Friends–
There has been a lot of moving and shaking in the gun law world in the past few weeks. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court, in 6-3 decision authored by Justice Clarence Thomas, struck down the State of New York’s law requiring any person who wants to carry a concealed handgun outside their home show “proper cause” for the license to do so as unconstitutional. You can read the opinion here:
In addition, the U.S. Senate voted 64-34 to proceed with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to enhance background checks, give authorities up to 10 business days to review the juvenile and mental health records of gun purchasers younger than 21, and direct funds to help states implement “red flag” laws, which allow law enforcement and other authorities to confiscate guns from certain people deemed dangerous for a temporary period of time. The draft bill can be read here:
According to a recent article in the Texas Tribune, this bill “does not restrict any rights of existing gun owners.” “Instead, it would enhance background checks for gun purchasers younger than 21; make it easier to remove guns from people threatening to kill themselves or others, as well as people who have committed domestic violence; clarify who needs to register as a federal firearms dealer; and crack down on illegal gun trafficking, including so-called straw purchases, which occur when the actual buyer of a firearm uses another person to execute the paperwork to buy on their behalf.”
With all this swirling around, I will need to do some homework and read up on these developments before I can give you full, articulate information. However, for now, you should be aware of these things and read the source materials to stay up to do date.
More later.
Justice for Cowboys 