Kent County Times

Warwick, RI — Representative Seth Magaziner announced the introduction of his bill, H.R.3863: Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act, along with representatives of Rhode Island law enforcement, gun safety advocacy groups, and members of our community whose lives have been personally impacted by gun violence.

This legislation, introduced during National Gun Violence Awareness Month with companion legislation by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), will strengthen accountability measures for gun dealers who are selling guns “off the books,” falsifying records, and providing guns to straw purchasers, gun traffickers, and dangerous individuals.

While the vast majority of gun dealers follow the law, a small number of bad-actor gun dealers – roughly 5 percent – supply guns used in 400,000 crimes annually according to a report by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. The Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act would crack down on these illegal practices by authorizing more frequent inspections of gun dealers, increasing penalties for serious offenses like failing to perform federally required background checks, and strengthening the Department of Justice’s authority and discretion in enforcing gun laws.

“Rogue gun dealers who sell guns without background checks, falsify records, or knowingly provide criminals with firearms threaten the safety of all Americans. We must equip law enforcement and federal agencies with the tools and resources they need to hold these bad actors accountable,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “The billwill stiffen penalties and enact more stringent accountability measures to address the flow of illegal firearms into our communities. We must do more to end the gun violence epidemic and prevent guns from falling in the hands of criminals.”

“Communities across Rhode Island continue to be affected by gun violence, and this Office prioritizes our investigatory and prosecutorial resources toward identifying the perpetrators and drivers of violent crime and bringing them to justice,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “This critical work can only be done with strong partners willing to do their part to end gun violence – including those in federal government, law enforcement, and in the community. I applaud Congressman Magaziner for introducing this bill and standing up for the safety of Rhode Islanders.”

“The number of illegal firearms that flood into cities throughout our country is not only jarring but traumatizing to both families and communities,” said Providence Police Commander Kevin M. Lanni. “In 2023 alone the Providence Police have removed 145 firearms from our streets, resulting in 107 firearm related charges. Through this legislation, the Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act holds illegal firearm dealers accountable for their actions. I thank Representative Seth Magaziner for leading this effort in Congress.”

“As a survivor, as a Mom who lost her daughter to gun violence, I know we must have a multi-faceted approach to truly achieve gun safety in our country,” said Diana Garlington, the Board Secretary of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence. “This Act would hold gun dealers accountable and give the Department of Justice the ability to implement policies that will keep our communities safe. I lost my daughter, Esscence, to gun violence. I never want any parent to feel the pain I have felt, the pain I feel today, the pain I feel every day. RI Coalition Against Gun Violence supports passage of the Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act!”

“For years, the gun industry and gun dealers have reaped the benefits of an underfunded and under-enforced ATF. However, under the Biden-Harris Administration we have witnessed how ATF is cracking down on willful violations by gun dealers,” said Pam Schlomann, a volunteer with the Rhode Island Chapter of Moms Demand Action. “With this measure – the Department of Justice and ATF will be better equipped to identify rogue and irresponsible gun dealers who funnel firearms into dangerous hands and hold them accountable for doing so. We thank Representative Magaziner for his commitment to Rhode Island families and steadfast leadership in tackling the root causes of gun violence.”

Among other provisions, the Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act would:

• Increase the allowable number of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) inspections of firearms dealers from one to three per year;
• Increase the number of ATF inspectors;
• Strengthen criminal penalties for dealers who knowingly violate the law by committing serious record-keeping offenses that aid gun trafficking;
• Permit the Department of Justice (DOJ) some discretion in issuing firearm dealer licenses to applicants who pose a threat to public safety or is likely to break the law;
• Provide the DOJ with more flexibility to revoke the license of a gun importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector who is convicted of serious crimes

A copy of the bill text can be found HERE.

This legislation is supported by Everytown for Gun Safety, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Giffords, States United to Prevent Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, and members of law enforcement. 

Original source can be found here.