The annual battle over the issue kicks off today, when the Assembly -- as it has done for several years -- is expected to pass several measures that would tighten restrictions on gun ownership.With a 68 seat margin in the Assembly (109 to 41), Democrats should have no problem passing initiatives to "microstamp" firearms in order to create an identifying print on fired cartridges. Also up for debate are tighter restrictions on gun retailers and a move to require people to renew handgun permits every five years.

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