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Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Biggest Gun Violence Prevention Legislative Package in Over 30 Years

June 24, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the largest gun violence prevention legislative package to head to the President’s desk in over 30 years.

“One day after the Supreme Court weakened gun violence prevention in our country, the Senate and now the House just voted in a bipartisan way to do more to keep weapons away from those who seek to hurt others,” said Congressman Kim. “This package is a good first start and I’m glad that it will be signed into law, but this isn’t enough. The House has already passed legislation to improve background checks, close the gun show and Charleston loopholes, and enact a federal red flag law. We need to do more and I won’t stop working to keep our kids, our communities, and our country safe from the scourge of gun violence.”

Provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act can be found below:

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

Most convicted domestic violence abusers and individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders are included in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This provision will ensure convicted domestic violence abusers in dating relationships are also covered, closing the “boyfriend loophole.”.

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, supporting school violence prevention efforts and providing 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 up to 10 days 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.

In 2022, there have already been more than 200 mass shootings in America. Every day, 30 Americans are killed by someone using a gun, and that number jumps to more than 100 when suicides are factored in. There have been over 90 mass shootings since the May 14 shooting that killed ten shoppers at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York. Ten days later 21 people were killed, including 19 students, at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. June is Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Congressman Kim has previously voted for the Protecting Our Kids Act and the  Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, he cosponsored and voted in support of H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and H.R.1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act. He is a cosponsor of the Disarm Hate Act, the Extreme Risk Protection Act, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021, and the Federal Firearm Licensee Act. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.

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