As a part of the Crime Control Act of 1990, the GFSZA amends federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for the possession or firing of a gun in a school zone. Sponsored by Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE), it passed the house by a 313-1 margin and became law on 11/29/90. Violation of the GFSZA is punishable by a minimum of …show more content…
They believed that school violence interferes with public education and has a negative impact on the economy. They argued that to meet the Commerce Clause, the impact on interstate commerce does not need to be direct, only substantial. Education has a substantial impact on commerce. They also cited the cost of insurance associated with violent crime as the expense is passed to everyone. Both sides make strong arguments but by the closest vote possible, the conviction was overturned and Lopez was set free. Congress later revised the Act to include language regarding commerce. The revised act has not been successfully challenged but some have