U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) voted Tuesday to advance legislation on what would be the first major federal gun reform legislation in almost two decades.
The bill, called the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, includes money for states to implement crisis intervention, including “red flag” laws, funding for school safety resources, closing the boyfriend loophole and enhanced background checks for gun buyers under 21 years old.
“While I am still reviewing the bill text, I voted to proceed to debate on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,” Young said in a statement released by his office. “I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, and I believe there are prudent steps that Congress can take to address gun violence, particularly related to bolstering mental health resources, without compromising the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”
READ MORE: Sen. Young supports parts of bi-partisan agreement on gun control
Young was one of 14 GOP senators who voted to advance the legislation. Young’s fellow Indiana Republican senator Mike Braun voted no on the measure.
Sen. Braun's office did not respond to a request for comment on the legislation.
