Harper Highlights New Law Cracking Down on Gun Dealers

CHICAGO – Fighting back against gun violence and cracking down on gun dealers, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is highlighting new gun safety measures that are now law. 

“Gun violence occurs too often in my district and across Chicago, and it is about time we made new rules and regulations for gun dealers in Illinois,” said Harper. “Even hair salons undergo rigorous safety requirements for their customers, and leveling the playing field for firearm sellers is the least we can ask of them in order to keep the public safe from future violence.”

Harper worked to pass Senate Bill 337 in 2018, and the bill was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker today. Harper’s new law creates new safety requirements for gun dealers across Illinois. Sellers and dealers of dangerous firearms will now be required to perform background checks on their gun buyers, be required to install new security methods to prevent guns from being stolen and finally cracks down on illegal gun trafficking in the state.

Harper has worked to pass related gun safety laws, including a three-day waiting period to obtain a gun and the Lethal Violence Order of Protection, which allows family members to interevene on behalf of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and their guns temporarily confiscated while seeking help. 

“We want to thank Rep. Sonya Harper as well as all those who voted to keep illegal guns out of our communities,” said Kathleen Sances, Pres. and CEO of the Gun Violence Prevention PAC. “The new measure will require criminal background checks and training for gun shop employees to spot illegal gun traffickers and prevent theft by requiring video surveillance of brick and mortar stores. Our streets and communities will be safer now that SB 337 is the law of the land.”

Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, and Marquette Park.