WASHINGTON, D.C. - A sweeping new bill introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Hank Johnson would realize a slew of big-ticket gun reform policies, including universal background checks, an updated assault weapons ban, and expanded funding for federal gun violence research.

It would also significantly increase security requirements at the nation’s tens of thousands of firearms dealers. A 2019 investigation by The Trace and The New Yorker illuminated the growing problem of gun store theft.

If passed, the Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act would require gun stores to guard against thieves through the use of video monitoring, alarms, safes, and other measures to be prescribed by the U.S. attorney general. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives would also be authorized to hire an additional 650 inspectors to carry out compliance checks, and stores found to have violated the new security rules could face fines or be forced to shut down.

Under current federal law, gun stores can operate without so much as a lock on the door. Burglars have taken notice, stealing nearly 30,000 firearms from dealers and other licensed gun sellers between 2014 and 2018.