Background Check Expansion Act — S.494 / H.R.715
Universal Background Checks
Background-check expansion closes loopholes in existing federal law, which only requires a check when the seller is a licensed dealer. Federal law already prohibits certain people — including those with felony convictions, certain domestic abusers, and fugitives — from possessing firearms.
81%
of voters support background checks on all firearm sales — 92% of Democrats and 70% of Republicans
22 + DC
states have closed the private-sale loophole, while Congress has not acted
3.5M
denials made across 381 million background checks through the NICS system
Closing the loophole
Background checks — using both federal databases and information from local law enforcement — should be performed before all firearm purchases, not only those at federally licensed dealers. That includes gun shows, private sales and transfers, and online purchases, similar to how privately sold motor vehicles must still be legally registered.
In the wake of the Nashville school shooting on March 27, 2023, which killed three children and three adults, Republican Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee signed an executive order tightening background-check requirements — an act commended across the aisle.
What is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System?
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) was implemented to prevent firearm sales to individuals with criminal records. Since its creation, 381 million background checks have been conducted and 3.5 million denials have been made.
An estimated 80% of firearms used for criminal purposes are obtained through transfers from unlicensed dealers (Vittes, 2012). Source: Everytown Research & Policy.
See the full evidence base and references behind our priorities.
View the research