Klobuchar, Dingell Introduce Legislation to Keep Guns From Stalkers and Protect Women from Domestic Abuse

Press Release

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) reintroduced the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act to close what is commonly referred to as the "boyfriend loophole.' This legislation will prevent people who have abused dating partners from buying or owning firearms and stop convicted stalkers from possessing a gun.

According to the Department of Justice, nearly half of women killed by intimate partners involve a dating partner, and 76 percent of women who were murdered by intimate partners were first stalked by their partner. The bill has 37 cosponsors in the Senate. A bipartisan companion bill in the House of Representatives is led by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

"As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the serious emotional and physical toll domestic violence and stalking can take on victims, and I know that many fear not only for their own lives but also the safety of their loved ones," Klobuchar said. "This bill will close a dangerous loophole and stop abusive dating partners and convicted stalkers from buying or owning a gun -- a common sense step that will save lives. It's time to protect victims of abuse and their families by passing this legislation."

"No person should live in fear of a stalker or abuser with easy access to deadly weapons," Dingell said. "Stalking and domestic violence are two of the greatest predictors of future violence, and ignoring those warning signs will lead to preventable murders and deaths. This legislation will end a dangerous loophole that has been exploited too often in our communities with tragic consequences."

"It is vitally important that Congress take action to empower survivors of domestic violence with the security they need. The Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act takes a measured approach to prevent convicted abusers and stalkers from accessing weapons," Fitzpatrick said. "I am proud to work with Senator Klobuchar and Congresswoman Dingell to enact this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will save lives and ensure the safety of women and their families across our nation."

Klobuchar is a national leader in the fight to prevent domestic violence. She is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and prior to her time in the Senate, Klobuchar served as Hennepin County Attorney. Earlier this month, Klobuchar and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) reintroduced the Abby Honold Act-- legislation inspired by Abby Honold, a former student of the University of Minnesota and rape survivor, to promote the use of trauma-informed techniques by law enforcement when responding to sexual assault crimes. Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN) also reintroduced bipartisan companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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