CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE, SENATOR BRIAN SCHATZ INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO COMBAT GUN TRAFFICKING AND REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle (D, NY-25) and Senator Brian Schatz (D, HI) announced the introduction of the State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act, legislation designed to strengthen state oversight of firearms dealers, reduce gun theft and trafficking, and help keep illegal weapons out of the hands of criminals. 

“We have a responsibility to take meaningful action to keep illegal firearms off our streets,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Too often, stolen and trafficked guns end up in the hands of dangerous criminals, fueling violence and putting families and law enforcement at risk. This commonsense legislation will give states stronger tools to crack down on rogue gun dealers, stop gun trafficking, and make our communities safer. I urge my colleagues to join me in this effort to protect lives and strengthen public safety.”

“One of the best things we can do to support law enforcement and stop violent crimes is making sure we have protections in place that will keep dangerous guns out of the hands of people who aren’t legally allowed to have them. That includes strengthening state programs that are helping stop gun trafficking by some irresponsible gun dealers,” said Senator Schatz.

“Each year, hundreds of thousands of firearms are sold in the illegal marketplace, flooding communities and devastating families,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady: United Against Gun Violence. “To combat the increasing amount of illegal guns on our streets and reduce gun violence, states need resources to improve gun industry oversight, and ensure all firearms are sold legally and responsibly in order to hold members of the gun industry accountable when they engage in risky behavior that contributes to gun violence. Improving and strengthening state oversight is a proven way to decrease gun trafficking and Brady is grateful to Rep. Morelle and Sen. Schatz for their steadfast leadership on this issue.”

"Illegal trafficking is at the heart of America's gun violence crisis, and too often that starts with licensed gun dealers ignoring the law,” said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety. “This bill gives states the tools to identify and stop irresponsible dealers, and we applaud Congressman Morelle and Senator Schatz for leading the charge to cut trafficking off at the source."

"Gun trafficking threatens public safety and weakens strong state gun laws," said Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government and Political Affairs at Giffords. "Traffickers often take advantage of weak oversight and gaps in regulations to obtain firearms that end up in illegal markets. Strengthening oversight of federally licensed firearm dealers and expanding state firearm dealer licensing programs would help law enforcement trace trafficked guns and prevent dangerous individuals from easily obtaining firearms. We thank Representative Morelle and Senator Schatz for introducing the State Firearm Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act, an important step toward improving accountability and helping keep communities safe."

"Gun trafficking doesn't begin on a street corner. It often begins when firearms disappear from gun dealers through theft, negligence, or repeated failures to follow the law. If a dealer cannot keep track of deadly weapons, they should not be in the business of selling them," said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. "Newtown Action Alliance supports this legislation that gives states the tools to step in where federal oversight falls short and help stop the pipeline of guns flowing into criminal markets and violent crime."

Illegal gun trafficking remains a significant driver of gun violence nationwide. Thousands of firearms are lost or stolen from federally licensed firearms dealers each year, and many of those weapons ultimately end up in the illegal marketplace and are used to commit violent crimes. By strengthening oversight of firearms dealers and supporting state-level licensing programs, the State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act would help prevent guns from being diverted into criminal networks before violence occurs.

The legislation would establish a federal grant program to help states develop, expand, or improve firearm dealer licensing and oversight programs. These resources would support inspections, enforcement efforts, and modernized licensing systems designed to identify and address unlawful activity by firearms dealers.

Specifically, the State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act would:

• Establish a grant program to support state firearm dealer licensing and oversight efforts;
• Help states invest in inspections, enforcement tools, and modernized licensing systems;
• Require participating firearm dealers to obtain and regularly renew state licenses;
• Require dealers to submit to inspections designed to ensure compliance with state and federal law; and
• Ensure states have the authority to suspend or revoke licenses and impose penalties when dealers violate applicable laws and regulations.

For more information on the State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act, read the full text here.

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