Several suggested executive changes are aiming to strengthen the federal background checks for gun purchasers, limiting the access to firearms for those with mental health issues.
One suggested rule aims to clarify terminology used by federal law to prohibit people from purchasing firearms for mental health reasons. This would also help states to decide which information may be shared with the federal background check system for firearms transfers.
Another suggested change would allow hospitals and other entitles covered by patient privacy provisions more flexibility with the information provided for the background check system.
These changes were proposed while President Obama was vacationing in Hawaii on Friday and come after last year’s horrific elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
