Jones-Backed Legislation Cracking Down on Gun Dealers Signed into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Gun shops will be better regulated and required to take steps to combat illegal gun trafficking under a new law backed by state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, establishing the state’s first system of gun dealer licensing.

“Illinois can and should enact some of the strongest laws possible to keep our communities, our schools and our children safe from deadly, military-style firearms, but those laws are only going to be effective if we also take steps to ensure gun dealers are acting in good faith and following the letter of the law,” said Jones. “This new law will crack down on illegal sales, ensure gun dealers are taking steps to prevent theft, and send a clear message to the extreme National Rifle Association that here in Illinois we will keep our communities safe.”

Jones helped pass Senate Bill 337 last year, which was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The new law requires gun dealers to obtain a state license – a standard already applied to many businesses including barber shops and car dealerships. As gun dealers are subject to only minimal federal oversight, the new law creates additional requirements to stop illegal sales and ensure background checks are being conducted including standards for security systems and video surveillance at gun stores, and thorough background checks for all employees. Jones plans to continue working new gun safety reforms like banning dangerous assault weapons, bump stocks and explosive elements found in ammunition to prevent another disaster from occurring.

“We want to thank Rep. Jones 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.”