Open Eye

A plain-language record of the U.S. government

117th Congress · House

Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021

Subjects: Crime prevention · Criminal justice information and records · Firearms and explosives · Government information and archives · Licensing and registrations · Crime and Law Enforcement

In plain language

  • House bill in the 117th Congress.
  • Establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals).
  • House passed it on Mar 11, 2021 (substantive).
Official summary (Congressional Research Service)

Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals). Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. The prohibition does not apply to certain firearm transfers or exchanges, such as a gift between spouses in good faith.

View this measure on congress.gov

Roll-call votes on this measure