Credit: Shirley Li/Medill DC
The nation’s gun laws may see some change after a bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican from Pennsylvania, announced a deal has been struck.
The announcement of the deal related to framework for legislation related to gun violence came Sunday and follows multiple recent mass shootings, including at a grocery store in Buffalo, a school in Texas, and on South Street in Philadelphia.
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The proposal invests in mental health services and school safety, focuses on fighting gun crime, and has federal support for “crisis intervention orders,” which are commonly known as “red flag laws.”
The proposal comes after 20 senators from both parties came together to discuss significant changes.
The proposal has the support of 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans in the Senate, which is critical because it needs 60 votes to pass the body. If it passes, the proposal would still need to win over the U.S. House of Representatives and get signed by the president.
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Toomey said he believes the proposal will save lives, while “protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans.”
“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,” he said.
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President Joe Biden said the proposal “does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction, and would be the most significant gun safety legislation to pass Congress in decades.”
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat representing Philadelphia, didn’t take part in the talks, but he issued the following statement: “I’m encouraged by the emerging bipartisan deal on gun legislation. While we need to do more to close loopholes and keep weapons of war off our streets, this deal is an important first step.”
Toomey’s office provided the following overview of the proposal:
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Support for 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.
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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.
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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.
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Telehealth Investments
- Invests in programs that increase access to mental and behavioral health services for youth and families in crisis via telehealth.
Under 21 Enhanced Review Process
- For buyers under 21 years of age, requires an investigative period to review juvenile and mental health records, including checks with state databases and local law enforcement.
Penalties for Straw Purchasing
- Cracks down on criminals who illegally straw purchase and traffic guns.
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