What's in the Bipartisan Gun Safety Framework?

What’s the story?

• The group of senators negotiating a bipartisan gun safety package announced Sunday they’ve reached an agreement on a framework for a bill that will be turned into legislative text this week. 
• The bipartisan framework as announced has the support of at least 10 Republican senators, meaning that it can overcome the 60-vote threshold for the legislative filibuster in the Senate if all 50 Democrats vote in favor. However, the agreement hasn't been turned into an actual bill yet.
• Senators have signaled that they hope to have the legislative text done by Friday so they’ll be able to circulate the proposal and bring the package up for consideration in the upper chamber as early as next week.
• That timeline would allow for potential votes on final passage prior to Congress’s currently scheduled two-week recess for the Fourth of July, although lawmakers could shorten the break if leadership chooses to do so.

What did the group say?

• The negotiations were initially undertaken by a group of 10 bipartisan senators led by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and John Cornyn (R-TX), although the group expanded to 20 senators formally participating in the effort.
• Democrats include Murphy along with Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). 
• Republicans include Cornyn along with Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Richard Burr (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rob Portman (R-OH), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Pat Toomey (R-PA).
• The bipartisan group released a joint statement on Sunday which read:

“Today, we are announcing a commonsense, bipartisan proposal to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country. Families are scared, and it is our duty to come together and get something done that will help restore their sense of safety and security in their communities. Our plan increases needed mental health resources, improves school safety and support for students, and helps ensure dangerous criminals and those who are adjudicated as mentally ill can’t purchase weapons. Most importantly, our plan saves lives while also protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. We look forward to earning broad, bipartisan support and passing our commonsense proposal into law.”

What’s in the framework?

• The group also released an outline of the framework they’ve proposed that is fairly high-level and reflective of the fact that the compromise hasn’t been turned into an actual bill yet. As a result, the specifics of how the major provisions will work aren't as clear as they will be once the legislative text is available.
• Here’s a look at the bipartisan group of senators’ framework:

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.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: ttarasiuk via Flickr / Creative Commons)