New York passes bill banning under-21s from buying semi-automatic rifles

The big picture: The 10 bills that passed and head to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk to be signed are designed to "close loopholes and directly address the gaps in our laws exposed by the horrific shootings in Buffalo, Texas, and around the country," according to a a statement from the Democratic governor's office.

• Along with raising the legal age a person can purchase semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21, the legislative package also bans most civilians from buying bullet-resistant body armor and strengthens red flag laws.

What they're saying: "Our nation-leading gun legislation package just passed both houses. New York is taking swift action to strengthen Red Flag laws, close loopholes, & protect communities," Hochul tweeted after the legislation passed.

• Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Democratic majority leader of the State Senate, tweeted, "We just passed a 10 bill package taking action on gun violence. Today we are sending a message that this path of gun violence is unacceptable and we need real change."

The other side: Several Republicans argued the new gun legislation would "inconvenience law-abiding firearms owners and could be easily circumvented by people determined to get weapons," AP reports.

What to watch: The legislation is expected to be challenged in the courts.

• New York is already facing a lawsuit over handgun license restrictions that's due to come before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Worth noting: A federal appeals court ruled last month that California's ban on semi-automatic weapons sales to adults under 21 was unconstitutional.

Go deeper: Biden calls on Congress to reinstate federal assault weapons ban