As we found two years ago in the first edition of this publication, states need to adopt strong gun laws because gun laws really do matter. Many of the states with the strongest gun laws also have the lowest gun death rates nationwide. Conversely, many states with the weakest gun laws have the highest gun death rates. While more research is needed to determine the precise relationship between state gun laws and gun death rates, the data supports the common sense conclusion that gun laws are a significant factor in a stateâs rate of gun deaths.
Gun laws also matter beyond a stateâs borders. Illegal gun traffickers often buy weapons in states with weak laws that end up recovered in crimes in other states. A report published by Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) found that states with a number of important gun laws had significantly lower rates of âcrime gun exportsâ â where a firearm sold by a dealer in one state is later found at a crime scene in a different state â than states without these laws.4
MAIG identified a number of gun laws as key in the fight against illegal gun trafficking, including measures that:
â¢Require every person to acquire a permit to purchase a handgun;
â¢Require firearm owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement; and
â¢Require or allow law enforcement to inspect firearms dealers.
Moving Forward
The threat of gun violence does not have to be an inevitable fact of life in America. Because strong gun laws are clearly associated with lower rates of gun violence, legislators in every state should consider adopting a variety of smart policies that are widely supported by the American public. In every state, there is still much that can be done to prevent gun deaths, and many measures can have a positive impact well beyond a stateâs borders. Itâs not too late to prevent future tragedies.
http://smartgunlaws.org/gun-laws-ma...-the-link-between-weak-laws-and-gun-violence/
Gun laws also matter beyond a stateâs borders. Illegal gun traffickers often buy weapons in states with weak laws that end up recovered in crimes in other states. A report published by Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) found that states with a number of important gun laws had significantly lower rates of âcrime gun exportsâ â where a firearm sold by a dealer in one state is later found at a crime scene in a different state â than states without these laws.4
MAIG identified a number of gun laws as key in the fight against illegal gun trafficking, including measures that:
â¢Require every person to acquire a permit to purchase a handgun;
â¢Require firearm owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement; and
â¢Require or allow law enforcement to inspect firearms dealers.
Moving Forward
The threat of gun violence does not have to be an inevitable fact of life in America. Because strong gun laws are clearly associated with lower rates of gun violence, legislators in every state should consider adopting a variety of smart policies that are widely supported by the American public. In every state, there is still much that can be done to prevent gun deaths, and many measures can have a positive impact well beyond a stateâs borders. Itâs not too late to prevent future tragedies.
http://smartgunlaws.org/gun-laws-ma...-the-link-between-weak-laws-and-gun-violence/
