Slaughter Measure to License Gun Dealers, Combat Illegal Gun Trafficking Signed Into Law

CHICAGO – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is highlighting a new law signed last week that aims to keep illegal firearms out of the wrong hands by establishing licensing standards for gun dealers in Illinois.

“Our state has required licenses for businesses that sell alcohol and tobacco, car dealerships and even beauty salons for years, while gun dealers were subject to only minimal regulations,” Slaughter said. “Requiring licensing standards for gun shops is a commonsense approach to addressing gun violence in Illinois and is an important move for improving public safety and reducing the number of illegal gun sales in our state.”

Slaughter’s Senate Bill 337, also known as the Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act, was signed into law last week by Gov. JB Pritzker. The bipartisan measure creates new regulations for gun dealers, including background checks and mandatory safety training to help employees spot gun traffickers. The new law also grants greater authority for law enforcement to inspect gun-selling businesses and requires the use of video surveillance systems to prevent theft.

“I want to thank Rep. Slaughter and all the members of the Illinois General Assembly who voted to keep illegal guns out of our communities,” said Kathleen Sances, President and CEO of the Illinois Gun Violence Prevention PAC (GPAC). “Our streets, communities and families will be safer now that SB 337 is the law of the land and we are grateful to all of the legislators who put public safety first.”