New York State
Poll: The Democrats’ legislative deluge
Which bills could backfire? And what policy fights are looming?
![Huge crowd participated at "Never Again" rally to protest and change gun laws after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.](https://cdn.cityandstateny.com/media/img/cd/2021/06/29/gun_control_KMH_Photovideo_Shutterstock/860x394.jpg?1627336372)
Huge crowd participated at "Never Again" rally to protest and change gun laws after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. KMH Photovideo-Shutterstock
This Tuesday marks only the seventh official day of the 2019 state legislative session, but Democrats have taken advantage of that time – and their newfound control of the state Senate – to pass a slew of progressive bills.
This month they have passed a number of measures that stalled in recent years, including a package of voting reforms; the Reproductive Health Act, which strengthens abortion protections; the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, or GENDA, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or expression; and the DREAM Act, which allows young undocumented immigrants to qualify for financial aid for college in New York.
On Tuesday, lawmakers are poised to pass half a dozen new gun control measures, including a ban on bump stocks, prohibiting teachers from carrying guns, a longer waiting period for background checks on gun purchases, and “red flag” legislation that would allow people deemed dangerous to be blocked from owning a gun.
As Democrats continue their dizzying pace, we’re asking our readers to weigh in on what it all means – and what to watch for in coming weeks.
NEXT STORY: Committee assignment gives Ocasio-Cortez a platform for her agenda