June 12 (Reuters) – A bipartisan group of US senators said on Sunday they had reached an agreement on a framework for arms security legislation, potentially the first major new U.S. arms law in decades, after a series of recent high-profile shootings. Read more
Here are some highlights of what is and what is not in the agreement, according to a statement from the group of lawmakers that includes 10 Republicans, enough to overcome the “filibuster” rule of the Senate:
A: SUPPORT FOR STATE CRISIS INTERVENTION
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The proposal would provide resources to Native American states and tribes to create and administer “red flag” measures to ensure that weapons remain out of the hands of people whom a court has determined to be a significant danger to themselves or to others. to others. These measures would be consistent with due process of state and federal law and constitutional protections.
OUTSIDE: PROHIBITION OF ASSESSMENT WEAPONS
During a passionate speech on June 2, Democratic President Joe Biden urged Congress to re-impose a federal ban on assault weapons that expired in 2004, which banned the manufacture, transfer and possession of firearms. semi-automatic assault and the transfer and possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. This move faces strong opposition from Republicans in Congress and is not in the framework agreement released Sunday.
A: IMPROVED REVIEW PROCESS FOR BUYERS UNDER 21
The framework calls for a period of investigation to review the criminal and mental health records of minors of arms buyers under the age of 21. This would include checks with state databases and local law enforcement.
OUTSIDE: AGE REQUIRED TO BUY SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLES
The proposal does not include a provision to raise the age to buy a semi-automatic rifle to 21 nationwide. Currently, the minimum age to buy is 18. Federal law already prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from legally buying a gun.
A: PENALTIES FOR “STRAW PURCHASES”
If passed, the new law would crack down on criminals who illegally buy straw and arms trafficking. A straw purchase occurs when a person buys a weapon for someone who is not legally allowed to buy one.
EXIT: EXPANSION OF FEDERAL VERIFICATION
The framework does not include proposals to extend federal background checks to purchase a weapon in three to 10 days. Nor does it close a gap in federal law that allows many sales on the Internet and at gun shows to be out of control.
IN: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, INVESTMENTS IN TELESALUITY
The proposal would expand the models of community behavioral health centers and make investments to increase access to mental health and suicide prevention programs. It would also help fund crisis and trauma intervention and recovery services and make investments in programs that increase access to mental and behavioral health services for youth and families in crisis through telehealth.
OUTSIDE: REPEAL OF THE SHIELD OF RESPONSIBILITY
The proposed framework does not mention the modification or repeal of a federal shield of responsibility that protects gun manufacturers from being sued for violence by people carrying and firing their weapons.
A: CLARIFICATION ON THE DEFINITION OF LICENSED DISTRIBUTOR
The framework would also clarify the definition of a federally licensed firearm distributor and crack down on offenders who illegally evade license requirements.
A: PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Those convicted of domestic violence offenses and facing domestic violence removal orders would be subject to criminal background checks for the purchase of weapons under the proposal.
A: MENTAL HEALTH FINANCING AND SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES
The proposed framework calls for funding to expand mental health and school support services, including early identification and intervention programs.
A: FINANCING OF SCHOOL SAFETY RESOURCES
Under the proposal, federal funds would go to programs that help elementary and high schools create security measures, support efforts to prevent school violence, and provide training to school staff and students.
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Report by Brendan O’Brien in Chicago; Editing by Scott Malone and Chris Reese
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