Legislators for Safer Communities is a national coalition that aims to push for violence prevention efforts at the local level in response to the congressional stalemate on gun reform. The coalition focuses on state legislatures, where violence prevention advocates have seen success in recent years. It supports ambitious reforms like banning assault-style weapons and mandating universal background checks, as well as lighter-lift measures such as safe gun storage laws and funding for community violence intervention programs. The coalition includes prominent reform groups and features 171 legislators from 43 states, with a focus on bipartisan collaboration and learning from successful strategies in other states.
State legislatures have become important venues for gun reform efforts, with aggressive legislation being passed in response to mass shootings, high rates of gun deaths, and gun violence being the top killer of U.S. children and teenagers. Even conservative-leaning states have taken steps to address gun violence, with Florida passing a gun safety bill with a red flag provision following the Parkland school shooting. Former critics of these measures have become proponents after seeing them in action, leading to greater support for similar reforms in other states. Members of Legislators for Safer Communities have personal experiences with gun violence, such as surviving mass shootings, which motivates them to enact policies that have been proven to prevent gun violence.
The coalition aims to tailor policy goals to local realities and draw on successful strategies from other states. Members like Florida state Rep. Christine Hunschofsky emphasize the importance of using trusted messengers to communicate the positive impact of gun violence prevention measures to conservative communities. Drawing on personal experiences and understanding the severe impact of gun violence, members are dedicated to enacting policies that will have the most impact on reducing gun violence. By focusing on state-level action, Legislators for Safer Communities believes that more progress and exciting developments in gun reform can occur outside of the federal gridlock.
The coalition’s broad exposure to varied political environments is seen as a major strength, allowing members to learn from each other and adopt successful strategies from different states. From educational initiatives on safe firearm storage in Texas to red flag laws in Florida, members recognize that there is potential for reform in all states, regardless of political leanings. By sharing best practices and considering the unique political climates of each state, Legislators for Safer Communities aims to save more lives and make a meaningful impact on gun violence prevention. Through collaboration with prominent reform groups and a focus on bipartisan cooperation, the coalition hopes to advance gun reform efforts at the state level.
Members of Legislators for Safer Communities like Nevada state Assembly Member Sandra Jauregui and Washington state Rep. Liz Berry have experienced the devastating effects of gun violence firsthand, further motivating their commitment to enacting effective policies. By passing significant pieces of policy at the state level, the coalition believes it can lead to more progress and positive change in addressing gun violence. The shift towards state legislatures as active players in gun reform efforts reflects the urgency and necessity of taking action to prevent further tragedies. Legislators for Safer Communities aims to build on past successes and collaborate across party lines to make a real difference in reducing gun violence in America.
