Biden signs Bipartisan Safer Communities Act first major gun safety law in 28 years

In a bipartisan achievement, President Biden signs the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first significant federal gun safety legislation since the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993. The bill passes the Senate 65-33 with 15 Republican votes. Key provisions include closing the "boyfriend loophole" by expanding firearm prohibitions to include individuals convicted of domestic violence against intimate partners (not just spouses), enhancing background checks for buyers under 21 to include review of juvenile records, providing $750 million for state crisis intervention programs including red flag laws, increasing mental health and school safety funding, and clarifying "straw purchaser" penalties. Biden calls it "a historic step" while acknowledging it falls short of assault weapons ban legislation he sought.