But the politics of all of these measures is tricky and the stakes are high, said Alan Lizotte, dean and professor at the School of Criminal Justice at the State University of New York at Albany.

CNN: Will states go where Congress hasn't on gun laws?

"There is a lot of member contact going on right now that isn't so obvious, " said Alan Lizotte, dean and professor at the State University of New York at Albany's School of Criminal Justice.

CNN: Gun lobby may emerge victorious when smoke clears

"It's hard for people to come to the table to at least talk about it, " said Alan Lizotte, dean and professor at the State University of New York at Albany's School of Criminal Justice.

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