US Senate Approves Bipartisan Gun Violence Bill

The Senate voted 65 to 33 to pass the bipartisan Safer Communities Act,  the most comprehensive gun bill in decades designed to prevent gun violence.

The Senate easily approved a bipartisan gun violence bill Thursday, putting final approval for what would be the most comprehensive Congressional response in decades after a series of mass shootings, in schools, metro stations and elsewhere.

After years of Democrats' efforts to limit firearms, 15 Republicans joined them as both sides decided inaction was untenable after last month's shootings in Buffalo, New York and Ovaldi, Texas.

The $13 billion measure would tighten background checks for the young gun buyers, prevent firearms from more domestic violence perpetrators, and help states put in place cautionary laws that make it easier for authorities to take guns from people who are deemed dangerous.

Violence Prevention Programs

The bill would also fund local school safety, mental health, including violence prevention programs.

The bill would make local juvenile records for people between the ages of 18 and 20 available during required federal background checks when trying to purchase guns. These checks, currently limited to three days, will last a maximum of 10 days to give federal and local officials time to search records.

Boyfriend Loophole

Persons convicted of domestic violence who are current or former partners of the victim are prohibited from possessing firearms, bridging the so-called “boyfriend loophole."

This ban currently only applies to people who are married to, live with, or have children with the victim. The bill would extend that to those deemed to have a "serious continuing relationship."