Requires most private sales or transfers of firearms between unlicensed people to be processed through a licensed firearms dealer who runs the federal background check and completes transfer paperwork, while listing specific exceptions (family transfers, short temporary loans, law enforcement, transfers after death, etc.). Dealers must provide a written notice and obtain a signed transferee certification before completing a transfer; the Attorney General must provide the required forms in English and Spanish. The rule amends 18 U.S.C. §§922 and 924 and takes effect 180 days after enactment.
States the purpose of the Act: to utilize the current background checks process in the United States to ensure individuals prohibited from gun purchase or possession are not able to obtain firearms.
Makes it unlawful for any person who is not a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer to transfer a firearm to another unlicensed person unless a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer first takes possession of the firearm to comply with subsection (t).
Requires a licensee who takes possession of a firearm under the rule above to comply with all chapter requirements as if transferring the firearm from the licensee’s inventory to the unlicensed transferee.
Specifies that if a licensee takes possession of a firearm but the transfer is not completed for any reason, the return of the firearm to the transferor by the licensee is not treated as a transfer under the chapter.
Exempts law enforcement agencies, law enforcement officers, armed private security professionals, and members of the Armed Forces from the prohibition when they are acting within the course and scope of employment and official duties.
Who is affected and how:
Private firearm buyers and sellers: Individuals who previously completed private sales or transfers without involving a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) will generally need to route those transactions through a licensed dealer, adding steps, time, and likely fees. Sellers must identify whether an exception applies and, if not, use an FFL.
Federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs): Dealers will take on additional administrative tasks and potential liability as the mandated intermediaries. They will need to provide the written notice, collect signed certifications, run the NICS check or other background check, and retain records consistent with existing law. Dealers may face increased workload and compliance costs.
Individuals prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms: The measure tightens one route by which prohibited persons might obtain firearms by extending background checks to most private transfers; enforcement may reduce illicit acquisitions through private sales.
Background-check system (NICS) and federal agencies: Because more transfers will be routed through licensed dealers, NICS and related systems may see higher transaction volumes. The statute does not appropriate additional funds for capacity upgrades, so any strain could affect processing times unless funded or otherwise managed.
Criminal justice and enforcement: Prosecutors and federal investigators will use existing statutory tools to pursue illegal transfers; courts will address new compliance-related prosecutions that arise from violations of the amended sections.
Legal and operational considerations:
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Last progress June 10, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 10, 2025 by Michael Thompson
Updated 1 week ago
Last progress November 19, 2025 (2 months ago)
