In the near future, we will introduce legislation that will help to combat firearms trafficking by supporting responsible firearms dealers.

There are over 3,000 federal firearms dealer licensees in Pennsylvania. While the vast majority of dealers operate legally and safely, lax federal oversight has allowed a subset of them to contribute to a proliferation of illegal guns and gun-related crimes in the Commonwealth. According to the nonpartisan group Everytown for Gun Safety, Pennsylvania firearms dealers supplied 78% of all guns involved in crimes that were traced and recovered in the Commonwealth in 2023. Between 2017 and 2021, nearly 63% of crime guns in Pennsylvania were recovered within 25 miles of the dealer where they were purchased. However, according to nationwide data from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, over 90% of all retail gun sales can be traced to just 15% of dealers.

We should not allow lax security protocols at a subset of firearms dealers to jeopardize our communities and besmirch the safe and lawful practices of responsible dealers. For that reason, my legislation would create a new set of security protocols for dealers and establish a responsible grant program to offset the costs of enhancing existing security systems.

Specifically, our legislation would require new dealer applicants, as well as those renewing their licenses, to undergo background checks through the Pennsylvania State Police—currently, federal law only requires a full background check for an initial license application. The legislation would also prohibit dealers from employing individuals who are ineligible to possess firearms and would require employee background checks every three years. Dealers and their employees would also be required to complete annual training on preventing firearms trafficking.

The legislation would also require dealers to establish new physical security protocols, including storing firearms safely during all non-business hours (not just during declared emergencies) and implementing video surveillance systems. The Pennsylvania State Police would be required to inspect all new dealers and 20% of existing dealers yearly. Finally, the legislation would establish a responsible firearms dealer grant program to offset the costs of physical security enhancements and dealer and employee training and background checks.

We can continue to fight gun-related crime in this Commonwealth while stemming the flow of gun trafficking at the point of sale.  Please join us in working to establish a safer and more responsible marketplace for our lawful gun owners.