June 13, 2022
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.
Statement issued by a bipartisan group of senators on the *framework* for potential legislation which would update gun laws and address mental health support in the aftermath of multiple mass shootings.
Why It Matters: The legislation is not yet written; if this framework is agreed upon and legislation is passed, this has the potential to be the most significant gun law legislation in decades.
What's In The Framework: Preliminarily, it gives funding to the states to help enact "red flag" laws, expands background checks for those under the age of 21 (so juvenile records would be more accessible), grants funds for mental health resources, and would close the "boyfriend loophole" — right now, federal law prevents those convicted of misdemeanor domestic abuse from purchasing a weapon only if the incident occurred against a spouse, live-in partner, etc., but does not affect unmarried dating partners who don't share children together.
Here are more details by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) on what potentially will be in the bill.
Senate negotiators announce a deal on guns, breaking logjam
Statement by President Biden on Bipartisan Senate Gun Safety Proposal
by Jenna Lee,
