Bipartisan Bill Proposed to Expand Federal Background Check System
OutdoorHub Reporters 11.07.17
A bill currently being discussed would see that comprehensive and enforceable background checks take place before any commercial firearms sale at gun shows, over the internet, or through classified ads.
As a disclaimer, we thought it was worth noting that these background check laws are in place today, however, we need to do a better job at enforcing them so criminals don’t slip through the cracks. . .
A news release on the measure can be read below:
“Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Peter King (R-NY) introduced H.R. 4240, the bipartisan Thompson-King background check legislation, officially known as the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 2017.
“Background checks are the first line of defense in our efforts to keep guns from criminals, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill,” Thompson stated in a press release. “The American people have had enough of thoughts and prayers. They want leaders to act.”
“There is no single law that can put an end to mass shootings or gun violence, but there are certainly proactive steps we can take to keep guns out of the hands of felons, domestic abusers, and the dangerously mentally ill,” said Peter King.
“When background checks are used, they keep guns out of the hands of people we all agree shouldn’t have guns. As government officials it is our responsibility to protect our citizens, and when it comes to gun violence we must do more. The majority of Americans want to see action, and we owe it to the victims and their families to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.”
The legislation also supports the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. It provides reasonable exceptions for firearms transfers between family members, friends, and hunting buddies. Under the bill, background checks would continue to be conducted in the same manner as they have for more than 40 years.
The bill also help strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by incentivizing states to improve reporting of criminals and the dangerously mentally ill and by directing future grant funds toward better record-sharing systems. The bill will reduce federal funds to states that do not comply.”
