Lavine: Ban 'high capacity' clips, online sales of ammunition

A state legislator from Nassau County said Wednesday he will introduce a series of gun-control proposals when lawmakers return to the State Capitol in January.

Assemb. Charles Lavine (D-Great Neck) said his bills, penned in response to the Newtown, Conn., school shootings, would:

— Ban the sale of "high capacity" magazines and increase penalties for those who sell or possess them.

— Prohibit online sales of ammunition.

— Impose an additional 10-year-sentence on anyone convicted of carrying out a crime with the use of an illegal firearm.

“High-capacity magazines can transform a handgun into a mass murdering machine,” Lavine said.

Lavine said current state law allows the purchase of "large amounts of ammunition over the Internet with no safeguards ensuring that bullets do not end up in the hands of criminals or the mentally ill." He said one of his bills would "require the face-to-face sale of ammunition. Proper documentation will be required, ensuring that only licensed gun owners have the ability to purchase ammunition."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has promised to unveil a "full package" of gun-related legislation in early January.