The Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America will attend another hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 21, to urge Travis County commissioners to once again insist on background checks for all gun purchases at gun shows held at the Travis County Expo Center. The hearing was requested by management at Saxet Gun Shows in an attempt to reverse the original ruling.
Just two weeks after suspending contract negotiations with Saxet Gun Shows due to promoters’ refusal to require background checks for all firearms sales at future Travis County Expo Center events, the Travis County Commissioners’ Court will again consider whether to enter into a 2014-15 contract with the gun show promoter at its meeting on Tues., Jan. 21. The commissioners suspended negotiations with Saxet on January 7, 2014 citing Saxet’s refusal to consider any contract term that would institute background checks on all gun sales at the shows.
“We commend the Travis County Commissioners for their continued thoughtful attention to this important public safety issue, and for standing up for the rights of all citizens of Travis County in the face of tremendous pressure from the gun lobby,” said Hilary Rand, Texas regional manager of Moms Demand Action. “Background checks are the single most effective way to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons, domestic abusers, and the dangerously mentally ill. This straightforward requirement helps guarantee responsible gun sales and helps save lives. It is an easy, effective measure that will better protect all Travis County residents, including my family.”
At a hearing earlier this month, representatives from the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action provided testimony stating that since 1968 federal law has banned the possession of firearms by convicted felons, domestic abusers, and people who are dangerously mentally ill. Current law requires background checks be performed by licensed dealers. However, unlicensed sellers at gun shows and through Internet sites sell millions of guns every year, with no background check whatsoever, including at the Saxet Gun Shows held at the Travis County Expo Center. Moms urged the Commissioners to close this “gun show loophole” for shows taking place in county-owned facilities, thereby keeping guns out of dangerous hands and increasing public safety.
