SEATTLE, WA – Today, a group of 10 Senate Democrats and 10 Senate Republicans announced an historic bipartisan agreement on gun violence prevention legislation. The deal includes commitments to create enhanced background checks for gun purchasers ages 18-21, address the dating partner loophole, establish grants for implementation of state Extreme Risk Protection Orders, and crack down on gun trafficking. The deal does not include crucial policies like universal background checks or prohibitions on high-capacity magazines. But it represents the first substantial agreement on gun safety in decades. 

Alliance for Gun Responsibility CEO Renée Hopkins issued the following statement in response:

“Decades of Congressional inaction has enabled the gun violence epidemic as we know it, which steals more than 120 lives every day. Now, for the first time in almost three decades, the Senate is attempting to stand up to the gun lobby. While the deal is far from the bold and comprehensive response the gun violence crisis requires, it includes vital, evidence-based policies that we know will save lives. In Washington state, we have proven that progress in the fight against gun violence is possible. It is time for the other Washington to follow suit. We urge the Senate to act swiftly on this landmark agreement to help keep our schools and communities safe.”

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