Don't Kill the Messenger

While the gun control debate rages on, there seems to be advances made on both sides. Don't kill the messenger people, but we feel that it is best to stay informed. This article is much less one sided then some others out there, and gives a quick overview of whats happening.

U.S. Tightens Gun Control Law

December 20, 2007 9:28 a.m. EST

Einnor Mendoza - AHN News Writer

Washington D.C. (AHN) - Putting more teeth to its gun control law, the United States Congress has approved a bill that would exact tighter background checks on those who would like to acquire guns.

The measure is the first major gun control law since 1994, BBC News reported.

The bill will result in "more harm than good," the BBS quoted critics.

The measure was in reaction to a bloody incident in April, when 32 people died at Virginia Tech University after a shooting spree by a mentally ill student who fired two weapons he was able to buy. The gunman also killed himself.

Sen Patrick Leahy, a co-sponsor of the measure, said "A credible...federal database to provide accurate background checks benefits everyone," reported BBC News.

The present law which took effect in 1968 disqualifies from gun purchases drug addicts, persons convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment, and those judicially declared to be mentally disabled.

Such disqualifications, however, do not reach the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) because of privacy laws and budget restraints.

The NICS determines whether a potential buyer may be allowed under the law to buy a gun.

Among other improvements in the gun control system, the new law would allow more funds for the improvement of NICS, as well as lays down which mental health information should be relayed. It also allows a $375 million (?187m) budget a year for five years for states and state courts to further develop the processing of information about mental health information, BBC News reported.