Mass. Gov. Unveils Own Gun Control Bill

Will increase funding for mental health and restrict gun purchases to one per month

Gov. Deval Patrick announced a gun control bill today that targets mental illness, closes a background-check loophole at gun shows and limits gun buys to one a month.

"Mental illness is a disease that can be treated, and our communities are safer when the appropriate services and supports are available for people in need," said Patrick in a statement. "I am encouraged by the palpable consensus in our Legislature that the time for action is now. All of us must pull in the same direction to bring about real change in this state and across the country."

Patrick's plan comes hours before his State of the State address tonight and a month after the Sandy Hook Elementary school massacre in Newtown, Conn.