The Peru Gazette

“As Democrats rush to push their radical gun control agenda, I am proud to lead the charge in introducing legislation to promote gun training and safety,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This bill will empower gun owners by incentivizing them to purchase gun safety and storage equipment as well as training and safety courses. Congress should enable all Americans to safely exercise their Second Amendment rights, rather than infringe upon the Constitutional rights of law-abiding American citizens.”

“Instead of mandated gun control that threatens the rights of responsible gun owners and law-abiding citizens, we have solutions that prevent school shootings, improve mental health, and save lives. I’m proud to join Rep. Stefanik and my colleagues in leading the Firearm Proficiency and Training Act that will encourage improved gun safety standards and responsible gun ownership through concealed carry classes. Like my STOP II Act, this common sense bill empowers Americans to make a real difference while respecting our Second Amendment,” said Congressman Richard Hudson.

“I am pleased to join Chairwoman Stefanik and Congressman Hudson on this legislation to promote firearm safety, training, and storage,” said Congresswoman Miller. “Every American has the right to bear arms, and every gun owner should know how to use and store their firearm. Training classes and safe storage practices are important ways to educate gun owners and protect our communities. As legislators, we will continue to advocate for proper firearm usage while defending our constituents’ Second Amendment rights.”

“This is common-sense firearm safety legislation that every Member of Congress can support. We can all agree that firearms that are not in use should be safely stored in a manner that best serves the owner’s needs while ensuring firearms remain inaccessible to those who should not possess them, including unsupervised children, prohibited individuals, and those who might be suffering a mental health crisis. This legislation encourages and incentives gun owners to make responsible firearm storage decisions. NSSF is extremely grateful to Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership on true firearm safety legislation that respects Second Amendment rights,” said Lawrence G. Keane, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

“The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is proud to support the Firearm Training and Proficiency Act and we thank Representative Stefanik for her leadership in promoting firearm safety and training for all law-abiding gun owners. This legislation will spur more Americans to learn how to safely and effectively use their firearms to protect themselves and their families. At the USCCA we believe firearm education should be a top priority and is the number one tool for helping people avoid danger and save lives,” said USCCA President and Founder Tim Schmidt.

Specifically, the Firearm Proficiency and Training Act will create a tax deduction for individuals who take certified firearm training and concealed carry courses, as well as for purchases of gun safety and storage equipment.

Read full bill text here.

This legislation builds on the STOP School Violence Act signed into law in 2018 to fund $1 billion for School Resource Officers, $1 billion for mental health guidance counselors, and $5 billion for hardening schools, active shooter training, and training for law enforcement, school officials, and students to intervene before a student reaches a breaking point. The $7 billion legislation is paid for with already approved, yet unused COVID-19 funds.

“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing real solutions to improve school safety and student mental health,” Stefanik said. “This legislation will help prevent school violence by equipping schools with better security and training to keep campuses safe and provide mental health resources to avoid tragedy. These fundamental improvements will prevent school violence before tragedy strikes. I will continue to engage with local law enforcement departments, teachers, and school superintendents on more possible solutions to ensure safe environments for our students.”

In addition to $7 billion to fund School Resource Officers and mental health guidance counselors, STOP II, Secure Every School and Protect our Nation’s Children Act closes loopholes in school security by allowing schools to apply under the STOP School Violence Act for grants to complete risk assessments and identify gaps in mental health services for students. It also codifies a clearinghouse at the Department of Homeland Security to assess, identify, and share best practices related to school safety.

To improve emergency preparedness, STOP II requires federal agencies to continuously update, develop, and provide training materials on bullying and cyberbullying, emergency planning, mental health, and targeted violence to help schools prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to, and recover from a range of school safety threats, hazards, and emergency situations.