Position Statement

The Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act

Support

The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), an association with more than 4,400 members, supports the Federal Gun Trafficking Law (Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand) that aims to make trafficking in illegal firearms a federal crime.

One in three guns used to commit crimes are guns that have crossed State lines. Ninety percent of the guns found at crime scenes in New York City were originally bought out of State and brought to the City illegally. Because each State has different laws regarding the transfer of illegal firearms, this bill would subject each State to the same law eliminating confusion about the legal standards for prosecution.

The enactment of this legislation would also impose harsher penalties. If an individual (s) sells or purchases two or more firearms and the individual knows that the firearms have been unlawfully obtained, that person (s) could face up to twenty years in prison and be fined up to $250,000.00. Individuals will also be prosecuted if false information is provided on the Federal transaction record form used for the purchase of firearms.

WBASNY supports this Federal Law because its goal is to eliminate illegal firearms which destroy many communities, their children and other vulnerable citizens throughout New York State. This legislation comports with WBASNY’s mission to promote the fair and equal administration of justice.

[1] Gun Trafficking Prevention Act 2015 – S.1760