NO! The Assault Weapons Ban that expired 18 years ago has still not been renewed… but the bill which recently cleared the Senate does close some of the most egregious gun control loopholes.
The Boyfriend Loophole
The new bill bars anyone convicted of a domestic violence crime against someone they have a “continuing serious relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with” from having a gun. Previous statutes didn’t include intimate partners who may not live together, be married or share children.
The bill allows those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence to restore their gun rights after five years if they have committed no other crimes.
The Charleston Loophole
Dealers have always been required conduct background check, but allowed to proceed with the sale of the buyer is not declined within three days. The bill extends the background check waiting period for up to an additional 7 days.
The Gun Show Loophole
The bill also targets individuals who sell guns as primary sources of income but have previously evaded registering as Federally Licensed Firearm Dealers, requiring them to now administer background checks before they sell a gun.
The bill also:
- Targets ‘straw buyers’ purchasing for individuals not allowed to buy for themselves.
- Creates new federal statutes against gun trafficking.
- Requires a more thorough reviews of buyers aged 18-21.
- Increases funding for mental health programs and school security.
Fifteen Republican Senators voted for the bill (those retiring asterisked):
- McConnell (KY)
- Blunt (MO)*
- Burr (NC)*
- Capito (WV)
- Cassidy (LA)
- Collins (ME)
- Cornyn (TX)
- Ernst (IA)
- Graham (SC)
- Murkowski (AK)
- Portman (OH)*
- Romney (UT
- Tillis (NC)
- Toomey (PA)*
- Toomey (PA)*
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