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Bill would stiffen penalties for straw purchases

Posted at 5:11 PM, Feb 05, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-05 17:12:03-05

(WTVR) — A Virginia Republican wants to crack down on people who buy guns for those who are not supposed to have them.

Congressman Scott Rigell introduced a bill Tuesday that would greatly increase the penalties for straw purchases.

That’s when someone who is able to pass a criminal background check purchases a firearm with the intention of giving it to someone who is not allowed to own a gun.

Straw purchases are currently only considered a “paper work offense” and are rarely prosecuted.

However, Rigell wants to make them a gun trafficking felony that could result in a 20-year prison term.

Click here to read more on this story from the Virginian Pilot.