In the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre, lawmakers are again pushing states to provide more comprehensive mental-health records for use in background checks for gun purchases.
Congress is set to consider legislation that would provide $375 million to upgrade state computer systems and ensure faster delivery of mental-health data into the check system. States that fail to comply could lose funding for some law enforcement programs, though the bill does not impose any new restrictions on gun ownership.
In February, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the legislation, which she first proposed in 2002. It has been referred to the Judiciary Committee’s Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security subcommittee. A spokesman was optimistic that the bill would have support this session.
