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NYS extends waiting period for some gun purchases

National Public Radio
Bump stocks are now banned under the measure signed by the governor.

New York is extending the waiting period for certain gun purchases from three days to 30 days to give authorities more time to run background checks.

The change signed into law Monday by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo will apply when a federal instant background check returns inconclusive results for a potential gun buyer. 

Instant background checks are used to instantly approve or deny gun purchases, but dealers are directed to delay the sale when a check turns up details requiring further scrutiny. 

Cuomo said the 30-day wait will give authorities time to prevent dangerous people from obtaining firearms.

"By signing these measures into law we are strengthening our nation-leading gun laws - banning devices whose sole purpose is to create the most bloodshed in the shortest timeframe and providing law enforcement the tools they need to stop firearms from falling into dangerous hands," the governor said.

The change takes effect in September.

Cuomo also signed legislation banning bump stocks, devices that increase the firing pace of semi-automatic weapons. Bump stocks are already banned at the federal level.

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