Update: Biden signs gun safety bill into law

US President Joe Biden has signed a package of gun safety measures into law. Local media report that it represents the most significant gun control federal legislation in 28 years.

Biden signed the bill on Saturday after it was approved by both houses of Congress earlier in the week following a series of deadly shooting incidents. Some Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the legislation.

The law imposes enhanced checks on criminal records, mental health, and other backgrounds for gun buyers younger than 21 years old.

It also includes funding to help states implement programs that use court orders to temporarily seize firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Attempts to tighten gun control had made little progress for many years due to opposition from a powerful gun lobby and other entities.

The law does not entail drastic reforms initially sought by Biden, such as a ban on sales of assault rifles.

Biden said the law “doesn’t do everything” he wants and that “there’s much more work to do.” But he added “this is a monumental day” and that the law is “going to save a lot of lives.”