Transcript of a meeting of state legislators and advocates at the White House to discuss progress on the Safer States program

Photo: archive-whitehouse.gov

STATEMENTS AND PRESS RELEASES
In September 2023, President Biden established the first-ever White House Office to Prevent Gun Violence, overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris. President Biden charged this office with four key tasks, including strengthening the federal government's partnerships with cities and states to help them advance their own efforts to reduce gun violence.

On Tuesday, the White House Office to Prevent Gun Violence and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs met with more than 150 state lawmakers, advocates and staff to discuss progress and build on the White House's Safer States Agenda, which was released at a meeting of state lawmakers in December. At the kickoff meeting, Vice President Kamala Harris urged lawmakers to continue their efforts in the 2024 legislative session. This follow-up conversation highlighted early successes and opportunities for the Administration to support states in their ongoing efforts to build safer communities.

Since December, state lawmakers in at least 27 states across the country have introduced legislation to advance the safer states agenda, including legislation that would, among other things, establish state gun violence prevention authorities, strengthen responsible gun ownership and establish industry accountability for safety measures. Yesterday, attendees heard from six state representatives who are pushing specific legislative proposals:

• California State Senator Anthony Portantino to strengthen laws on the safe storage of firearms.
• Delaware State Representative Cynthia Romero on the requirement for a permit to purchase firearms.
• Pennsylvania State Representative Ben Sanchez on the assault weapons ban.
• Virginia State Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy on the responsibility of the arms industry.
• Washington State Representative Liz Berry on efforts to address the loss and theft of firearms.
• Maryland Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services Executive Director Dorothy Lennig on Governor Moore's proposals to establish a statewide Center for Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention and to modernize Maryland's victim compensation program.
  

Leadership from the White House Office to Prevent Gun Violence thanked lawmakers for their commitment and partnership and advocates for the critical role they plan to play in advancing state legislation.

whitehouse.gov/gnews.cz-JaV_07

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/02/02/readout-of-white-house-convening-of-state-legislators-and-advocates-on-safer-states-agenda-progress/