Existing laws allow too many guns to be sold to individuals who pose a danger to our communities. I’m introducing the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to establish new requirements for licensed dealers to secure their business premises & conduct physical checks of their inventories.
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) July 11, 2024
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced the Federal Firearm Licensee Act last week.
This legislation aims to change federal laws governing licensed firearm dealers, supposedly targeting those engaging in unlawful practices that lead to gun trafficking and violence.
The act would establish new requirements for licensed firearm dealers to secure their premises and conduct physical checks of their inventories.
It would also expand recordkeeping and reporting requirements and mandate inspections.
Key Provisions of the Federal Firearm Licensee Act (per Durbin):
- Requiring physical security measures to prevent firearm theft;
- Clarifying the standards by which licensed dealers, and their employees, are assessed for purposes of license issuance and renewal;
- Repealing long-standing appropriations riders that have impeded enforcement of existing law by barring the ATF from using funds to require licensed dealers to conduct physical firearm inventories, barring use of funds for consolidating or centralizing FFL firearm sale or disposition records, and prohibiting the public disclosure of firearms trace data; and
- Increasing record retention and electronic data management and sharing for background checks.
The legislation has garnered support from various senators, including Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
Not surprisingly, it is endorsed by organizations such as Everytown, Giffords, March for Our Lives, and Brady United.
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) introduced the House companion, which has 107 cosponsors.
NSSF Criticizes the Legislation
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) criticized the Federal Firearm Licensee Act, arguing it’s a way of weaponizing the government against firearm retailers.
The NSSF claims the legislation imposes onerous laws and requirements on retailers instead of holding criminals accountable for their crimes.
“This legislation isn’t a serious attempt to curb criminal activity,” said Mark Oliva, NSSF’s managing director of public affairs, in an email to GunsAmerica. “It is a veiled attempt to force firearm retailers out of business by creating new criteria.”
They argued that one-size-fits-all security requirements would force many small businesses out of the market.
The NSSF also expressed concerns about the legislation’s provision to publicly release firearm trace data. They warned this could jeopardize active and ongoing investigations, a sentiment echoed by former ATF Acting Director Michael Sullivan.
The NSSF highlighted their own efforts to improve security through the Operation Secure Store initiative, part of the Real Solutions Safer Communities campaign, which aims to prevent the criminal misuse of firearms.
Conclusion
As the debate over the FFL Act continues, its impact on firearm retailers remains a contentious issues. We’ll keep an eye on developments and provide updates as they unfold. Stay tuned.
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