Overdue laws, decisions and effects

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

The Senate Bill:
Last night 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans in the Senate voted to pass the bill and forward it to the House.
The key points are-
* Enhanced background checks for those aged 18 to 21. This isn't a meaningless measure for sure. I would prefer that the legal age to buy a semi-auto rifle be raised to 21.
* Grant money to states that enact Red Flag Laws and crisis prevention programs. These will spend to reduce domestic violence. Good!
* More gun sales will require a Background Check. This doesn't go as far as UBCs but is better than what is now in place.
* Tougher penalties for gun trafficking. Seems like a good idea as long as it is actually enforced.

President Biden: "I am glad to see Congress has moved significantly closer to finally doing something — passing bipartisan legislation that will help protect Americans," he said in a statement after the bill cleared a key test vote earlier on Thursday. "Our kids in schools and our communities will be safer because of this legislation. I call on Congress to finish the job and get this bill to my desk."

I personally see this as a step forward.

The SCOTUS decision:
NEW YORK STATE RIFLE & PISTOL ASSOCIATION, INC., ET AL. v. BRUEN, SUPERINTENDENT OF NEW YORK STATE POLICE, ET AL.
* This decision removes the requirement on those wanting to carry in public for self-defense need not be required to demonstrate a special need beyond that of ordinary citizens to allowed that option. The decision does not restrict states from establishing requirements for those persons to be licensed and the state may set licensing requirements like education and testing on related laws, proficiency with a firearm and probably the registration of that firearm along with other common safety requirements.

Over the last few decades states have moved away from allowing state or local officials the arbitrary power to decide who can carry a gun in public. Half of the states don't require any permit to carry in public. Several other operate as "shall issue" for public carry. Vermont has never in 200 plus years required a permit to carry. I favor a shall-issue type permit. This requires that the state demonstrate a reason for denying a permit. Background checks, written tests and firearms training are often requirements for a carry permit. Not a bad thing.