New Orleans eyes new gun-control measures to stem violence

NEW ORLEANS – The mayor of New Orleans, a city plagued by murders and shootings, hopes to stem the violence with new gun-control measures, including a requirement that stolen and lost guns are reported to police.

On Friday, Mayor Mitch Landrieu and City Council members introduced the proposed gun laws.

The ordinance, as drafted, largely duplicates state and federal laws that exist, and some experts questioned how effective the city ordinance would be.

Under the proposal, it would become a crime to not report stolen or lost guns within 48 hours. Also, it would make it a crime to unlawfully possess a gun in or near New Orleans’ athletic parks, schools and school buses as well as to have a gun without a serial number and to improperly brandish a gun.