Lawmakers introduce bill to reduce violence from stolen firearms

U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced legislation on Friday aimed at preventing theft from federally-licensed gun dealers, as a way to reduce gun violence.

The Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective (SECURE) Firearm Storage Act would require all federally-licensed gun dealers to securely store firearms when they’re not open in order to address “smash and grab” gun store burglaries. The bill would also authorize the U.S. Attorney General to review and suggest additional security measures aimed at reducing theft. Lastly, the bill would create a new section on the FFL Application where the applicant would describe the security plans in place for their business before the license would be approved.

“Illinois is awash in guns that come from other states with weaker gun safety laws. Our bill would help prevent ‘smash and grab’ burglaries which supply criminals with weapons they use to carry out acts of violence in our streets. This common sense measure will help stem the flow of guns into Illinois and prevent bloodshed in our neighborhoods,” Durbin, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said.

According to the Congressmen, gun thefts from FFLs are a significant problem nationwide. In 2020, FFLs reported 492 burglaries to the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). In those burglaries, a total of 5,961 firearms were stolen, many of which were later used to commit violent crimes, the lawmakers said. The Chicago Tribune recently reported that a gun stolen from a Wisconsin gun store in 2016 has been linked to 27 Chicago shootings.

“Almost 60,000 guns have been stolen since 2012. It doesn’t have to be this way,” Schneider said. “It simply requires gun dealers to take the responsible step of securing their inventory. The commonsense, practical reforms in the SECURE Firearm Storage Act ensure gun dealers are properly safeguarding their inventory so fewer of these weapons can be easily stolen and later used in violent crimes. I am pleased to introduce this bill with the support of Sen. Durbin and many of my colleagues, and hope that this Congress we find the courage to act legislatively to save lives from the scourge of gun violence.”

The legislation has been endorsed by the Center for American Progress, and Everytown for Gun Safety.