State lawmakers, governors talk guns after Newtown

Here’s a sampling of proposals and policy statements that state legislators and governors have made since a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at a Newtown, Conn., school.

CALIFORNIA: Various Democratic legislators want to tighten an existing assault weapons ban; limit ammunition purchases; and force schools to update emergency response plans. A Republican, previously an opponent of gun restrictions, wants to permanently block gun ownership for anyone determined by a court to be mentally unstable.

COLORADO: Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, said “the time is right” for gun-control discussion. Democratic lawmakers have talked about banning assault weapons, but nothing is introduced yet.

FLORIDA: The Republican sponsor of the “stand your ground” law wants to allow teachers and principals to carry weapons while at work.

GEORGIA: In a gun-friendly state, Republican Gov. Nathan Deal has avoided comment on gun laws, saying he will assess school safety procedures, emergency response protocol and public mental health services.

MINNESOTA: Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat, says he’ll listen to “anything and everything.” But, “There’s a limit to what society can do to protect people from their own folly.”

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Phil Bryant, a Republican, is “opposed to any limitation of the right to arms as protected by the Constitution.”

NEW YORK: Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to tighten an existing assault weapons ban and extend it to “large magazines.”

NEW JERSEY: Democratic lawmaker wants to create a commission to study gun violence, expand behavioral health treatment for potentially violent offenders.

OKLAHOMA: Two Republican lawmakers have called for teachers or school personnel who receive special training to be armed. Legislative leaders have sidestepped questions on the proposals.

PENNSYLVANIA: Urban Democrats want to tighten limits on possession and purchases, but Republicans control the legislature.

SOUTH CAROLINA: A South Carolina lawmaker has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming session that would allow public school employees with concealed weapons permits to carry guns on school grounds.

TENNESSEE: A Republican lawmaker has called for adults on campus to be armed.

WISCONSIN: Democratic representative wants an assault weapons ban, among other ideas. Republican Gov. Scott Walker didn’t reject the idea, but says focus should be on mental health.

UTAH: Republican attorney general reaffirmed support for existing law that allows concealed weapons on public property, including schools.