Press Releases
09/24/2019
ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG JOINS COALITION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL IN URGING CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TO CLOSE AMMUNITION SALE LOOPHOLE
Jaime’s Law extends background check requirements to include ammunition sales
Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in sending a letter today to Congressional leaders urging their support of legislation that would extend existing background check requirements on firearm sales to also include ammunition sales.
The attorneys general argue these background checks would decrease gun violence by stopping individuals who are prohibited from purchasing a gun from also obtaining ammunition.
"If you need a background check to buy a gun, you should need that same check to buy a bullet. That's commonsense. Connecticut has proven that bipartisan gun safety laws are not only possible, but they save lives. It's time for Congress to follow Connecticut's lead," said Attorney General Tong.
Jaime’s Law is named after Jaime Guttenberg, who was 14 years old when she was one of 17 students and teachers killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The bill would make it illegal for individuals who are already “prohibited purchasers” under federal law — including convicted felons, domestic abusers, and individuals with serious mental health conditions — to purchase or possess ammunition.
To enforce this requirement, individuals would either have to be licensed to own a firearm or undergo a background check to purchase ammunition. Federal law already places these requirements on firearms sales; extending those same requirements to ammunition can reduce gun violence and suicide.
Jaime’s Law is currently with the House Judiciary Committee. The attorneys general ask the committee to give the bill their support and urge the House and the Senate to ensure this important bill is passed to help law enforcement keep communities safe.
In joining Attorney General Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who led the coalition, Attorney General Tong joins the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
A copy of the letter can be found here.
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