REPORT: Gun Safety Activism Spurred Action as 26 States Pass 55 Laws to Address Gun Violence Crisis

Findings make clear that gun lobby–backed bills have been rejected across the country—with 31 states refusing to weaken their laws

Washington, DC — As many state legislatures across the country wrap up their sessions for the year, a new analysis released today shows gun safety activism inspired lawmakers to pass laws to address the gun violence crisis while rejecting gun lobby priorities. The mid-year edition of Gun Law Trendwatch from Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence shows that since the shooting in Parkland, Florida, just five months ago, 55 bills designed to keep guns out of dangerous hands have been signed into law in 26 states.

“The horrific tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in February brought renewed fervor to the demand from Americans everywhere for our lawmakers to take action to save lives from our gun violence crisis,” said Allison Anderman, managing attorney of Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. “Legislatures have responded to the communities they represent even as the gun lobby continually resists attempts to strengthen our nation’s gun laws. Increasingly, lawmakers are understanding that inaction in the wake of tragedy is no longer acceptable. These victories build on the life-saving bills we’ve helped pass and because of that progress, more Americans in all areas of the country will be better protected from gun violence. This momentum will strengthen with our continued calls for leaders to stand up and protect their communities from the deadly threat of gun violence.”      

While partisan gridlock continues to block progress on gun reform at the federal level, the action we witnessed play out in the states tells a different story. Republican governors in 15 states have signed gun safety bills that strengthen their current laws.