New Jersey to stop doing business with gun makers, sellers that don’t adopt restrictions

New Jersey is set to stop doing business with gun manufacturers and retailers that fail to adopt gun control measures, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

The state will reportedly also apply pressure on major financial institutions, seeking information about their relationships and policies involving gun makers and sellers.

Gov. Philip Murphy (D) is set to unveil the measures Tuesday, according to the Times.

The rules would present a new strategy for tackling gun violence following three mass shootings in August and concern that Washington will not take steps to address the problem.

Several major banks have already started cutting off services to gun retailers and stopping lending to manufacturers who do not abide by age limits and background checks.

New Jersey officials told the Times that they hope their acceleration of that process will embolden other liberal states to follow suit.

The state will not do business with retailers who fail to conduct background checks or lack policies prohibiting firearm sales to people with a history of mental illness or convictions.

“Taxpayers are the top purchasers of firearms,” an executive order obtained by the Times that Murphy is expected to sign reads.

“The State should not be purchasing firearms, ammunition or equipment from vendors that place civilians and law enforcement in harm’s way by virtue of not adopting responsible practices related to firearms.”

New Jersey estimates that it spends more than $70 million per year on firearms, supplies and ammunition, according to the Times.

The state already has stringent gun control measures, but Murphy wants to expand those rules nationwide with the new executive order.

*story by The Hill