One of the main factors that remains to be settled in the framework agreement is how the legislation will be drafted. The announcement includes the backing of 10 Republican senators, which would give the proposal enough support to overcome the Senate filibuster – but sustaining it through the legislative process will be a tough challenge for lawmakers ahead of the next suspension of Congress in two weeks.
Still, Democrats have an ambitious goal: write the bill and keep Republicans on board before the next break, aides told CNN. Many details of the plan are still unsettled, according to an aide, who also provided CNN with a more detailed look Sunday on how some of the proposed arrangements will work.
Here’s what lawmakers included in the framework and what they left out.
Red flag laws
Investment in mental health and telehealth
The proposal also includes “major investments to increase access to mental health and suicide prevention programs; and other support services available in the community, including crisis intervention and recovery and trauma”.
Members will carefully pass these provisions over the next few weeks, because while Democrats consider them important, they want to emphasize that most people with mental illnesses are not violent.
Closing the so-called boyfriend loophole
The senators said the bill would address the so-called boyfriend loophole, which deals with the ability of unmarried partners to keep guns if they are convicted of violence against a romantic partner.
Currently, only a person who has been married to, lived with, or had a child with a partner they have been convicted of abusing cannot have a firearm. Closing the loophole would mean anyone deemed to have had a serious romantic relationship and been convicted of domestic violence would no longer be eligible to own a gun.
Improved review process for buyers under 21
The other major change in the legislation is the introduction of a more thorough review process for people between the ages of 18 and 21 who are going to buy a firearm like an AR-15. As part of a background check review, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System should also contact state and local law enforcement to look for any disqualifying mental health or juvenile records, according to the Democratic aide.
NICS should call the appropriate agency that adjudicates mental health cases in each state. NICS would have up to 3 days to complete the search, but it could be extended for another seven days if the initial review raises concerns, meaning the process could take a total of 10 days.
This is not an established waiting period, as each individual’s exam can be very different, ranging from a few hours to up to 10 days.
Clarification of the definition of a federally licensed firearms dealer
The wording of this provision is still under debate, but more gun dealers who are proven to be “engaged in the firearms business” should be advised that they must register to become federally licensed firearms dealers. This is important because it means these dealerships must perform background checks under federal law.
School Safety Resources
The legislation would address an area Republicans have focused on in recent weeks: school safety. The lawmakers said in their statement that the proposal provides funds “to help put in place safety measures in and around elementary and secondary schools”, while supporting “school violence prevention efforts”. and training of school employees and students.
What lawmakers left out
Extensive background checks
Notably, the deal does not include a provision that would expand background checks for all firearms sales or transfers in the country. Currently, background checks are not required for sales and transfers of weapons by private and unlicensed sellers.
Assault weapons ban
Also left out is a federal ban on military-style assault weapons, another measure Democrats have pushed for in recent years, citing mass shootings involving such weapons.
Higher minimum purchase age
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