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Gov. Patrick Proposes New Gun Laws To Curb Youth Violence

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick is proposing tougher gun laws to help curb youth violence.

Patrick said Monday his bill would tighten existing gun laws by giving police new criminal sanctions and investigative tools to go after guns and gangs.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports.

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The bill would also create three new gun-related crimes -- assault and battery with a firearm, assault with a firearm, and a "felon in possession" law that matches existing federal law.

Patrick said he would also ask for $10 million in public and private funding to fill in gaps in programs and resources needed to make neighborhoods safer, including guaranteeing that young men coming out of jail have the resources needed to stay out of trouble.

Patrick made the announcement at a community center in Boston.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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