A bipartisan group of senators announced an agreement on principle for gun safety legislation Sunday in the wake of a series of devastating mass shootings.
“Today, we are announcing a commonsense, bipartisan proposal to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country. Families are scared, and it is our duty to come together and get something done that will help restore their sense of safety and security in their communities,” the group of senators said in a press release.
It includes improving school safety, funding mental health and enhanced background checks for those under 21. It would also provide funding for states to implement the red-flag laws that allow authorities to temporarily confiscate guns from people deemed to be dangerous. Additionally, the legislation would provide resources “to expand mental health and supportive services in schools, including: early identification and intervention programs and school-based mental health and wrap-around services.”
10 Senate Republicans have signed on, including John Cornyn, Thom Tillis, Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.).
10 Senate Democrats who support the deal include Chris Murphy, Kyrsten Sinema, Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Once the text of this agreement is finalized, I will put this bill on the floor as soon as possible so that the Senate can act quickly to advance gun-safety legislation.”
President Biden, who endorsed the agreement, said that the “does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction.” If passed, Biden said the framework would mark “the most significant gun safety legislation” to pass Congress in decades. “Each day that passes, more children are killed in this country: the sooner it comes to my desk, the sooner I can sign it, and the sooner we can use these measures to save lives.”
The gun safety deal was reached to prevent future shootings after 19 children and two teachers were killed in their school Uvalde, Texas.
The gun safety proposal includes:
Supports State Crisis Intervention Orders: Provides resources to states and tribes to create and administer laws that help ensure deadly weapons are kept out of the hands of individuals whom a court has determined to be a significant danger to themselves or others, consistent with state and federal due process and constitutional protections.
Investment in Children and Family Mental Health Services: National expansion of community behavioral health center model; major investments to increase access to mental health and suicide prevention programs; and other support services available in the community, including crisis and trauma intervention and recovery.
Under 21 Enhanced Review Process: Buyers under 21 years of age will be required to undergo an investigative period to review juvenile and mental health records, including checks with state databases and local law enforcement.
Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence: Convicted domestic violence abusers and individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders are included in NICS, including those who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.
Funding for School-Based Mental Health and Supportive Services: Invests in programs to expand mental health and supportive services in schools, including early identification and intervention programs and school-based mental health and wrap-around services.
Funding for School Safety Resources: Invests in programs to help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, support school violence prevention efforts and provide training to school personnel and students.
Clarification of Definition of Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer: Cracks down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements.
Telehealth Investments: Invests in programs that increase access to mental and behavioral health services for youth and families in crisis via telehealth.
Penalties for Straw Purchasing: Cracks down on criminals who illegally straw purchase and traffic guns.
