The Democrat-controlled House Of Representatives just passed a universal background check bill-that if the Senate also passes, would make it the most significant gun control legislation in years.
According to Vox, under the current federal law, “licensed dealers are required to run a background check to make sure a buyer doesn’t have a criminal record, history of mental illness” or any other factors that could legally bar them from purchasing a gun.
The problem with this current law has always been private sellers. Unlicensed sellers don’t have to run a background check. So if someone sells a gun person to person, over the internet or gifts a gun to someone else, even through friends and family, the transaction is not legally prohibited.
Through this new HR 8 bill, the current loophole would be greatly affected – with the exemptions for gun transfers among family and temporary transfers (like lending someone a gun while hunting).
However, the proposal could be a giant leap forward, as the concept of universal or comprehensive background checks has been a top concern for gun control advocates. Many different groups seem to agree with this proposal including gun owners, people who don’t own guns, Democrats and Republicans- pretty much everyone.
The Senate (which is controlled by Republicans) could still shoot down this bill, as they have been extremely reluctant to approve any gun control bills- despite a heightened need to.
Some research suggests that a universal background check bill alone may not do enough to reduce gun violence in the United States.
About 1 in 5 gun transfers are done without any background checks done at all. The bill would aim to close this loophole and attempt to ensure that few criminals end up with access to guns.
Establishing a system of background checks on a universal scale, may not be significant but it doesn’t mean it would be useless either.
Policies that have proven to be far more effective, such as a gun licensing system are built in part on background checks, so while each component may not seem strong on their own, they could definitely be more effective if they are put in place to work together.
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