ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers were preparing to approve the toughest gun control law in the nation and the first since the Newtown, Conn., school shooting, calling for a stricter assault weapons ban and provisions to try to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill who make threats.

The Democrat-led Assembly debated the measure Tuesday but was expected to easily pass it. It passed the Senate run by a Republican-dominated coalition late Monday night. Gov. Andrew Cuomo helped craft the legislation and pledged to sign it quickly.

"I am proud, as I know that others are, that New York is taking the lead on this issue because we must prevent and protect our public from the mass destruction that can now take place in literally seconds because we do allow our citizens to own weaponry," said Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, a Brooklyn Democrat and co-sponsor.  "This moves us toward that goal ... we believe it is up to us to lead the way."