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Monday, Apr 22, 2013 4:03 PM UTC

Chris Christie pushing for expanded background checks

The New Jersey governor is also pursuing a ban on .50-caliber Barrett rifles

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Topics: Chris Christie, Republicans, New Jersey, Gun Control, background checks,

Chris Christie pushing for expanded background checks (Credit: AP)

Republican Gov. Chris Christie unveiled a push for stricter gun control laws in New Jersey, including an expansion of background checks, a ban on .50-caliber Barrett rifles and requirements for parental consent before minors can buy violent video games.

Bloomberg News reports:

Christie said New Jersey’s gun-control laws are already considered the second-toughest in the nation by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. He cited the state’s assault- weapons ban, a seven-day waiting period prior to any firearm purchase, the third-strictest capacity laws on magazine capacity in the country and a one-gun-a-month law.

He is seeking to toughen laws by mandating that mental- health records are included in the instant background-check process at the time of a firearm purchase. He also is proposing bills to impose or strengthen criminal penalties for selling firearms to convicted felons, possessing a gun with the intent to unlawfully transfer, unlawfully possessing ammunition and engaging in firearms trafficking.

“Ensuring there are common-sense safety measures when purchasing guns is not enough,” Christie said Monday in a press conference. “We must address the many different contributing factors.”

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com. More Jillian Rayfield.

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