After the killing spree: Government tightens weapons laws in Graz!

After the killing spree: Government tightens weapons laws in Graz!

After the killing run in Graz last Thursday, the federal government, led by Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), announced fundamental changes in the Weapons Act. BABLER expressed sharp criticism of quick access to weapons, especially according to the reports that the perpetrator had the weapons used legally, although psychological abnormalities had already been found. In order to prevent such incidents in the future, the results of the weapons authority are to be made accessible.

The central changes are the introduction of a ban on weapons that are up to ten years of weapons in the event of identified abnormalities. "We finally have to make sure that the security of the population comes first," said Babler. In addition, weapon psychological reports that currently have an important function in the approval process are being improved in order to ensure a more precise assessment of the suitability of applicants.

changes in gun law

Another important point is the increase in the minimum age for the acquisition of particularly dangerous firearms from 21 to 25 years. The waiting time when buying the first weapon is extended to four weeks, which should make sure that potential gun owners have enough time to rethink their decision. In addition, the weapon ownership card for first owners is limited to eight years.

For hunters who are trained in responsible use of weapons, there will be no restrictions. A new regulation also provides for the establishment of a compensation fund of 20 million euros. This fund should offer unbureaucratic help for affected families, for example for burial costs or psychological care.

In order to support the mental health of students after the incident in Graz, the government has decided that the Borg Dreierschützengasse will receive financial means to cope with the consequences. Maturants who are affected are regularly protected in their conclusion, even if they do without the oral Matura. In addition, school psychology should become the rule of one exception; In three years, the number of school psychologists should double.

psychological reports and aptitude tests

existing regulations in the German Weapons Act, which provide similar aptitude tests, could serve as a model. A psychological report must be submitted there before a gun ownership card or a weapon passport is issued. The reports include a comprehensive reliability test, which includes an analysis of the CV and computer -aided testing for the recording of important properties. These tests cover aspects such as emotional stability, social adaptability and risk to risk.

A weapon psychological report is usually issued by the responsible authority. The costs for the first application of a gun ownership card amount to 236 euros plus VAT, while further investigations can cost up to 506 euros. Interested parties can find out more from qualified specialist psychologists such as Sebastian Wagner, who offers support in applying for a weapon permit.

The Federal Government is aware of the challenges associated with these regulations and strives for a extensive reform to ensure the safety of the population and to prevent tragic incidents such as those in Graz.

For detailed information on the new regulations and psychological reports, visit Kleine Zeitung , Psychologist Wagner and PPPH .