Senate Passes First Major Gun Safety Legislation

Late Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted 65-33 to pass the first major federal gun safety legislation in a generation. The measure garnered the support of 15 Republicans–five more than needed to break a filibuster. President Biden has called on the House to promptly vote on the bipartisan bill and send it to his desk. 

The bill includes $750 million to help states implement and run crisis intervention programs, including establishing red flag laws; it closes the so-called boyfriend loophole baring anyone who commits domestic violence against a dating partner from owning a gun; requires more gun sellers to register as Federally Licensed Firearms Dealers; provides more thorough reviews of people 18-21 who want to buy guns; and, increases funding for mental health programs and school security. The bill is titled the Bipartisan Safety Communities Act.