The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – legislation I co-wrote to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence in our communities – just became law.

Arizonans are scared. For too long, we’ve seen senseless violence in our communities and schools across the country threatening our sense of security. And for too long, political games in Washington have stopped meaningful progress toward keeping families safe.

But not this time.

Our bipartisan legislation takes critical steps to ensure our country remains a safe place to call home. Now that it is law, our bill will boost mental health resources, crack down on illegal gun sales, enhance background checks, keep guns out of the hands of individuals convicted of domestic abuse – and so much more.

We worked tirelessly to ensure we got the language right and that every policy included in our law will save lives, help children learn and grow in healthy, supportive environments, and make our communities safer.

It was hard work, and it was worth it.