Garcia Wilburn calls on Indiana’s federal congressional delegation to continue bipartisan gun safety progress, support new ATF rule expanding background checks
On Wednesday (June 12), State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) sent a letter to Indiana's federal congressional calling upon them to continue Indiana's recent run of successful bipartisan gun safety laws in both the state legislature and Congress.
As part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022's provisions, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives finalized a new rule that closes the gun show and online sale loophole, which has allowed firearms to end up in the hands of individuals who go on to commit gun violence. Since 1994, federal law has required federally licensed firearms dealers to run background checks prior to selling or transferring a weapon. However, unlicensed sellers have not previously been required to conduct background checks before selling firearms. Unlicensed dealers who do not conduct background checks are the largest source of firearms that are illegally trafficked into our communities. The ATF's new “Engaged in the Business” rule clarifies when a person needs to become a licensed dealer and run background checks and gives local law enforcement as well as the Department of Justice additional tools to prevent prohibited individuals from illegally obtaining firearms.
However, this new rule has come under fire in recent weeks. The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to discuss overturning the rule.
In light of Indiana's bipartisan votes in favor of the Safer Communities Act and bipartisan support of 2023 state law House Enrolled Act 1365, which allows local law enforcement and prosecutors to crack down on devices that convert firearms into machine guns, Garcia Wilburn asked Indiana's congressional delegation to support the common-sense “Engaged in the Business” rule and stand up for the millions of Hoosiers who want to lead lives free of gun violence.
“Individuals who would not be able to purchase a firearm if they had to pass a background check should not be able to obtain one so easily through the loopholes left in our laws from the 1990s, plain and simple,” Garcia Wilburn said. “I am proud of the bipartisan work done by Indiana's federal and state lawmakers in recent years. It's important we continue to present a united front and let Hoosiers know that solving gun violence doesn't have to be a partisan issue. The ATF's new 'Engaged in the Business' rule clearly defines what makes someone a licensed dealer and thus obligated to run background checks. Let's come together to support our law enforcement and protect Hoosier communities from the horrors of gun violence.”