Durbin, Rep. Kelly Introduce Bicameral Legislation To Update Laws Governing Licensed Firearm Dealers

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today introduced theFederal Firearm Licensee Actto update the laws governing licensed firearm dealers for the first time in over 30 years. Current laws are inadequate to meet the business, technological, and cultural realities of the 21st century, ultimately insulating rogue firearms dealers from law enforcement.
“Our existing laws allow far too many guns to find their way into the hands of individuals who pose a threat to our communities. I’m teaming up with Congresswoman Kelly to introduce theFederal Firearm Licensee Actto ensure that people who shouldn’t have guns aren’t able to get them, including by requiring licensed firearm dealers to take steps to prevent the guns in their inventory from being stolen and trafficked for use in violent crimes,”said Durbin.“Passing this legislation is just one of many actions we must take to reduce gun trafficking and address the gun violence epidemic in Illinois and across the country.”
“While the gun industry profits $9 billion each year with deadlier and more advanced weapons, the gun lobby obstructs any updates to our laws,”said Kelly, Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.“It is long-past time we bring our gun safety laws into the 21st century. It is simply commonsense for every gun dealer to be responsible for their product and ensure they do not unwittingly provide guns to people with dangerous intentions.”
Cosponsoring the legislation are U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Jack Reed (D-RI).
TheFederal Firearm Licensee Actis endorsed by several leading gun safety advocacy groups including GIFFORDS, Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady United, Community Justice Action Fund, March for Our Lives, and Moms Demand Action.
“It’s still way too easy for shady gun dealers to exploit cracks in the system and sell guns to criminals,”said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.“This bill would give ATF more tools to hold rogue gun dealers accountable for putting profits ahead of public safety, and we applaud Representative Kelly and Senator Durbin’s tireless work to advance it.”
TheFederal Firearm Licensee Actwould modernize regulations for existing licensed gun dealers by:
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