Since the Newtown, Connecticut massacre, the gun-lobby has been squaring off with advocates for stronger gun regulations. And while Congress has barely managed to squeeze in an upcoming vote on modest restrictions, a bi-partisan group of Connecticut lawmakers have reached a deal to implement some of our nation's toughest gun laws.

Yesterday, legislators in that state put forward legislation, which will close the private-sale loophole, implement a ban on high-capacity magazines, and create a new certification process for the purchase rifles, shotguns, or ammunition. However, the new law will allow individuals who currently own high-capacity magazines to keep them. Connecticut lawmakers are expected to vote on the legislation on Wednesday.

Governor Dannel Malloy, expressed concern about the law's “grandfather clause,” and said, "I have been clear for weeks that a ban on the possession and sale of high capacity magazines is an important part of our effort to prevent gun violence -- simply banning their sale moving forward would not be an effective solution." But, advocates of gun control hail the proposal as a landmark package, and they say it's an appropriate response to the Sandy Hook shooting.

Ron Pinciaro, of the group Connecticut Against Gun Violence, said, “when you take all the elements and compare it, I think you could judiciously say this is the strongest bill in the nation.” After a year of what seemed like endless mass shootings, it's refreshing to see lawmakers standing up to the gun-lobby, and implementing some real regulations. Connecticut is working to take weapons of war off of our streets.

The law may not be perfect, but it's a great start. If only lawmakers around our nation were brave enough to do the same.