -- have been critical of the governor.

"[M]alloy is trying to have his cake and eat it too," said the organization in a release last week. The organization says Malloy's push for gun laws contradicts his desire to keep firearms companies like Colt in-state.

"[F]or all his concern about specific guns in Connecticut, Malloy seems relatively unconcerned about people in other states owning firearms produced by Connecticut firms," said the release. "In fact, Malloy has repeatedly implored Connecticut’s gun manufacturers to stay put even if a ban is passed."

President Barack Obama will travel to Connecticut next week to offer his support to stricter gun measures.

"He will continue asking the American people to join him in calling on Congress to pass measures to reduce gun violence," said a release from the University of Hartford.