Legislation Search

S. 3214: Background Check Expansion Act

The Background Check Expansion Act, in its proposed form, aims to expand the requirements for background checks on firearm sales in the United States. The main features of the bill include:

1. Mandatory Background Checks for Firearm Transfers

The bill stipulates that it would be illegal for any individual who is not a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to transfer a firearm to another unlicensed person without first having the firearm taken into possession by a licensed entity. This means that in order to transfer a firearm legally, the firearm must go through a licensed dealer who would conduct the necessary background check.

2. Exemptions to the Background Check Requirement

The legislation outlines several exemptions where the background check requirement would not apply. These exemptions include:

Transfers to law enforcement agencies or law enforcement officers as part of their official duties.
Loans or gifts between family members, including spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, siblings, and grandchildren.
Transfers related to the administration of an estate upon someone's death.
Temporary transfers designed to prevent imminent harm, including domestic violence or other threats.
Temporary transfers that occur explicitly for the purposes of target shooting or during hunting activities, under specific conditions.

3. Regulations for Licensed Dealers

Licensed importers, manufacturers, or dealers are required to provide potential transferees with written notice of the legal prohibitions on unlicensed transfers as outlined in the bill. The transferee must certify receipt of this notice.

4. Amendment to Existing Laws

The bill includes amendments to existing U.S. Code sections related to firearms, ensuring consistency with the new background check requirements and expanding the scope of what constitutes an unlawful transfer.

5. Clarifications and Limitations

The legislation clearly states that it does not establish a national firearms registry and respects the authority of individual states to enact their own laws on the same topics, provided they do not conflict with federal law.

6. Effective Date

If enacted, the new regulations from this bill would take effect 180 days after it becomes law.

Relevant Companies

Ruger (RGR) - Sturm, Ruger & Co. may face impacts due to changing sales regulations affecting how firearms are sold.
American Outdoor Brands (AOBC) - As a manufacturer of firearms and related accessories, this company would also need to adjust its operations and sales strategies in compliance with the bill's requirements.
Smith & Wesson Brands (SWBI) - Changes in firearm transfer regulations could affect their distribution and sales practices.

This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.