New Jersey Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Gov. Murphy’s Executive Action Creating Public Safety Standards for Gun Dealers, Manufacturers and Banks That Do Business With New Jersey

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — The New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded Gov. Phil Murphy’s signing of an executive action that declares gun violence to be a public health crisis requiring action from the state. As laid out in the executive order, the state will:

• Create “public safety principles” for manufacturers and retailers of firearms. These principles will establish a set of best-practices for gun dealers, including taking steps to prevent firearm trafficking and the sale of firearms to prohibited persons and straw purchasers, protecting against gun theft, ensure compliance with state and federal gun laws and assist law enforcement with firearms investigations.
• Ensure that vendors adhere to these “public safety principles.” The order will require all manufacturers and retailers who supply the state agencies with firearms to provide information to the Division of Purchase and Property (“DPP”) about whether they have policies in place to ensure adherence to the public safety principles. The order will also empower DPP to make adherence to the principles a requirement for the awarding of future contracts to sell firearms to the state. 
• Ensure banks take steps to adhere to these principles. The order will require financial institutions that provide services to the state to disclose whether they have policies in place to ensure that they and the businesses they work with adhere to the principles.

“With this executive order Governor Murphy is blazing a new path for states that want gun manufacturers, retailers and financial institutions to take action to help end gun violence, and we hope to see other governors quickly follow suit,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Last week we saw retail giants like Walmart, Walgreens and CVS take steps towards gun safety, and this week we’re thrilled to see New Jersey break new ground to hold the gun industry accountable.”

“New Jersey has long been a leader in gun violence prevention, and today is no different,” said Brett Sabo, a volunteer with the New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Holding gun manufacturers and retailers accountable is a critical step for gun safety, and other states should take note. We’re grateful to Gov. Murphy for his leadership in the movement and courage to do everything in his power to keep our families safe.”