Scientific American | August 1, 2022
Read the PublicationOn June 23, 2022, the Senate passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was subsequently signed into law. This welcome but tepid measure enhances background checks for purchasers under 21 years of age and incentivizes states’ implementation of protection (“red flag”) laws that allow families and law enforcement to petition courts to remove guns from people at risk of harming themselves and others. It also expands financial support for community mental health care.