Slotkin’s law, known as the “Gun Safe, Safe Kids Act,” would require gun owners to keep firearms away from children who could potentially reach them, and would impose penalties on them. up to five years in prison for parents if a child injures themselves or others or uses a firearm while committing a crime.
It’s just the latest attempt by Democratic lawmakers to enact gun-safety legislation that has been repeatedly thwarted by Republicans in Congress.
“What really stands out about Oxford is the role of parents,” Slotkin, a moderate Democrat from a surrounding area, told CNN. “We took this bill, built on the good work others have done – both in Michigan and federally – and created a bill that would break the law if a person got hold of an unsafe firearm. safe if it makes sense for the child to have access to the gun.”
Earlier this year, Biden announced a series of actions aimed at depriving criminals of certain types of firearms and channeling resources into community violence prevention. Actions include expanding background checks for some firearms, adjusting stabilizing braces made for pistols, restricting weapons known as “ghost guns”, which can be crafted with sets departments and guidelines to buy online, invest in new intervention programs for vulnerable communities, and create model “red flag” laws for states to pass.
But the limited scope of the President’s actions underscores the challenge he faces in passing gun legislation in an equally divided and unequivocal Senate.
While Slotkin’s bill could pass the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives if it gets to a vote, it faces an uncertain fate in the Senate, where Democrats will need at least 10 Republicans break records to proceed with legislation.
Slotkin, who served three tours in Iraq with the US military as a CIA analyst, said she realized she had an uphill battle ahead of Republicans. signed her bill but hoped they would realize the need for such a measure after the shooting range.
“I still have hope,” she said. “I think it just reflects the fact that gun safety issues, unfortunately, have become really political conversations. I’m trying to challenge that.”
Betsy Klein and Kate Sullivan contributed to this report.
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