Local opinion: Let's make sure new rule for gun sellers is being enforced

For many years, the single gun-control measure that the vast majority of Americans have agreed upon is universal background checks. This is sometimes referred to as “closing the gun show loophole,” preventing “private sellers” from selling firearms without performing a required background check for purchasers at these events.

What most Americans are not aware of is that for almost a year now, thanks to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed in 2022, “private sellers” are now required to get a Federal Firearms License and to conduct background checks if they meet federal criteria for being in the business of selling firearms. What this means is that prohibited buyers — felons, domestic abusers, straw purchasers, traffickers and those with mental issues — will no longer have easy access to weapons sold by so-called “private sellers” at gun shows, swap meets, and online. What it ultimately means for all of us is a safer country, which the vast majority of Americans support.

It took over a year for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to codify this section of the regulations, ATF Rule 2022-R17. After a period of public comment, the new Rule defining “private seller” went into effect in April of 2024.

So how has this critical public safety improvement been implemented in Pima County? That is a good question and one that calls for more complete answers.

Here’s what we know. We know that the Pima County Board of Supervisors formally supported the definition change in the ATF rule. We know that the County Administrator Jan Lesher requested that the Southwest Fairgrounds Commission administration ensure operator compliance with the new rule at all Fairgrounds gun shows. We know that Sheriff Nanos supported the rule change and that Sheriff’s Department deputies are stationed at the Pima County Fairgrounds gun shows to ensure that firearms are not sold in the parking lot.

Finally, we know that on paper, the gun show operator has outlined steps that his organization has taken to ensure compliance with the new rule.

What we don’t know is how effectively this rule is being enforced. On March 1- 2, there will be another gun show at the Pima County Fairgrounds. We have asked Southwest Fairground Commission administration to schedule a walk-through at this event to demonstrate how this critical new public safety rule is being implemented.

Our hope is that going forward, all gun shows, swap meets, and online sellers in Pima County will be required to follow the new rule and be held accountable if they do not. We believe that the vast majority of Pima County residents support universal background checks. We urge you to stand with this rule change and let your voices be heard.

Molly McKasson is a member of Citizens for a Safer Pima County. Mike Humphrey is a member of the Pima County Board of Health and the Arizona Daily Star Editorial Advisory Board.