Washington, D.C., September 1, 2020 - Today, Brady celebrates the introduction of the Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act by Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26). This bill is a sorely needed and common-sense solution to make all of our communities safer by addressing illegal gun trafficking and keep guns out of the hands of those most at risk of doing harm with them. Rep. Mucarsel-Powell’s bill builds on existing gun safety infrastructure, training and holding federally licensed firearm dealers (FFLs) accountable to prevent dangerous and illegal practices such as straw purchasing, gun trafficking, or sales to people who would harm themselves or others. Illegally trafficked guns are typically acquired by individuals who would otherwise fail a background check and are often used in the commission of crimes affecting communities already disproportionately impacted by gun violence. Making these provisions law, rather than custom, provides needed incentives for FFLs — many of whom operate outside of the communities most impacted by everyday gun violence, frequently in less diverse and more affluent suburbs — to reduce gun trafficking.Brady President Kris Brown shared:“The Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct is a concrete, actionable, and common-sense solution to reduce gun trafficking in communities all across the country. Importantly, it recognizes the vital role that federally licensed firearm dealers play in preventing gun violence. Licensed gun dealers are fundamental to almost all gun violence prevention policies and serve as the first, last, and most important, line of defense against individuals who seek to use firearms illegally or irresponsibly. This bill gives dealers the tools to improve existing safeguards, ensure accountability, and stop the flow of crime guns into our communities, and in particular into communities of color. Brady is grateful for Rep. Mucarsel-Powell’s relentless leadership on this issue and looks forward to working with her and all members of Congress to ensure that this important bill becomes law.”
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell shared:“Gun violence and its tragedies continue to plague our nation. It doesn’t stop because of a pandemic. I’ve heard the stories of gun violence in our communities and the heartbreak that it causes. This commonsense bill aims to keep guns off of our streets and out of our neighborhoods. Gun dealers are the last line of defense in identifying and stopping fraudulent or dangerous firearm purchases, and my legislation holds them responsible. I urge my colleagues to join me and push this legislation through Congress as soon as possible.”About the Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act:The Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act establishes business practices and certification requirements for gun dealers and their employees that are intended to curb the diversion of firearms into the illegal market.
Making these provisions law, provides needed incentives to gun dealers — many of whom operate outside of the communities most impacted by everyday gun violence, frequently in less diverse and more affluent suburbs — to reduce gun trafficking.
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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