July 9, 2024

Though not the case in LA County, millions of taxpayer dollars across California used to buy from vendors failing to comply with regulations, report says

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn and coauthored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis to ensure that Los Angeles County only purchases firearms from vendors in full compliance with the law. A recent report from Brady revealed that government agencies across California spend millions of taxpayer dollars on guns and ammunition procured from vendors that are in violation of firearms laws and regulations. No Los Angeles County department has purchased from bad actors in the past, and today’s motion ensures none will in the future.

“Not one cent of LA County taxpayer money should go into the pockets of firearms sellers who violate the law,” said Hahn. “When guns fall into the wrong hands, families and communities are torn apart. We cannot support businesses that contribute to that.”

With today’s motion, firearms vendors will have to certify under penalty of perjury that they are in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and that they have not been cited for repeated or serious violations, before selling any firearms to any LA County department. Among the most concerning violations of firearms regulations is selling firearms to individuals who are prohibited from purchasing them. Research shows a correlation between a vendor’s violation of firearms laws and the likelihood that a gun purchased from that vendor is recovered in a crime.

“We need to take every action possible to protect our residents from gun violence, and this motion will ensure that Los Angeles County holds accountable every firearm vendor seeking to sell firearms to the County, makes sure we have in place a standardized vetting and procurement process, and aligns us with federal and state compliance laws,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who represents the First District.

Last year, Solis and Hahn also led the Board in prohibiting all County departments from auctioning or selling excess firearms or ammunition altogether. The move came after it was discovered that the County’s Probation Department planned to auction hundreds of guns to firearm dealers. Firearms no longer needed by LA County departments are now destroyed.