Government Affairs

ACTION ALERT

Senate Bill 5197: Closing the Gun Show Loophole

Under current law, large numbers of firearms at guns shows are sold anonymously by non-licensed dealers, who make up more than one-quarter of the sellers at gun shows.  Non-licensed dealers are not required to conduct criminal or mental health background checks of purchasers at gun shows.

Since 1994 the Brady Act, which requires criminal and mental health background checks of firearm purchasers, has prevented more than one million individuals from purchasing firearms.  While the Brady Act requires licensed dealers to perform background checks, a dangerous loophole still exists, enabling unlicensed dealers to sell firearms at a gun show with no check required.

Requiring background checks of all purchasers at gun shows and flea markets will close the gun show loophole and help keep firearms out of the wrong hands.  Currently 18 states, including three of the five that hold the most gun shows (California, Illinois and Pennsylvania), have enacted similar legislation on a statewide level, further preventing criminals and other prohibited persons from obtaining a firearm.

Next week, the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committee will be hearing testimony on legislation to close the gun show loophole.  Let your Senator know you support closing the gun show loophole.

Click Here to Tell Your Senator You Support Closing the Gun Show Loophole

If you would like to attend the hearing on February 8, 2007 Washington Ceasefire will be chartering buses to take people to and from Olympia.  Buses leave promptly from Qwest Field at 12:30 PM.  E-mail Sandy Kraus or Zach Carstensen if you are interested in attending (Sandy.Kraus@comcast.net or zachc@jewishinseattle.org).