Friend,

Right now, we have a unique opportunity to support victims and survivors of gun violence. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering major changes to a victims compensation program (VOCA) that would expand access and provide life-saving resources. But for these changes to go into effect, the federal government first needs to hear from the American public and know that we support this effort. 

That’s where you come in, friend. The proposed rule is open for public comment until April 5. Will you please send a message to the DOJ right now letting them know you support this rule?

Too often, survivors of gun violence are left with crippling medical expenses and face barriers to getting the care they need. This rule would also address current inequities in the system that disproportionately prevent victims of color, particularly Black and Brown people, from receiving just compensation.

Among other things, the proposed changes would:

✅ Provide flexibility and clarity on which medical and mental health expenses are covered under VOCA

✅ Update the definition of “survivor of a victim” to appropriately encompass a broader variety of familial relationships 

✅ Prohibit the consideration of a victim’s alleged contributory conduct in determining claim approval, except in specific, extraordinary circumstances

✅ Clarify that states are not required to impose an evidentiary burden on victims of violence

✅ Prohibit the denial of claims based on previous criminal history

✅ Clarify that victims are not obligated to crowdfund or seek out private insurance before qualifying for VOCA

Gun violence is a public health epidemic directly impacting hundreds of people every single day in the U.S. Barriers in the VOCA program too often leave people and families without necessary support in their most vulnerable moments. But these proposed changes would rectify that. Please, take a few minutes to let the DOJ know that you support this important rule.

In solidarity,

Team Brady

 Brady’s Fighting Nationwide to Pass Strong Gun Laws

Gun violence is an ongoing crisis across the country, and we need to continue to demand urgent state and federal action. But today, we are uplifting legislative victories championed by Brady’s state policy team and grassroots chapters that will go a long way in making our communities safer. 

Delaware

After nearly five years of advocacy by Brady Delaware, lawmakers passed a life-saving bill (SB-2) that is now headed to the governor to be signed into law. This bill creates one of the strongest gun violence prevention policies: requiring residents to obtain a permit before purchasing a handgun. This is a huge victory for gun violence prevention in Delaware as permit-to-purchase laws are proven to reduce firearm homicide and gun suicide.

Washington State

Just this week in Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a range of gun violence prevention bills into law, including three of Brady’s priority bills. Robert Schentrup of Brady’s Team ENOUGH joined Gov. Inslee and our partners to celebrate this victory for public safety. 

These new laws take a comprehensive approach to reduce gun violence by improving gun dealer oversight and safety standards (HB-2118), requiring the reporting of lost or stolen firearms to reduce firearm homicide (HB-1903), and mandating Washington state police destroy confiscated firearms (HB-2021) to ensure they do find their way back into our communities. 

Gun violence prevention activists join Gov. Jay Inslee for the signing ceremony of three gun violence prevention bills.

Florida

Brady has been on defense in Florida, and we have successfully blocked two dangerous bills from being passed. One bill (HB-1223) would have lowered the age minimum to purchase a gun from 21 to 18 and the other (HB-17) would have significantly weakened the three-day waiting period for purchasing a firearm. 

To make matters worse, some Florida lawmakers tried to advance these bills as we marked six years since massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. But thankfully, both bills — which would have inevitably led to more gun violence — were blocked in the Senate, largely due to the work of Team ENOUGH Florida, Brady’s youth-led initiative in the state.

Pennsylvania

This week in the Pennsylvania House, lawmakers passed a vital bill (HB-777) with bipartisan support to regulate homemade ghost guns and the parts and kits used to build them. Ghost guns pose a grave threat to public safety as anyone — including youth and prohibited purchasers — can purchase one online WITHOUT a background check. This bill is critical for gun violence prevention efforts in Pennsylvania, and we at Brady are working hard to get it signed into law.

We thank Delaware state Senator Elizabeth Lockman, Delaware state Representative Melissa Minor-Brown, and the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence; Ceasefire PA; and Washington state Representative Amy Walen and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility in Washington state for their life-saving efforts to advance these legislative solutions. Want to help pass gun violence prevention laws in your community? Join or create a Brady chapter today!

Remembering the Covenant School Shooting

Wednesday marked one year since the Nashville Covenant School shooting. That day, a gunman shot and killed three nine-year-old children and three adults, forever altering their families’ lives as well as the entire Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, TN.

This week — and every day — we remember the lives lost: Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, Mike Hill, Katherine Koonce, and Cynthia Peak. 

In the aftermath of this tragedy, Tennessee lawmakers had the chance to pass common-sense gun violence prevention bills during a special legislative session. However, instead of taking action to help prevent yet another school shooting, the Tennessee legislature expelled state representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson for protesting against gun violence on the House floor.

Tennessee lawmakers made it clear that they would rather silence communities and those elected to represent their interests than take up life-saving gun safety legislation. This is unacceptable. We must continue to fight for public safety, especially for young people — and you can help us, friend.

Please join us in taking action to protect your community from senseless gun violence. Whether it's signing a petition or joining a community event with Brady, you have the power to create change in your community.

RSVP: “Building A Future Without Gun Violence” in Philadelphia!

Time is running out to RSVP for our conference, “Building A Future Without Gun Violence,” on April 16-17, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. We’ll share equitable, data-driven approaches to reduce the flow of guns used in crimes (aka crime guns) in Philadelphia.

Please save your spot today. Don’t live in the area? Help us spread the word by sharing our RSVP page with friends and family who live nearby.

During our conference, you’ll hear from experts about how to stem the flow of illegal firearms into our communities, while also focusing on healing and wellness. We’ll be joined by community-based groups, grassroots advocates, local officials, and researchers, and you’ll have the opportunity to network, brainstorm, share ideas, and more.

🎧 Episode 245: Bridging Policy and Compassion With the White House's Quest for Gun Violence Prevention 

(L-R): Deputy Director Greg Jackson, Brady Podcast Host JJ Janflone, Brady Director of Racial Justice Kelly Sampson, Deputy Director Rob Wilcox, and Brady President Kris Brown

Who works in the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and what have they been up to? Listen to our podcast to find out! Alongside Brady President Kris Brown, we're joined by Deputy Directors Greg Jackson and Rob Wilcox to discuss the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, how the office is supporting victims and survivors of gun violence, activists' role in the gun violence prevention movement, and more. 

Kris Brown Is Working to Curb the U.S. Gun-Violence Epidemic, The Cut

Inside The Historic Suit That the Gun Industry and Republicans Are on the Verge of Killing, ProPublica

Brady Assists with ABC's Station 19 Episode Addressing Guns and Extreme Risk Protection Orders, PR Newswire

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Vetoes Life-Saving Gun Violence Prevention Bills, Brady Press Release

School Shooter Case Could Change Gun Crime Accountability and Societal Norms, The Hill

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