Chicago Sets Stricter Standards for Firearm Purchases
Recently Published | Chicago, IL
CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order tightening how the City of Chicago purchases firearms, gun accessories, and ammunition for city departments and sister agencies.
The executive order, which takes effect immediately, is designed to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent only on firearm vendors that demonstrate strong legal compliance and responsible business practices. Gun violence prevention advocates say the measure uses the city's purchasing power to hold firearm manufacturers and vendors to higher standards of accountability.
New Requirements for Vendors
The order directs the Department of Procurement Services, in consultation with the Chicago Police Department and other safety agencies, to develop new procurement standards within 90 days. Companies seeking city contracts for firearms and related accessories will be required to disclose:
- Licensing and regulatory compliance information.
- Firearm-related violations and any corrective actions taken.
- Business practices designed to prevent firearm trafficking, straw purchasing, theft, and the unlawful diversion of firearms.
The city will also consider vendors' employee training programs, security measures, cooperation with law enforcement investigations, and other public safety practices when awarding or renewing contracts.
Context and Reactions
Brady United, a national nonprofit focused on preventing gun violence, estimates taxpayers spend more than $5 billion each year on law enforcement firearms and ammunition. The organization's investigation found that law enforcement agencies across the country have spent millions of taxpayer dollars purchasing from dealers and manufacturers with repeated violations of federal firearm regulations.
"This executive order sends a clear message: public dollars should never reward harmful business practices. Live Free Illinois is proud to stand with Brady United and our partners as Chicago shows what it looks like to lead with courage, use every tool available, and turn procurement into a strategy for public safety."
— Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, Executive Director of Live Free Illinois
"Chicago's commitment to community safety is reflected in the standards we set for how taxpayer dollars are spent. Every family deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and through this commitment to the families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, we are encouraging greater accountability across the firearms industry."
— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago
A Broader Strategy
The executive order is the latest step in Johnson's broader public safety agenda. Earlier this month, the mayor signed an executive order creating Chicago's Office of Gun Violence Reduction.
The office is responsible for developing a five-year citywide strategy, coordinating services for victims of gun violence, and laying the foundation for a permanent city department focused on violence reduction. City officials noted that the procurement order builds on this broader strategy, which also includes investments in prevention, youth employment, victim services, and mental and behavioral health programs across 27 targeted neighborhoods.