NY lawmakers pass bills to tighten state gun laws, including raising the minimum age to buy a semiautomatic rifle

Lawmakers also passed a bill that would ban civilians from purchasing bullet-resistant vests, unless the individuals worked in law enforcement or other, specific professions. Another bill passed by lawmakers would broaden the “red flag” law, expanding the list of people who can file for extreme risk protection orders, which allow courts to temporarily seize firearms from anyone believed to be a danger to themselves or others.

The measures were expected to pass in the Democratic-controlled state Senate and Assembly after they were announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul Tuesday. Hochul, a Democrat, has signaled that she will sign the bills, and CNN has reached out to Hochul’s office for additional details.

The bills’ passage come nearly three weeks after 10 people were killed in a racially motivated shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo and as the nation grapples with a string of mass shootings since that has amplified calls for stricter gun laws.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said by passing the 10-bill package, “we are sending a message that this path of gun violence is unacceptable and we need real change,” in a tweet on Thursday.