The long-awaited legislation follows days of bargaining by lawmakers on several controversial points that have raised questions about whether the talks will fall apart.
Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of senators published an agreement in principle on a bipartisan arms legislation, which in particular had the support of 10 Republican senators. At least 10 Republican senators will have to join the Democrats in support of the bill in order to overcome the filibuster and move to the Senate.
Here is a breakdown of what is in the account.
This money can be used to implement and manage red flag programs that aim to keep weapons out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves or others. It can also be used for other crisis intervention programs such as mental health courts, drug courts and veterans’ courts.
Whether the money could be used for things other than red flag laws was a major hurdle at the end of the talks, and Republicans were able to secure money for states that do not have red flag laws but have other crisis intervention programs.
Closing the so-called boyfriend door
This legislation closes an annual loophole in the Domestic Violence Act, which prohibits individuals who have been convicted of domestic violence offenses against spouses or partners with whom they have shared children or cohabited with weapons. The old statutes do not include intimate partners who cannot live together, be married or share children. The new bill will ban anyone convicted of a crime of domestic violence against someone with whom they have a “continuing serious relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.” The provision has no retroactive effect.
However, the bill will allow those convicted of domestic violence crimes to regain their gun rights in five years if they have not committed other crimes.
Demands more arms dealers to register as federally licensed firearms dealers
The bill is against individuals who sell weapons as a major source of income but have previously avoided registering as federally licensed firearms dealers. This is important because federally licensed dealers are required to conduct inspections before selling a weapon to anyone.
More in-depth examinations of people aged 18-21 who want to buy a weapon
The bill encourages states to include juvenile records in the National System of Immediate Verification of Criminal Origin with Grants, as well as to introduce a new protocol for verifying these records. Gives NICS three days to review a person’s record. If something potentially disqualifying occurs, NICS is given an additional seven days. If the inspection is not completed by then, the transfer of the weapon is completed.
Creates new federal laws against arms and straw trafficking
The law makes it easier to prosecute those who buy weapons for people who are not allowed to buy weapons themselves.
Increases funding for mental health and school security programs
This money is directed to a series of programs, many of which already exist, but will be funded more steadily under the new law.
What to watch next
This legislation largely reflects what was in the bipartisan framework last week, but includes some additional changes. The next big improvement will be to ensure that the 10 Republicans who supported the original framework still agree with the bill now that the text has been unveiled.
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