Jimmy Vielkind reports in the Times Union the state Senate Mon., Jan. 14, voted to broaden the state's definition of banned assault weapons, increase penalties for those convicted of illegal gun possession and create a statewide database for gun permits. "I believe it's the most comprehensive package in the nation," said Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, Monday night. At the urging of Senate Republicans, the bill also stiffens penalities for the criminal use of a gun and includes an expansion of a mental health provider's ability to commit those found to be a danger to the public. The legislation also makes the murder of a first responder a felony punishable by life in prison without parole. The Assembly is expected to vote on the package, sometime Tuesday. Read the full story in the Times Union. Democracy Now! is reporting President Obama is preparing to unveil a plan to address gun violience, which is expected to include legislation tightening background checks, in addition to 19 other separate actions. The president is expected to implement these changes using executive power. At a news conference Mon., Jan. 14, Obama confirmed he would support proposals for a new assault weapons ban. The full story is available at democracynow.org.