The White House issued two executive actions on Friday that aim to beef up background checks for would-be gun buyers and keep the weapons away from those at risk of harming themselves or others.
The first order, proposed by the Department of Justice, more clearly defines who cannot possess a handgun under federal law due to mental health issues. It is designed to clarify the language of the current law by providing better definitions for phrases like what it means to be "committed to a mental institution." This, in turn, will provide a more well-rounded picture of a potential buyer's mental health for the background check to determine whether a purchase should be allowed.
See also: First 3D-Printed Metal Gun Fires 50 Rounds and Counting
The second executive action concerns privacy laws associated with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. States have complained that individual privacy protections have made it difficult for them to report relevant mental health information to their respective background check systems, which they fear could lead to guns falling into dangerous hands. The proposed change would allow states to relay "limited" tidbits of information that they feel should be included in background checks. The executive order stresses that it will not prevent everyone with mental health concerns from buying guns, and will not require buyers to report "routine mental health care."
"Too many Americans have been severely injured or lost their lives as a result of gun violence," the order reads. "While the vast majority of Americans who experience a mental illness are not violent, in some cases when persons with a mental illness do not receive the treatment they need, the result can be tragedies such as homicide or suicide."
The debate over gun regulation in America has always been a hotly contested one, but it erupted in December 2012 following a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut that left 27 dead, including 20 kids, six adults and the gunman. President Barack Obama called for extensive gun control measures, including expanded background checks, but Congress has not passed any legislation since the attack. In the text of the executive orders, the White House continues to urge Congress to consider further gun control measures.
"Passing common-sense gun safety legislation — including expanding background checks and making gun trafficking a federal crime — remains the most important step we can take to reduce gun violence," the order reads.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
Image: Flickr, Sean Savage