Listen Live

Republicans and Democrat members of Congress Tuesday released the text of a bipartisan plan to reduce gun violence. If passed, the bill will represent the most significant change to U.S. firearms laws in nearly three decades, say proponents.

The plan cleared a procedural hurdle in the Senate with the backing of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell just hours after the bill’s text was released.

Here’s what’s in the 80-page Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:

  • Enhances the federal background check system’s examination of juvenile records.
  • Clarifies the definition of a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer.
  • Creates criminal penalties for straw purchases and gun trafficking.
  • Closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole.”
  • Incentivizes states to implement state crisis intervention programs.
  • Improves mental health services for children and families.

Fourteen Republican senators voted with Democrats to begin debate on the bill, ensuring there are enough votes to overcome a filibuster and advance to final passage.

Like all legislation in Washington, however, the devil is in the details.

WIBC’s “Gun Guy,” Guy Relford told Casey Daniels Thursday he had spoken with Indiana Sen. Todd Young earlier in the week and asked him not to support the bill.

Young says he hasn’t seen anything so far that would undermine Second Amendment rights.

“I would emphasize you can also undermine Second Amendment rights by failing to act reasonably when a hand is extended by some of your colleagues,” Young told WIBC.

But Relford disagrees with Young’s assessment. He explains his objections to the bill in the click below.

https://omny.fm/shows/kendall-and-casey/congress-could-pass-the-bipartisan-safer-communiti