States explore options for blocking guns sales to people on terror watch lists

FILE - In this April 4, 2013, file photo, Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, second from right, gestures gestures at the conclusion of a legislation signing ceremony as parents of two Sandy Hook shooting victims look on, at the Capitol in Hartford, Conn. Malloy proposed using an executive order to ban gun sales to people on federal no-fly lists. On Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015, he said he was working with the White House and Justice Department for Connecticut officials to be able to use the watch lists directly, rather than relying on a check conducted through the NCIC process. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2015, file photo, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., joined by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., right, criticizes Republicans for not doing enough to stop gun violence, during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. On Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, Schumer joined Gov. Andrew Cuomo in calling on federal officials to set up a protocol to allow states access to the normally confidential FBI terrorism watch list. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – States trying to find a way to stop gun sales to people on federal terrorism watch lists may turn to New Jersey for an example.

A state law there allows police to use a National Crime Information Center database to check against a list of known or suspected extremists. A 2013 change in the law disqualifies people on that list from obtaining gun permits.

Some states are working to get access to a direct FBI database maintained by the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center. New Jersey officials say they don't need that.

Connecticut Gov. Daniel Malloy proposed an executive order last week to ban people on the no-fly list from buying guns.

A new bill would amend New York law to add a disqualification category for people on the FBI watch list.