Supervisors back ordinance to vet firearms vendors used by city and police

The Board of Supervisors on May 7 passed on first reading an ordinance to set minimum qualifications for suppliers from which city departments may procure firearms and ammunition.

Supervisor Stephanie framed the measure as part of San Francisco’s role as a gun‑safety leader, citing a Brady United report that identified troubling ATF histories for some federally licensed dealers used by law enforcement across California. "We should make sure that we're not buying our weapons and our ammunition from those dealers that have shady violations on record with ATF," Stephanie said, adding that the city worked with the city administrator's office, the Office of Contract Administration and the San Francisco Police Department on the policy.

Stephanie said the change aims to require 'rigorous vetting procedures' so that law‑enforcement purchases do not perpetuate gun‑violence risks. She noted Oakland has adopted similar restrictions and thanked named staff and advocates who helped craft the ordinance. The measure passed first reading and will return for subsequent consideration before final adoption.