Bauer shares key takeaways from White House convening on gun violence prevention
On Wednesday, June 26, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) attended a convening on gun violence prevention at the White House in Washington, D.C. The convening consisted of state legislators from across the nation who are working to reduce gun violence. At the event, Bauer heard from White House officials and other state lawmakers on effective policies to address the epidemic of gun violence afflicting our nation.
This past legislative session, Bauer co-authored House Bill 1325, which would have implemented a safe storage law in Indiana. In 2023, legislative language from Bauer’s House Bill 1227 was amended into House Enrolled Act 1177 that requires schools to send home information about safe storage to parents or guardians annually, and these pamphlets were distributed for the first time this school year.
“I am grateful to have attended this convening of state legislators at the White House as a part of the Safer States Initiative,” Bauer said. “From federal agencies like the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to national partners like Everytown for Gun Safety and Brady, states are being provided with the tools to take life-saving action to reduce gun violence.
“Since the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was passed two years ago, there has been a reduction in violent crime to a nearly 50-year low. There is still more to do in Indiana, like providing support services for victims of violent crime and passing child access prevention laws. We must make sure we are attending graduations, not funerals. Celebrating birthdays, not visiting gravesites.
“After this convening, I will continue to research legislative pathways to provide aid to victims and survivors immediately after a crime, in hospitals, which has been proven to reduce recidivism and retaliation. I will also continue to look into policy to provide school-based intervention and support before our youth turn to violence to solve their problems, to prevent unnecessary loss of life. Finally, state government should work to be the strongest partner we can be to law enforcement and public health agencies in this fight – after all, gun violence has been declared a public health crisis by the U.S. Surgeon General.
“As always, I want South Bend residents to know that you can pick up a free gun lock, no questions asked at the South Bend Police Department.
“I will continue to work on this issue every day, in the memory of those lost to or injured by violent crime in our community. We will continue to make progress on this issue with our federal and community partners, and with the help of residents.”