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“We passed gun safety legislation for the first time in 30 years that will save lives” -Rep. Jeffries

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (Public Law No: 117-159) is a commonsense law that will help keep America’s children safe from gun violence. It includes enhanced background checks for those under 21, protections for victims of domestic violence and penalties for straw purchasing. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act also allocates funds for state crisis intervention orders, violence interruption and mental health services.

Highlights of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:

  • $750 million for states to create and administer laws that keep deadly weapons out of the hands of those a court has deemed dangerous to themselves or others.
  • $500 million through the School Based Mental Health Services Grant Program to increase the number of providers as well as $500 million in funding from the School Based Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Grant to train and diversify relevant workers.
  • $300 million in funding through the STOP School Violence Act to implement safety measures in and around schools, support school violence prevention efforts as well as provide training to personnel and students.
  • $250 million for community-based violence prevention initiatives.
  • $120 million over four years to prepare community members and responders on how to engage with individuals suffering from a mental disorder.
  • Enhances background checks for buyers under the age of 21.
  • Creates federal straw purchasing and trafficking criminal offenses, allowing prosecutors to target dangerous illegal gunrunners. 
  • Cracks down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements and clarifies which sellers need to register, conduct background checks, and keep appropriate records.

How the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Will Impact You:

  • Helps protect children from gun violence in schools and allows students struggling with mental health to get the support they need.
  • Facilitates a safer environment for Americans to work, relax and spend time in the community.
  • Gives teachers, counselors and other school personnel the resources to feel more comfortable going to work each day.

Resources for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:

Office of Elementary & Secondary Education: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

HHS Announces More Than $100 Million in Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Funds for States and Territories to Improve Mental Health Services

Read the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act here