SUBJECT
.Title
REDUCING GUN VIOLENCE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE FIREARM PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE (DISTRICTS: ALL)
.Body
OVERVIEW
Gun violence remains a significant problem across the U.S. and here in San Diego County. Recent school shootings in Georgia and Northern California serve as tragic reminders of the thousands of lives lost or forever changed due to the easy access dangerous individuals have to firearms. San Diego County has taken aggressive action to close loopholes in gun laws, including a 2021 “ghost gun” policy that has removed three times more illegal firearms from our streets, enhancing the safety of our communities.
Today's proposal leverages the County’s purchasing power to hold gun dealers accountable and raise the bar for responsible firearm sales. Taxpayer dollars should not support businesses that fail to meet firearm safety standards. However, research from Brady: United Against Gun Violence found that at least 90 California law enforcement agencies, including San Diego County, have purchased firearms from dealers with documented violations against gun regulations. For instance, LA Action Police Supply, a vendor with over 40 federal violations, has received $18 million in contracts from 67 agencies across the state. This practice must change.
This policy will strengthen the County’s firearm procurement process by requiring all gun dealers bidding on contracts to prove compliance with state and federal laws, maintain a clean record, submit inspection reports, and implement strict security measures to prevent theft and unauthorized sales. This action builds on the City of San Diego’s recently adopted Ira Sharp Firearm Accountability Act authored by Council Member Marni Von Wilpert. By setting a higher standard of transparency and responsibility, we ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent supporting businesses that prioritize public safety, accountability, and the well-being of our communities.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
VICE-CHAIR TERRA LAWSON-REMER
1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a firearm procurement ordinance for board consideration. Specifically evaluate operational and administrative impacts, including evaluation standards, related to the inclusion of the following vendor requirements in an ordinance and return to the Board in 120 days with key findings and options for Board consideration. The ordinance would include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. Proof of compliance with applicable state and federal laws, including permits, and certificates,
b. Documentation of firearm trace requests received within the past five years,
c. Documentation of thefts from the vendor’s premises withing the past five years,
d. Submission of inspection reports conducted by federal, state, or local agencies,
e. Disclosure of violations from inspections related to the purchase, transfer, manufacturing, or sales of firearms conducted by any federal, state, or local agencies,
f. Documentation of policies and practices concerning the following:
i. Preventing, detecting, and screening for the transfer or sale of firearms to firearm traffickers,
ii. Preventing sales to individuals prohibited by federal, state, and local law, or court order,
iii. Preventing theft of firearms,
iv. Training employees to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations,
v. Assisting law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prevention of criminal access to firearms, and
vi. Operation of digital video surveillance systems.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
This action is designed to improve public safety by implementing stricter firearm procurement measures, ensuring equitable protection for all community members. By instituting a rigorous vetting process for gun dealers and enhancing accountability, the policy aims to prevent firearms from reaching unauthorized individuals, thereby reducing gun violence, which disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. This initiative promotes responsible firearm procurement while contributing to a safer, more inclusive environment where all residents, regardless of background, are safeguarded from the threat of gun violence.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
By implementing stringent vetting processes for gun dealers and promoting responsible firearm procurement practices, the policy aims to reduce gun violence and its associated social and economic costs. This reduction in violence enhances community well-being and resilience, creating a more sustainable society. Furthermore, the policy's focus on preventing unauthorized gun sales and theft helps ensure that firearms are managed and utilized responsibly, supporting long-term public safety and sustainability goals.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with these recommendations at this time. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years. There may be fiscal impacts associated with future related recommendations which staff would return to the Board for consideration and approval.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
.Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
Gun violence continues to be a pervasive problem affecting communities across the country, and across San Diego County. Recent school shootings in Georgia and Northern California highlight this preventable tragedy, with thousands of lives lost or permanently changed due to firearms being too easily accessible to those who pose a danger to themselves or others. The County of San Diego (County) has taken aggressive action to address loopholes in existing state and federal laws, including a 2021 “ghost gun” policy that has resulted in three times more ghost guns being removed from our streets, increasing the health and safety of our communities.
Today’s action leverages the County’s significant purchasing power to hold irresponsible gun dealers accountable and set a higher standard for responsible firearm sales. Taxpayer dollars should not, even indirectly, support gun violence in our communities by funding dealers who fail to meet responsible firearm standards.
The County budget includes millions in funding dedicated to equipping County law enforcement agencies with firearms, firearm parts, and accessories, reflecting our commitment to public safety. However, research from Brady: United Against Gun Violence found that at least 90 California law enforcement agencies have purchased firearms from dealers that did not comply with relevant gun regulations. For example, one vendor, LA Action Police Supply, has secured contracts with 67 California law enforcement agencies, including the County of San Diego, totaling over $18 million worth of firearms and ammunition. But the dealer had over 40 violations of federal firearm laws since 1995.
I'm proposing to strengthen the County’s firearm procurement process by requiring all gun dealers bidding on contracts to prove compliance with state and federal regulations. Dealers must demonstrate a clean record, submit inspection reports, and implement strict security measures to prevent theft and unauthorized sales. By implementing these reforms, San Diego County would be setting a higher standard for transparency and responsibility in its firearms procurement process. This action builds on the City of San Diego’s recently adopted Ira Sharp Firearm Accountability Act authored by Council Member Marni Von Wilpert.
Today’s action aligns with the County’s broader goals of promoting public safety, equity, and accountability. It ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent with businesses that prioritize the well-being of our communities. The policy also would reflect the County’s commitment to holding the firearms industry accountable for its role in gun violence by using its purchasing power to encourage safer and more responsible practices.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
The proposed Responsible Gun Procurement Ordinance aligns seamlessly with the County of San Diego's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. This policy exemplifies the County’s commitment to enhancing public safety, promoting health equity, and fostering economic opportunity by ensuring responsible gun dealing practices and reducing gun violence. It supports the Safety initiative by striving for a fair and equitable justice system and protecting communities from crime.
The Health initiative is bolstered by addressing disparities and ensuring access to health and social services through violence prevention. Furthermore, this measure enhances community resilience, a key strategic focus, by promoting safe and supportive environments, thereby contributing to the overall quality of life and well-being of San Diego County residents.
Respectfully submitted,
TERRA LAWSON-REMER
Supervisor, Third District
ATTACHMENT(S)
N/A