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File #: 211025    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 12/16/2021 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 12/16/2021
Title: Urging the Biden Administration and the United States Department of Justice to finalize a proposed rule that would close a regulatory loophole and require "ghost gun" kit makers to include serial numbers in firearm kits and require federally licensed firearms dealers to conduct background checks prior to the sale of these firearm kits.
Sponsors: Council President Clarke, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Gym, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Domb, Councilmember Thomas, Councilmember Parker, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Squilla
Attachments: 1. Signature21102500
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultTallyAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
12/16/20210 CITY COUNCIL Introduced and Moved to Be Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar - Rules Suspended   Action details Meeting details Not available
12/16/20210 CITY COUNCIL ADOPTED   Action details Meeting details Not available
Title
Urging the Biden Administration and the United States Department of Justice to finalize a proposed rule that would close a regulatory loophole and require "ghost gun" kit makers to include serial numbers in firearm kits and require federally licensed firearms dealers to conduct background checks prior to the sale of these firearm kits.

Body
WHEREAS, "Ghost Guns" are untraceable firearms that are assembled from parts bought online; and

WHEREAS, Individuals can buy kits that contain all or almost all of the parts needed to assemble a gun. These kits come with directions on how to finish the gun or links to online tutorials. Usually, the only tool needed is a drill and a working weapon can be put together in as little as 30 minutes; and

WHEREAS, These "buy, build, shoot" kits may not be considered firearms and are being made and sold without serial numbers and background checks; and

WHEREAS, "Ghost gun" kits have been sold since the 1990s, but there has been a substantial rise in sales since 2016; and

WHEREAS, According to the Justice Department, from 2016 to 2020, U.S. law enforcement officers have recovered more than 23,000 firearms without serial numbers from potential crime scenes; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, Pennsylvania Attorney General Shapiro issued a legal opinion wherein he stated that "ghost guns" must be treated the same as fully-functioning firearms under Pennsylvania law; and

WHEREAS, On December 10, 2020, City Council passed Bill 200593 which added prohibitions on the possession, use, transfer, or manufacture of "ghost guns"; and

WHEREAS, On May 7, 2021, the Department of Justice proposed a rule that would expand the definition of a firearm and close a loophole that has allowed the sale of unregulated "ghost guns"; and

WHEREAS, This proposed rule would require gun retailers to conduct background checks before selling kits that contain the ...

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