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March 10, 2013

A gun law test

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Look for a showdown in the Senate Judiciary Committee next week. The Democratic-controlled panel is expected to take up background checks for nearly all gun purchases and $40 million for school security next week.

The committee may also take up the assault weapons ban. On Thursday, in the first gun votes since the Newtown massacre, the committee voted 11-7 to strengthen penalties for “straw” purchasers of firearms.

The vote was 11-7 with Republican Sen. Charles Grassley casting the only GOP vote.

Meanwhile, a list of states, including Oklahoma, continues to pass their own gun laws, making a federal showdown even more likely. Georgia legislators voted to allow persons who have voluntarily sought treatment for mental illness of substance abuse to get gun permits.

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