CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Intergovernmental Relations Council Committee
FROM: Jeff Coyle, Director of Government & Public Affairs
SUBJECT: Firearm Proposals at the State and Federal level
DATE: September 6, 2019
The recent mass shootings in Texas and Ohio have generated renewed calls for the U.S. Congress to pass legislation to prevent gun violence. This briefing will provide an overview of proposed and potential legislation related to the regulation of firearms in the 116th U.S. Congress and interim activity of the 86th Texas Legislative Session.
Recent Federal Proposals
On February 27, 2019 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the first gun control measures in more than two decades. H.R. 8 - The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 broadens the federal background check system for firearms purchases. H.R. 8, as passed in the House, would expand background checks to capture many private transfers - transfers between persons who are not Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). This legislation passed largely along party lines 240 to 190. From our Congressional Delegation Congressman Castro, Cuellar Doggett and Hurd voted in favor and Congressman Roy voted against.
On February 28, 2019 the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019. H.R. 1112, extends the number of days, from three to ten, government authorities have to complete federal background checks for those attempting to purchase firearms, and ends a rule allowing the sale to be completed if the check isn't done in time. This legislation was passed by the House with a 228-198 vote in favor - again, mostly along party lines. From our Congressional Delegation Congressman Castro, Cuellar Doggett voted in favor and Congressmen Hurd and Roy voted against.
Congressional Outlook
Democrats called on the Senate to return early from its summer recess and return to Washington to address the matter immedia...
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