Crist Statement on Passage of Historic Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) issued this statement following passage of S.2938, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, historic gun violence prevention legislation that will crack down on illegal firearm purchases, strengthen background checks, and invest in mental health and school safety.

"While more must be done to keep our schools and communities safe from gun violence -- namely, universal background checks and a ban on sales of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines -- this historic, bipartisan bill is the most significant step our country has taken to combat this crisis in nearly 30 years," said Rep. Crist. "The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act gives us important tools to get guns out of the hands of violent individuals and protect the most vulnerable -- our children. The work isn't finished, but this bipartisan bill is an important, life-saving step forward."

Specifically, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:

* Enhances background checks for people under 21;
* Provides funding for state Red Flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals;
* Stiffens penalties for Straw Purchasing to prevent people from buying firearms for individuals otherwise prohibited from doing so;
* Prevents convicted domestic abusers from accessing firearms;
* Makes investments in school mental health programs, including early identification and intervention programs;
* Improves mental health services for children and families in crisis; and
* Provides funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives.

Source