Curtis offers bipartisan bill to curb gun suicides

Utah has a successful law on the books that allows individuals to voluntarily and temporarily surrender firearms during difficult times and U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) thinks the same type of federal program could help people in other states, too.

Toward that goal, Rep. Curtis on July 13 introduced the bipartisan Preventing Suicide Through Voluntary Firearm Purchase Delay Act, H.R. 8361, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) to curb gun suicides.

“I deeply regret that many feel the only way out of a difficult situation is to take their own life,” Rep. Curtis said on Monday. “It takes incredible courage by those experiencing a mental health emergency to recognize the danger they pose to themselves, particularly if they have access to a firearm during this time.”

If enacted, H.R. 8361 would help prevent suicide by giving people more control over their own lethal means purchase decisions through the creation of a voluntary purchase delay database, according to the congressional record bill summary.

Specifically, the measure would allow people to voluntarily enroll themselves on a purchase delay list for firearms that would prevent them from purchasing a gun to harm themselves or others should they experience a mental health emergency, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Curtis’ office.

This service, the summary says, could be implemented in care plans for people experiencing mental illness, as well as in other settings where access to this service could be beneficial, including in schools. 

“The odds of successfully committing suicide are 140 times greater when there is a gun,” said Rep. Jayapal. “Our bill ensures that people who are liable to hurt themselves cannot access a firearm. We are loud and steadfast in our commitment to save lives.” 

H.R. 8361 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.