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Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 3:53 PM

Summary of Bill HR 46

The Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 46, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing the intersection of mental health and gun violence. The bill seeks to improve access to mental health services for individuals in need, while also implementing measures to prevent gun violence.

One key aspect of the bill is the expansion of mental health services and resources, including increasing funding for mental health treatment and support programs. This is intended to help individuals struggling with mental health issues receive the care they need in order to prevent potential acts of violence.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for strengthening background checks for individuals purchasing firearms. This includes requiring universal background checks for all gun sales, including those at gun shows and online. The goal of these measures is to prevent individuals with a history of mental illness or violent behavior from obtaining firearms. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for improving coordination between mental health providers and law enforcement agencies. This is intended to ensure that individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others receive the necessary support and intervention to prevent potential acts of violence. Overall, the Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2023 aims to address the complex issue of gun violence by focusing on mental health services and prevention measures. By improving access to mental health care and strengthening background checks, the bill seeks to reduce the risk of gun violence in the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 46

Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2023

This bill authorizes FY2024 appropriations for the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Social Security Administration to (1) increase access to mental health care treatment and services, and (2) promote reporting of mental health information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. (This system is used to query federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial criminal history record information and other records to determine an individual's eligibility to receive, transfer, or possess firearms.)

Current Status of Bill HR 46

Bill HR 46 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2023. Bill HR 46 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 9, 2023.  Bill HR 46's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of January 9, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 46

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 46

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Criminal justice information and records
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Justice
- Executive agency funding and structure
- Firearms and explosives
- Health care coverage and access
- Health information and medical records
- Health programs administration and funding
- Law enforcement administration and funding
- Mental health
- Social Security Administration

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 46

Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2023
Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2023
To authorize funding to increase access to mental health care treatment to reduce gun violence.

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