Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Governor Philip D. Murphy STATE OF NEW YORK STATE OF NEW JERSEY Governor Dannel P. Malloy Governor Gina M. Raimondo STATE OF CONNECTICUT STATE OF RHODE ISLAND NIEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is by and between the State of New York (hereinafter referred to as ?New York?), the State of New Jersey (hereinafter referred to as ?New Jersey?), the State of Connecticut (hereinafter referred to as ?Connecticut?), and the State of Rhode Island (hereinafter referred to as ?Rhode Island?). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the Governors of the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, respectively, are committed to the well?being, safety, and security of communities, families, residents, and visitors within the region; and WHEREAS, the Governors of the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, respectively, are dedicated to the reduction of gun violence and to identifying new approaches to prevent gun-related crimes; and WHEREAS, the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, respectively, have focused their resources upon addressing the need for reform in the area of gun control and have separately worked to stem the tide of gun violence occurring within each state; and WHEREAS, despite the passage of laws in the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, respectively, controlling the purchase and carry of ?rearms, the effectiveness of those laws has been signi?cantly eroded by individuals who purchase guns in other states with fewer restrictions and transport them across states? borders; and WHEREAS, despite the continued loss of innocent lives to gun violence across the Country, the Federal government has failed to take action to protect the Nation; and WHEREAS, the reduction in gun violence and the safety of our communities is dependent on the timely sharing of critical information across all states; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and representations set forth in this Agreement, the Governors of each respective state do hereby agree as follows: I. CREATE A TASK FORCE TO TRACE AND INTERCEPT ILLEGAL GUNS In order to curb the cross?border transportation of illegal guns, the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island shall create a joint task force to trace and intercept illegal guns. This task force shall include, but not be limited to, members from the New York State Intelligence Center, the New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center, the Connecticut Intelligence Center, the Rhode Island State Fusion Center, and appropriate representatives of additional states as agree to the terms of this Memorandum. The task force shall, consistent with all applicable state and federal laws, produce analyses that trace the sale and use of out?of?state guns in crimes and provide to law enforcement actionable intelligence to intercept criminals who transport illegal guns across the states? borders. II. ENHANCE INTELLIGENCE GATHERING, INFORMATION SHARING, AND RESPONSE EFFORTS Despite nation-leading gun safety laws in the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, signi?cant opportunities exist to work collaboratively regarding gun intelligence, information sharing, and efforts to respond to gun violence. A. Enhance Intelligence Gathering and Information Sharing Access to information is critical to ensuring that dangerous individuals are prohibited from obtaining guns in the first instance. Still, there exists a lack of information?sharing between states regarding the individual state?s concerns regarding certain individuals. Without possessing this collective information, each state is not necessarily in the best position to determine the fitness and suitability of a gun applicant or owner. To address this vulnerability, by this agreement, the States ofNew York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island shall, consistent with all applicable state and federal laws and to the extent practicable, share information regarding individuals identi?ed by each respective state as disquali?ed ?'om possessing a firearm. B. Explore Reciprocal Law Enforcement Powers The States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have, under the authorization provided by Executive Orders, enjoyed the mutual assistance of one another?s law enforcement for a limited nature in times of need. By this agreement, the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island shall create a comprehensive, coordinated plan to respond to threats of mass gun violence within the region by leveraging their collective investigative resources. The plan shall address the viability of expanding law enforcement reciprocity arrangements to prevent and respond to mass gun violence. ESTABLISH A REGIONAL GUN VIOLENCE RESEARCH CONSORTIUM The States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island recognize the need to develop new evidence?based strategies to prevent and disrupt the cycle of gun violence. Notwithstanding the federal government?s prohibition of federal support for gun violence research since 1996, the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have sought to address the causes and effects of gun?involved homicides, suicides, and injuries. By this agreement, these states shall partner and create a regional gun violence research consortium. This inter-disciplinary consortium shall include researchers in the disciplines of: criminal justice, public safety, public health, public policy, and social welfare charged with collecting and analyzing data and will produce reports that support public efforts to reduce gun violence. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Governors of the states ofNew York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have hereunto set their hands and seal on February 22, 2018. For the Stat ofNew York For the State of New Jersey For the State of Connecticut For the State of Rhode Island