In a significant move towards expanding federal background checks, the Biden administration is taking steps to end the controversial “gun-show loophole.” Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted the pain and suffering caused by this gap in the federal background check system.
The Justice Department is set to submit a new regulation to the Federal Register, mandating anyone “engaged in the business” of selling guns at a profit to register as a federally licensed firearms dealer and conduct background criminal and mental health checks on buyers. This rule, which updates the definition of “engaged in the business” as a firearms dealer, is expected to take effect in a month.
President Joe Biden has urged Congress to pass universal background check legislation. ATF Director Steven Dettelbach assured that the final rule does not infringe on Second Amendment rights and will not negatively impact law-abiding licensed firearms dealers.
This move comes amidst intensified calls for gun control measures following the 2022 mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to reduce gun violence. Last month, Harris visited Parkland, Florida, meeting families affected by the 2018 mass shooting. In December, she brought together nearly 100 state legislators to launch an initiative providing states with additional tools to advance gun safety measures. In September, Biden established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a vocal advocate for gun control since the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, described this as potentially the most impactful change made possible by the 2022 gun safety bill.