Chicago Tightens Rules for City Gun Purchases

New standards will examine how firearm vendors prevent trafficking, theft and straw purchases.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order strengthening the standards Chicago uses when purchasing firearms, ammunition and related equipment.

Companies seeking city contracts will be required to disclose licensing information, regulatory violations and steps they take to prevent firearm trafficking, theft and straw purchases.

A straw purchase occurs when someone buys a gun for another person who is prohibited from purchasing it or wants to conceal their identity.

The order applies to companies that sell firearm-related products to the city and its public-safety departments. It does not change the rules for Chicago residents legally purchasing or owning firearms.

Chicago’s Department of Procurement Services has 90 days to develop the new standards with assistance from the Chicago Police Department and other city agencies.

Supporters say taxpayer money should only go to responsible firearm vendors. Questions remain about how the city will evaluate dealers and whether the policy could affect costs or equipment availability.

What do you think? Should a gun dealer’s safety record affect whether it receives a city contract?