New York’s Senate where Republicans hold strong sway has approved what supporters say will be the toughest gun laws in the nation.

Sen. Jeffrey Klein (KLINE), who sponsored the law with bipartisan support, praised his co-leader, Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos and the Democratic conference.

Senate Republicans have opposed similar measures in past years when they solely controlled the Senate.

Klein says the bill isn’t about taking the rights away from any legal gun owner.

The bill targets assault rifles, high-capacity clips of ammunition and requires reports of the mentally ill who pose a threat to others with illegal guns.

The vote passed 43-18 in the Senate thanks to a strong Democratic vote.

The Democrat-led Assembly is expected to easily pass the measure.

(AP)