N.C. ACORN Proposes Stricter Ammunition Laws

By NBC17, NBC17, 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Updated: Dec. 13 4:32 pm
DURHAM, N.C. -

The grassroots community organization, ACORN, is fighting for a new law it says will save lives.

"Stop the Bullet" is a campaign that would make it harder for felons to buy ammunition from stores.

When you buy a gun, gun shops have to run a background check first to make sure you're not a convicted felon.

Although it is also illegal for convicted felons to buy bullets, a background check is not required. As it stands now, gun shops aren't required to ask any questions before selling bullets, as long as the buyer is 18 and can present identification.

Community organizer for the local NC ACORN group, The Rev. Melvin Whitley, says it's too easy for criminals to buy ammo, and he plans to close that loophole.

ACORN'S initiative would expand the law to include ammunition, and may even include a requirement for bullet permits.

"The problem with the law is that it allows criminals to have access to bullets. And it's the bullets that's killing us," according to Whitley.

But gun shop owners disagree.

They feel it's just another way organizations are trying to take away their Second Amendment rights.

"We have to make it clear we are not talking about gun control, we're talking about bullets," said Durham City Council Member Howard Clement III.

Whitley stated his case before the Durham City Council Thursday in hopes that the council will add it to its legislative agenda. The council's legislative committee will determine whether the initiative has legs.

Whitley hopes to get the bill passed in a year.

According to the National Sports Shooting Foundation, at least 18 states have tried to pass laws to stamp bullets with serial numbers or tax individual bullets. None have passed.

Learn More About Bullet Serialization

A bill requiring serial numbers on bullets failed the Kentucky State House this year. See Bill

New York lawmakers proposed bullet control legislation in 2007. Read More

http://static.mync.com