Multistate Coalition Files Amicus Brief to Support Common Sense State and Federal Regulations on Sale of Guns
HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general led by New York in support of common sense state and federal laws that regulate the sale of guns. The coalition filed an amicus brief in U.S. v. Steven Perez, arguing that federal laws preventing individuals from transporting or receiving firearms from outside the state in which they reside are essential to protecting public safety. The amicus brief, filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, explains that state and federal regulations of firearms dealers help reduce violent crime and support law enforcement investigations.
“Preventing guns from crossing state lines– except when federally allowed– will keep guns from getting into the wrong hands through unlawful transfers like straw purchases,” Attorney General Henry said. “My Office will continue our efforts to combat gun violence by exposing and holding bad actors culpable for violating the laws. I am thankful for the opportunity to work collaboratively with other Attorneys General to encourage strong gun regulations on the state and federal level.”
In 2020, Steven Perez received illegally purchased weapons from an unlicensed firearms dealer in South Carolina that were transported to him in New York City. Mr. Perez was later arrested, criminally prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced to prison in New York. Mr. Perez is appealing his conviction that was handed down by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claiming that it violates his Second Amendment right to carry a firearm.
The multistate coalition argues that federal regulations related to the transport of guns across state lines protect public safety, fortify state gun laws, and do not infringe on Second Amendment rights. The attorneys general explain that state regulations of firearms dealers prevent the misuse of guns and help law enforcement effectively investigate gun-related crimes. For example, 17 states, including New York, require licensed firearms dealers to maintain detailed records of their inventory and sales, which help law enforcement investigate violent crime and keep communities safer by ensuring that law enforcement has thorough, up-to-date information. Additional state regulations help curb unlawful access to firearms through theft, straw purchases, and illegal sales.
Joining Attorney General Henry in filing this amicus brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
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