Congressman Crow Reintroduces the Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), former Army Ranger and member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, reintroduced the Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act, legislation to create a code of conduct for firearm retailers, prevent the diversion of firearms into the illegal market, and help promote safer business practices to keep illicit guns out of our communities. Crow’s legislation is being reintroduced today, 24 years after the Columbine High School massacre which took the lives of 12 students and one teacher. 

The Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act is endorsed by gun violence prevention organizations including, Brady, Orange Ribbons for Gun Safety, Newtown Action Alliance, March For Our Lives, and Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence.

“Twenty-four years ago today, a horrific mass shooting at Columbine High School claimed 13 lives. Twenty-four years later, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the US. We are failing our children and failing our communities,” said Congressman Crow. “I’m introducing this legislation because it’s a commonsense measure that would require firearm retailers to be trained to identify potentially unlawful firearms purchases and reduce the flow of illegal guns into the market. Our work is far from over.” 

"Federally licensed firearm dealers are the first line of defense to prevent the diversion of guns away from the legal market and ensuring that they are well trained and behave responsibly is critical to ending America’s gun violence epidemic. The Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act achieves this goal by establishing basic business practices and certification requirements for dealers and their employees, as well as training to ensure they can recognize fraudulent, criminal, or other dangerous transactions. Brady proudly endorses the reintroduction of this common-sense legislation, said Kris Brown, President of Brady: United Against Gun Violence. 

"Gun dealers are the first line of defense when it comes to firearms trafficking, and they have a responsibility to prevent guns from getting into the hands of those who should not have them. The Firearm Retailer Code of Conduct Act will ensure that gun dealers undergo regular training to help stop straw purchases and also require that dealers maintain business and liability insurance. We thank Representative Crow for introducing this bill to help prevent firearms from entering the illegal market,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, GIFFORDS Federal Affairs Director. 

Families in Colorado’s 6^th District have endured disproportionate tragedy due to gun violence, including Columbine, the Aurora Theater, and STEM School in Highlands Ranch. Working with local advocates and bipartisan colleagues in Congress, Crow’s efforts to stop deadly weapons from falling into dangerous hands include introducing the Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act last Congress, and ensuring proper implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first comprehensive gun safety reform package in nearly 30 years, legislation he helped pass into law in 2022.