Policy Resolution LJE-18-05

WHEREAS, BB guns and air-pellet guns have been used to commit acts of violence and have caused great harm and injury throughout the United States, especially in poor and minority communities;

WHEREAS, many BB guns and air-pellet guns have been manufactured to appear identical to real firearms and utilized in the commission of crimes; and

WHEREAS, individuals have been stopped, detained, arrested and killed by law enforcement officials while possessing BB guns and air-pellet guns that are indistinguishable guns from real firearms.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus State Legislators (NBCSL) urges Congress to take up legislation that requires BB and air-pellet gun manufacturers to design their products so that they are readily identifiable and distinguishable from real firearms;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL would encourage restricting the sales of BB guns and air-pellet guns to any person under the age of 18 years old;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL would encourage requiring a parent or guardian to be present and sign a certificate of ownership and responsibility for their usage;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL would encourage state governments to collect the names and ages of intended users and have them agree to comprehensive training and certification through a licensed gun safety provider in the use of said guns for all individuals that are under the age of eighteen;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL calls upon all states and territories of the United States to regulate the sale of such BB and air-pellet guns, in retail stores or gun shows; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.

• SPONSOR: Representative Brenda Gilmore (TN)
• Committee of Jurisdiction: Law, Justice, and Ethics Policy Committee
• Certified by Committee Chair: Representative Reginald Meeks (KY)
• Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 2, 2017
• Ratification is certified by: Representative Gregory W. Porter (IN), President