Collins proposes bipartisan bill to end illegal firearms trafficking

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) on July 31 introduced bipartisan legislation to increase public safety by punishing and deterring firearms trafficking. 

Sen. Collins cosponsored the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2019, S. 2376, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to make it a federal crime to act as a straw purchaser of firearms, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Collins’ office.

“Our bipartisan bill would strengthen federal law by making it easier for prosecutors to go after gun traffickers and straw purchasers,” Sen. Collins said. “Additionally, this important bill would fully protect the rights of the vast majority of gun owners who are law-abiding citizens.”

If enacted, S. 2376 also would establish penalties for anyone who transfers a firearm having reasonable cause to think that it will be used in a drug crime, crime of violence, or act of terrorism, the summary says. 

“Straw purchasing is intended to achieve one result: to put a gun in the hands of a criminal who cannot legally obtain one,” said Sen. Collins. “Today, traffickers exploit weaknesses in federal law by targeting individuals who can lawfully purchase guns. Then, those traffickers use those guns to commit crimes. Very often they are trading guns for drugs, fueling the opioid crisis in our communities.”   

S. 2376 does not affect the lawful purchases of guns from federal firearms licensees, according to the senator’s summary.

The measure is supported by several law enforcement organizations, including the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the National Tactical Officers Association.