The US government has submitted a proposal to ensure that all buyers of firearms are pre-screened. With this new rule, the government wants to close a loophole in a law that was introduced in June 2022 after a number of deadly shootings in the US.
Just over a year ago, President Joe Biden signed the first major federal gun safety law in decades. This law was intended to ensure better screening of firearm buyers. For example, states are urged to place more youth files in the system, so that buyers between the ages of 18 and 21 can be better scrutinized.
But according to Steven Dettelbach, director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, there is an “increasing number of individuals” who have not registered as federal arms dealers, “as required by law.” Outside the book, they try to make money from illegal sales, so they don’t do background checks. “These activities undermine the law, endanger public safety, place a significant burden on law enforcement, and are unfair to the many licensed traders who make significant efforts to follow the law,” said Dettelbach.
More control, mandatory permit
The new law, proposed yesterday by the Ministry of Justice, aims to close the loopholes in the June 2022 law. There will be a come a clearer definition of people “involved in trade” in arms. Also will sellers are required to apply for a licence. As a result, the seller will always have to perform a criminal and psychological background check on every buyer. The government will increase control of the trade in collectible weapons and will be able to track registered guns when they pass from one owner to another.
The law mainly covers the sale of weapons for profit. Hobby collectors are exempt from the mandatory background check. In a press release, the ministry said the new law also includes a definition of “personal firearms collection.” “True hobbyists and collectors” who will be able to “expand and sell their collections without fear of breaking the law”.
Comments
Gun violence prevention group Brady is enthusiastic about the proposal. In a statement, they said it closes “a huge loophole in our life-saving background check system.” “It is high time to ensure that anyone selling firearms for profit must be licensed and that their sale of firearms is subject to a background check,” said Brady chairman Kris Brown.
The Conservatives, who strongly support the constitutional right to bear arms, oppose any tightening of gun laws. Biden therefore encountered opposition.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.