DATE:
October 8, 2024
08
TO:
Board of Supervisors
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.
RECOM...
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