The group “Iowans for the Prevention of Gun Violence” is pressing legislators to put new restrictions on gun sales by unlicensed people. Under their plan, gun sales over the Internet, at gun shows, flea markets or estate sales, or through classified ads would have to be done through a licensed gun dealer. That means there’d be a criminal background check. Iowans for the Prevention of Gun Violence executive director John Johnson.Johnson says for far too long, politicians in Washington, D.C. and Des Moines have neglected their duty to protect Americans from gun violence. Johnson says 40 percent of gun sales in the U-S are not subject to a background check. That means last year, about five-and-a-half million firearms sales are made by unlicensed people.California and Pennsylvania have laws which require background checks on all weapon sales, and Johnson says the law works in those states.
Iowa's Radio News Network
