After three decades, our national legislators are taking a step in the right direction.

Over this past weekend, the U.S. Senate announced a bipartisan framework that, if passed, will change future federal gun violence prevention policies. The law would be the first we have seen in 30 years that gives us all hope for the future – and while this will be a wonderful move forward, it is only the first step.

The fight is not over, but it looks like we are finally moving in the right direction! OCAGV is grateful to and thanks all who called, wrote, marched and otherwise stayed in the fight – your efforts have helped make this happen.  We also specifically give our thanks to Ohio Senator Rob Portman who served on the committee and is supporting the package. You can contact Senator Portman to thank him as well at (202) 224-3353 or online at https://www.portman.senate.gov/meet/contact.

A CNN report breaks down what’s in and what’s been left out of the bipartisan gun reform package:

What is in the package:

• "Red flag" laws – The proposal would not create a national red flag law to identify and take guns from people in crisis, but it does give states funding to do it on their own. *Read more below about existing red flag laws.
• Enhanced review process for buyers under 21 – A more thorough review, including access to juvenile records, for people 18-21 who buy a gun like an AR-15. This could affect wait times for purchases for these young individuals.
• Mental health and telehealth investment – More spending on suicide prevention and mental health programs.
• Closing the so-called boyfriend loophole – Expanding who could lose gun privileges after a domestic violence conviction.
• Increased funding for school security programs – This has been a top priority for Republican negotiators.
• Clarifying who must register as a federally licensed firearm dealer – This is important because it could greatly expand the number of people who are required to perform background checks when they sell guns.

OCAGV is disappointed and concerned about other important provisions not included in the package.

What is not in the package but should be:

• Banning assault weapons and or high-capacity magazines
• Raising the age from 18 to 21 for purchasing an assault-style weapon.

We further thank the 10 Republicans willing to sign on in support of this proposed package.

• Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the lead GOP negotiator and key to the talks. He's a reliably pro-gun rights Republican and has the backing of Mitch McConnell.
• Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr of North Carolina
• Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri
• Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana
• Sen. Susan Collins of Maine
• Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina
• Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio
• Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah
• Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania

While we thank the Republican national leaders who have taken steps in the right direction, we continue to be disappointed in the actions of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for signing Ohio H.B. 99 into law and allowing teachers to be armed in schools with training we can only describe as less than minimal. You too can express your disappointment in his apparent lack of concern about the safety of our children by calling his office at (614) 466-3555 and sharing that message.

In collaboration with OCAGV, the Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., executive director of the Ohio Council of Churches, is both hopeful and saddened at recent national and state actions. “We are grateful for the positive steps the bipartisan committee is taking in framing much needed national gun legislation that can protect and preserve life, and stop the clock from ticking towards future massacres. If only our Ohio governor had a similar mindset before signing HB 99 to arm teachers on school grounds with virtually no training. How does that protect our innocent children?”

About Red Flag Laws:

*Another recent CNN new report explores how Florida’s red flag law put in place after the 2018 school shooting in Parkland has resulted in “taking guns from thousands of people” who should not be able to possess or purchase a firearm. "The Florida law is a good law, and it's a signal of what's possible," Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said.

The report further states “Research suggests red flags have made a difference where they've been implemented. One analysis of Connecticut's red flag law, in place since 1999, found that for every 10 to 20 guns removed by a risk protection order led to one averted suicide. Another study found intimate partner homicides dropped in states where authorities can prohibit people convicted of 'nonspecific violent misdemeanors' from possessing firearms."