Senate bipartisan gun deal includes modest change to background checks

Modest gun restrictions, stronger school safety and mental health investments could be on the way, thanks to a Senate bipartisan deal announced Sunday in response to last month’s mass shootings.

Ten Democrats and 10 Republicans signed a statement committing to tweaking the background check system, among other measures.

“Families are scared, and it is our duty to come together and get something done that will help restore their sense of safety and security in their communities,” the lawmakers said in a statement. “Most importantly, our plan saves lives while also protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans.”

People under age 21 who want to buy a gun would have to share their juvenile records as part of background checks, under the deal.

It would also give funding incentives to states that set up “red-flag” laws that make it easier to temporarily take guns from people who could be violent. There would also be funding to strengthen school safety and mental health programs.

The deal, which comes after thousands rallied against gun violence around the country, falls short of cracking down on assault weapons, among other measures sought by gun-control advocates.

But it could mark the most significant progress on the issue in years.

The agreement “does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction,” President Biden said in a statement.

With News Wire Services