DC mayor to introduce legislation banning bump stocks

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced Monday plans to introduce legislation that would ban bump stocks in the District.

The proposal would make it illegal to sell, own or use bump stocks, which increase a weapon’s rate of fire. Bowser did not give an exact time frame, but her office said she would introduce the legislation to the D.C. Council. If approved, it would undergo a congressional review.

“Bump stocks, which turn already dangerous weapons into lethal machines, have no place in our society,” Bowser said in a statement.

{mosads}A mass shooting on Feb. 14 at a Parkland, Fla., high school that left 17 people dead has prompted renewed discussion about gun laws. 

In the aftermath of the shooting, President Trump directed the Department of Justice to propose regulations that would ban bump stocks.

It’s unclear if or when such a proposal might be put into effect. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday that Trump would support legislation to ban bump stocks if the administration is unable to accomplish the goal through regulations.

“President Trump said he may try to ban bump stocks without sending it to Congress. If the President won’t send a bump stock ban to Congress, we will,” Bowser said. 

California, Massachusetts and New Jersey are the only states to outlaw bump stocks to date.

Lawmakers have suggested several other reforms to curb gun violence and prevent future school shootings, including raising the age requirement to purchase a rifle, strengthening background checks and banning assault weapons.

While banning bump stocks and improving background checks have received bipartisan support, many GOP lawmakers have expressed opposition to other proposals.