Bipartisan Gun Bill Passed; Legal Experts Weigh In on Pros and Cons Amid Mass Shootings in US
Legal experts have commented on the Bipartisan Gun Bill that was recently signed into law by President Joe Biden, in the light of the shooting in the United States.
Also known as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the said law was reportedly written in response to the tragic shootings that occurred in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, according to The Conversation.
Legal Experts Weigh In on Bipartisan Gun Bill 2002
Several experts have commented on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and its provisions.
GunMade Owner Brady Kirk Patrick said that the enhanced background check for people under 21 years old has some flaws, contending that the move can be time-consuming, expensive, and can only reveal "so much about a person's character and intentions."
Patrick also blasted the funding directed to mental health, claiming that it could lead to "involuntary commitment and other civil liberties violations.
Former New York State Senator David Carlucci also commented on the law, claiming the problem with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is it does not go "far enough." He argued that he knows that there are many steps that needs to be taken to protect the Americans from gun violence.
Ben Michael, Attorney, Michael & Associates, also weighed in the pros and cons of the law.
"One aspect of this bill that I think will make a big difference is the increase in mental health support through improving access to the crisis, suicide prevention, and mental health programs... As far as cons go, there are some things not included in this bill that many Americans have been calling for – banning assault rifles, raising the minimum purchasing age from 18 to 21, and universal background checks," Michael said.
Bipartisan Gun Bill 2022
The passing of the law late last month paved the way for new rules in connection to firearms or guns.
One of the changes in the enhanced background checks on individuals seeking to buy firearms, and clarify who will be needing a federal license when it comes to buying and selling guns. The Bipartisan Gun Bill will also allocate $250 million for community violence intervention and prevention, as well as $100 million for the National Criminal Background Check System.
Another enhancement brought by the Bipartisan Gun Bill 2022 is that it will tackle the "boyfriend loophole," a provision in the law that does not cover "dating partners" to be convicted of domestic violence misdemeanor crimes and those under a domestic violence restriction from possessing a gun or a firearm.
In addition, the law would also put $1 billion to help schools in coming up with comprehensive strategies to maintain and establish a safe and healthy learning environment. At least $300 million will also be provided to increase access to mental health services.
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Written By: Joshua Summers
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