Cindy White: Gun laws needed

Americans are reeling from the horror of three mass shootings in the last week. Although, shockingly, there will likely be no changes to federal gun laws any time soon, we can make our state safer. The New Hampshire Legislature passed three commonsense bills to reduce the risks of gun violence. One requires background checks before all commercial firearms sales. The second requires a waiting period for firearms purchases, with an exception for licensed hunters. The third prohibits guns in schools, with limited exceptions. These bills are on their way to Gov. Chris Sununu’s office. He should sign them as soon as possible to enhance public safety.

HB 109: Background checks are the foundation of a comprehensive approach to gun violence prevention. We know it is risky to allow felons, domestic abusers, people subject to restraining orders and others prohibited by law from having guns to buy them. In 34 percent of mass shootings between 2009 and 2016, the gunman was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Studies show that stronger background check laws are associated with significantly lower rates of firearms homicides and suicides.