HONOLULU – The Obama administration on Friday announced a pair of executive actions aimed at strengthening federal background checks for gun purchasers, with a particular focus on limiting gun access for those with mental health issues.
One proposed rule change aims to clarify terminology used by federal law to prohibit people from purchasing a firearm for mental health reasons. The administration said states have complained that some wording is ambiguous, making it difficult to determine who should be blocked from buying a weapon.
A second proposed rule change would allow hospitals and other entities covered by patient privacy provisions to submit additional information to the background check system. However, the administration said the rule change would not require reporting on general mental health care or legally prohibit someone from having a firearm solely because they sought treatment.
The White House announced the proposals while President Barack Obama was vacationing in Hawaii.
Obama proposed sweeping gun control measures last year following the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. But the toughest proposals, including universal background checks, fell flat on Capitol Hill, forcing the White House to rely on measures that can be implemented without congressional approval.
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Several perpetrators of the nation’s worst mass shootings have had mental health issues, including Newtown shooter Adam Lanza. However, they acquired their guns in different ways. Lanza used firearms purchased by his mother.
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The White House also called on Congress to again tackle gun control issues this year. However, there’s little indication that lawmakers plan to take up the issue.
“Today, we are taking steps to further strengthen the federal background check system. It’s time Congress joins us in this effort,” Vice-President Joe Biden wrote on Twitter. Biden has led the White House’s anti-gun violence efforts following the Newtown shooting.
Friday’s rule changes were proposed by the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services. The agencies must accept and analyze public comments before issuing final rules.
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