[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 42 (Thursday, April 6, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2340-S2341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SMITH AND WESSON AGREEMENT

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, for the first time in the United States, a 
gun manufacturer has agreed to make major changes to the design, 
distribution and marketing of its products. In a historic settlement 
reached by Smith & Wesson, the Administration, and cities and states 
around the country, Smith & Wesson will make sweeping changes to its 
business practices.
  Under the terms of the agreement, several cities and counties will 
drop lawsuits filed against Smith & Wesson in exchange for reforms 
designed to make guns safer and limit access to them by unauthorized 
users. Specifically, Smith & Wesson agreed to increased safety 
standards, such as the

[[Page S2341]]

inclusion of external locking devices on all of its guns immediately, 
and internal safety locks on its pistols within two years; more 
stringent performance standards for its handguns, including rigorous 
drop tests; and a commitment to include ``smart gun'' technology in its 
newly designed handguns within three years.
  In addition, Smith & Wesson agreed to revamp the way it distributes 
and sells firearms. Smith & Wesson will conduct business transactions 
only with authorized distributors and dealers who abide by a code of 
conduct. The distributor or dealer must agree in writing to perform and 
complete a background check for all sales, including those at gun 
shows; impose limits on the bulk purchase of guns; implement a security 
plan to prevent firearm and ammunition theft; require juveniles to be 
accompanied by a parent or guardian where guns and ammo are stored or 
sold. Other parts of the voluntary agreement include a trust fund for a 
public service campaign about the risk of firearms in the home and 
lessons for proper home storage. Also, Smith & Wesson made assurances 
that their guns will not be marketed to appeal to children or criminals 
and will not be advertised in the vicinity of schools, high crime 
zones, or public housing.
  Finally, with this agreement, a firearm manufacturer has agreed to 
the basic demands of the American people: to keep guns out of the hands 
of children and criminals. I hope other gun manufacturers will follow 
their lead and work to reduce the level of gun violence in America.

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