All articles tagged with #gun legislation
Following a mass shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis that killed two children and injured 18, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is considering calling a special legislative session in September to address gun violence, with discussions on banning assault weapons and other gun control measures, amidst political disagreements and ongoing investigations.
The Maine Legislature has passed comprehensive gun safety legislation, including background checks on private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases, and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited individuals, nearly six months after the deadliest shooting in state history. The bill also funds violence prevention initiatives and opens a mental health crisis receiving center in Lewiston. The legislation comes in the wake of the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, with survivors expressing mixed feelings about the proposed laws and Republicans accusing Democrats of exploiting the tragedy to push through contentious bills.
Following the deadliest shooting in Maine's history, the Democratic-led Legislature and Governor Janet Mills have approved sweeping gun safety legislation, including background checks on private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases, and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited individuals. The legislation also strengthens the state's yellow flag law, boosts background checks for private gun sales, and funds violence prevention initiatives. However, there was no action on a proposal to institute a red flag law. The legislation comes after a mass shooting in Lewiston, and while some survivors support the measures, others are skeptical, with Republicans accusing Democrats of using the tragedy to push through longstanding gun legislation.
The Maine Legislature approved sweeping gun safety legislation, including background checks on private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases, and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited individuals, following the deadliest shooting in state history. The bill also funds violence prevention initiatives and opens a mental health crisis receiving center in Lewiston. Despite criticism from Republicans, Democrats pressed for these measures, citing the need to prevent future attacks and protect their constituents.
The parents of the teenager responsible for a deadly school shooting in Michigan were convicted of involuntary manslaughter, raising questions about parental responsibility, gun legislation, and criminal law. The unique circumstances of the trial make it unlikely for similar cases to flood the legal system, but it may prompt more prosecutors to pursue similar approaches. The verdicts could impact future cases and serve as a blueprint for prosecutors, especially in states without gun storage safety laws. The trials also highlight the importance of safe gun storage and may have a psychological effect on families across the country.
Democratic Texas state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, known for advocating police accountability and tougher gun laws after the Uvalde school shooting, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2024, becoming the second Texas Democrat to challenge Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. Gutierrez's entry sets up a competitive Democratic primary in a state dominated by Republicans for decades. The primary opponent, Rep. Colin Allred, has already raised over $6 million for his campaign. Both candidates are likely to highlight Cruz's controversial actions, including voting against certifying President Joe Biden's victory and leaving Texas during a deadly winter storm.
Two Democratic state representatives in Tennessee who were expelled by Republicans over gun violence protests won their primary races for their old seats. Their victories send a message to Republicans in the state House that the two men continue to enjoy robust support in their districts and could provide a punch of momentum for advocates of gun legislation ahead of a special session scheduled this summer that Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, called specifically to address gun measures.
Vice President Kamala Harris marked the one-year anniversary of the Uvalde mass shooting by calling on Congress to enact more gun safety legislation, while Texas Sen. John Cornyn pointed to what lawmakers have already done. Cornyn referred to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which became law last June and is considered to be Congress’ most significant response to mass shootings in nearly 30 years. The measure provides grants for states to implement so-called red flag laws, which allow for the temporary confiscation of firearms from individuals who are deemed threats to themselves or others, as well as other crisis intervention programs. President Joe Biden is expected to speak Wednesday afternoon with his own message urging Congress to act.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for signing a permitless concealed carry bill into law, which eliminates the need for a license to carry a concealed weapon. The law was signed after a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, that killed six people. The White House reiterated President Biden's commitment to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines. DeSantis signed the bill into law on Monday, making Florida the 26th state to adopt constitutional carry legislation. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has called for prayers following the deadly mass shooting at a Nashville elementary school, while noting that "there will be a time to talk about the legislation." A shooter gunned down three children and three adults at the Covenant School in Tennessee's capital city on Monday morning. Responding officers shot and killed the suspect -- identified as Audrey Hale, 28, of Nashville -- about 14 minutes after the initial 911 call came in, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.
Tennesseans gathered outside the legislature to rally for gun legislation following the recent shooting at The Covenant School where six people were killed. More than 50 bills were filed on firearms and ammunition alone, not counting those filed on handgun permits. Those wanting gun action in the legislature will meet outside of Cordell Hull a week from today at noon. House Democratic Chair John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, said the only thing preventing action is accountability.
Senate chaplain, retired Rear Adm. Barry C. Black, delivered a rare and pointed plea for lawmakers to take action after a shooter killed six people at a private Christian school in Nashville. Black called for lawmakers to move beyond thoughts and prayers and reminded them of the words of Edmund Burke: “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” While House Majority Leader Steve Scalise dismissed talk of gun legislation, House Democrats renewed their calls for “meaningful gun safety legislation.”