Background Checks for Gun and Ammo Purchases (S. 649)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is S. 649?
(Updated April 11, 2018)
Would require "a background check for every firearm sale", with exceptions being made for gifts between family members, a transfer from an estate, and temporary transfers in relation to hunting. At present, federal background checks are only required for sales through licensed gun dealers, and not Internet and gun shows sales. This act would make require states to make data of gun and ammunition purchases available to the National Instant Background Check Verification System. Explicitly bars the creation of a national gun registry. This bill was tabled in April 2013, after it was unable to gain bipartisan support.
Argument in favor
Would curb deadly mass shootings by making it more difficult for persons with a criminal record and/or history of drug addiction to purchase firearms and ammunition.
Argument opposed
Second Amendment concerns. Privacy concerns. Those determined to purchase firearms illegally would still find the means to do so.
Impact
Impacts would-be gun and ammunition buyers, but not current owners, as language in the bill explicitly states that the more than 300 million guns already in private ownership in America would not be affected.
Cost of S. 649
A CBO cost estimate is not available at this time.
Additional Info
Media:
The Hill: Reid Tables Gun Control Bill After Defeat
Of Note:
-This bill contains a number of amendments, notably Feinstein's amendment to ban assault weapons and the Manchen-Toomey amendment. A list can be found here.
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