A bipartisan group of senators have proposed a bill this week to toughen the federal penalties for people who illegally purchase firearms for someone else.

Lawmakers say the proposal will help law enforcement prosecute gun crimes. Under the bill, the practice of gun trafficking would be a federal crime for the first time.

People who buy a firearm for someone who is banned from doing so, like felons and illegal immigrants, would face penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

The bill also would punish the person who breaks the law by selling the gun.