Colo. Governor Signs Gun-Control Regs Into Law

Background checks expanded and magazine sizes limited

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed landmark new gun laws on Wednesday expanding background checks on gun purchases and limiting the size of ammunition magazines, placing the traditionally firearm-friendly state among the handful to pass new restrictions in the wake of the shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Eric Brown, a spokesperson for the governor, confirmed that Hickenlooper had signed the bills in an email to NBC News.

Hickenlooper's signature came the day after the head of Colorado's Department of Corrections, Tom Clements, was shot and killed in his home, apparently after he answered a ring at his front door, authorities said.