U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut has introduced federal legislation to close a loophole in the nation’s domestic violence laws.
The Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Act will bar anyone with a temporary restraining order from possessing a weapon. Currently, someone with a restraining order against them can cross state lines to purchase a gun.
“There is indisputable factual evidence that this legislation is necessary. Connecticut has been in the forefront of sensible effective gun legislation and has passed our own version of this law, but we want it done nationally, and it will be done nationally as part of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization.”
The act was first passed in Connecticut after the murder of Lori Jackson, who was killed by her husband Scott Gellatly after he obtained a firearm out of state. He had a restraining order against him at the time.