In July, California became the first state to prohibit the sale of firearms and ammunition on state property, a move that will put an end to gun shows on county fairgrounds, where they are often held, and could serve as an example for the rest of the nation, reports Pew Stateline. For decades, gun violence researchers have linked gun shows with firearms used in crimes, as unofficial transactions between attendees often skirted national laws that require background checks on purchases from federally licensed vendors.
Recently, the proliferation of untraceable parts for “ghost guns” sold at gun shows has added another layer of concern. Gun-rights advocates argue that the move ignores the strict laws that already governed gun shows in California. Colorado, Connecticut, New York, Oregon and Virginia also require background checks on all firearm purchases at gun shows, while Maryland requires a special dealer license to sell handguns and assault weapons at gun shows. California’s gun ban goes into effect in 2023 and supporters believe other states will soon follow its lead.