On Tuesday, a bipartisan group of senators released legislative text for a narrow set of gun safety measures. Here’s everything you need to know about the proposed reform.
New reforms are on the way
Senate bargainers reached an agreement on a bipartisan gun violence bill, potentially teeing up final passage by week’s end on an incremental but landmark package that would stand as Congress’ response to mass shootings in Texas and New York.
Lawmakers released an 80-page long bill, nine days after agreeing to a framework, 29 years after Congress last enacted the major firearms curbs. The gun bill initially cleared a procedural hurdle by 64-34, with 14 Republicans joining all 48 Democrats and two allied independents in voting yes.
“Today, we finalized bipartisan, commonsense legislation to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country,” stated Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.; John Cornyn, R-Texas; Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C. in a joint statement.
“Our legislation will save lives and will not infringe on any law-abiding American’s Second Amendment rights,” they added. According to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., it is “a commonsense package of popular steps that will help make these horrifying incidents less likely while fully upholding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”
Senate gun bill: What does it hold?
The new gun bill will hold an “enhanced review process” for young gun buyers. The bill would require an investigative period to examine juvenile and mental health records before buyers under 21 could purchase a firearm.
Additionally, the bill will also close the “boyfriend loophole”. The loophole is a legislative gray space making women vulnerable to gun violence-related domestic abuse. Hence, people convicted of domestic violence, or who are subject to a domestic violence restraining order, can’t purchase firearms. However, this is only applicable if the abuser is a romantic partner or spouse, ex-spouse, co-parent, or someone with whom the victim has lived. However, this does not protect women that do not live with their partners.
“While more is needed, this package will take steps to save lives,” stated Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi is the house speaker.