Senator Graham Introduces Bill to Improve Mental Health Records in the National Instant Check System

Fairfax, Va. – Senator Lindsey Graham has introduced the NICS Reporting Improvement Act of 2013, an important new piece of legislation to reform the National Instant Check System to ensure that the mentally ill who are a danger to themselves or others cannot purchase or possess firearms.

"The NRA strongly supports this legislation to improve the National Instant Check System," said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. "This bill will create accurate definitions of those who pose serious threats and should be barred from the ability to buy or possess a firearm, while protecting the rights of law abiding citizens and veterans. We thank Senator Graham for his leadership on this important issue and look forward to working him through the legislative process."

Sen. Graham's bill clarifies that the denial of Second Amendment rights should be limited to cases in which a person has been found by a court to be an imminent danger, has been found insane or incompetent to stand trial by a court in a criminal case, or has been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.  It protects the rights of those who do not pose a threat by excluding persons who seek voluntary treatment, and establishes clear circumstances for reinstatement of gun ownership rights through judicial action or administrative processes at the federal or state level.  In addition, it protects the rights of America’s veterans by no longer allowing Second Amendment rights to be denied based on a purely administrative finding that a person requires appointment of a representative to manage his financial affairs.

“This legislation will significantly improve the National Instant Check System, which is critically needed,” concluded Cox.

-NRA-
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociation and on Twitter @NRA.