Mayor Brandon Johnson is preparing to put Chicago’s purchasing power behind a tougher approach to firearm accountability, with an executive order aimed at the companies supplying guns, ammunition and accessories to city agencies. The move gives City Hall another way to pressure the firearms industry without waiting for Congress or Springfield to act.
Johnson was expected to sign the order at 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to ABC7 Chicago. The standards would apply to firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition purchased by city departments and sister agencies, with advocates saying vendor evaluations would include public-safety and accountability measures.
Live Free Illinois Has Pushed Procurement Standards For Years
Supporters including Live Free Illinois have argued that cities can use contracts and taxpayer dollars to demand more responsible business practices from firearm vendors. In that framework, procurement is not just a back-office function; it becomes another lever for violence prevention and industry oversight.
Chicago Action Arrives As State Proposal Sits In Springfield
The city’s move also lands as Illinois lawmakers consider a similar state-level approach. Senate Bill 3909 would create requirements for companies seeking state contracts involving firearms, ammunition or firearm accessories, but the Illinois General Assembly lists its latest action as a May 22 re-referral to the Senate Assignments Committee.
Johnson has already made gun violence reduction a signature administrative priority this summer. The Chicago City Clerk lists a June 25 executive order creating the city’s Office of Gun Violence Reduction, while WTTW News reported that the office is charged with coordinating prevention efforts, developing a five-year strategy and advising on a possible permanent department.
Details Of Vendor Review Remain To Be Released
The practical impact of Wednesday’s procurement order will depend on the standards City Hall ultimately adopts and how agencies enforce them. The initial report from ABC7 Chicago did not specify which vendor practices could trigger disqualification, how existing contracts might be affected or whether the order would create a public reporting process.
