Peters Statement on Senate Bipartisan Gun Safety Framework
DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the bipartisan framework announced today to reduce the threat of gun violence, protect our children and help keep schools safe.
“This bipartisan proposal would take needed steps to address gun violence, improve school safety and increase mental health resources. As I have said, failure is not an option and we must make progress by passing commonsense legislation. This framework is an important step, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this as soon as possible.”
The bipartisan framework, which now will be turned into legislation, includes the following measures:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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