FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2019
CONTACT:
Office of Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, 14th District
(312) 603-4932
STATEMENT FROM COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER SCOTT BRITTON ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SECURE FIREARM STORAGE ACT
On January 31, U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced bicameral legislation aimed at reducing gun violence by addressing gun thefts from federally licensed stores. The new bill would require federally-licensed dealers, manufacturers, and importers to securely store firearms and paper records when not open for business. The bill also requires the Attorney General to set additional security measures and create a new firearms license application mandating the description of security plans before a license can be approved.
Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton today commented on the introduction of the SECURE (Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective) Firearm Storage Act.
“This is commonsense gun safety legislation.
I grew up in a small central Illinois farming community, and understand how different experiences can affect personal values. But even gun owners will admit that safe and secure storage of firearms is prudent. This isn’t about if you’re a rural hunter or an urban school teacher – this is about common sense and saving lives.
This legislation is low hanging fruit and straightforward. If we can stop even one gun from being stolen and used for nefarious reasons then such a law should be made. The sad truth is that it is far more than one. Nearly 10,000 guns recovered by the ATF in connection to a crime between 2010 and 2015 had been reported stolen or lost from gun stores.
This practical, reasonable and low-cost reform enforces what should be obvious – that lethal weapons should be securely stored, whether in the home or in a store.
I thank Congressman Schneider and Senator Durbin for their leadership and taking action to save lives.”
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