Despite quick action in New York state on a gun-control measure, don’t expect much movement in a large number of states, says NPR. Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley is championing new restrictions to require anyone seeking a gun permit to take a mandatory training course and submit fingerprints to state authorities. Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper is calling for universal background checks for would-be gun purchasers. He would require anyone buying a firearm, even at a gun show or in a private sale, to pass a criminal background check.
In fact, in several “red” states, the shift is in the opposite direction. In Arizona, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming, legislation has been introduced that would loosen gun restrictions or underscore gun owner rights. While the gun control issue isn’t a totally partisan one, the push for new limits is more likely in states with Democratic governors and legislatures than in states in which the GOP controls the governor’s mansion and legislature. Keeping in mind that 30 states have Republican governors and 26 state legislatures are GOP-controlled, compared with the 19 that are controlled by Democrats (four are split; Nebraska’s is nonpartisan), the National Rifle Association and other gun rights advocates have a substantial firewall in the states.