Rep. Stephen D. Dargan, D-West Haven, co-chairman of the Public Safety and Security Committee, said he has assurances from top leaders of the General Assembly that an expanded ban on military-style weapons and limits on the number of bullets in gun magazines will become part of an eventual bill. Dargan said he believes the House and Senate leaders, who have been meeting behind closed doors, are nearing a deal that could soon send a far-reaching bill to debate and votes.

Top lawmakers said Thursday they expect that it could be a couple more weeks before the full House and Senate vote on legislation.

Both Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Fairfield, and Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams Jr., said they continue to make progress toward a bipartisan deal that could set a standard for the national debate on gun control.