What is a Universal Backgroud Check?
Universal Background checks are a type of background check that has been introduced by Lawmakers that require background checks on essentially all gun purchases. A Universal Background Check requires most private firearm purchases to go through the same background check process that licensed dealers must undergo.
These new regulations would still allow private transactions of firearms at gun shows or websites such as Armslist, however, they will require an additional step. The weapon(s) involved in the transaction have to undergo a background check from a licensed dealer before the transaction is complete.
There are exemptions for transferring guns between family members and borrowing guns.
Why Were Universal Background Checks Introduced?
The goal of implementing the Universal Background Checks is to reduce the amount of people who have access to illegal firearms. A 2017 survey reported that on average, 22% of firearm sales are illegal.
In the past, if a gun was sold across state lines, or to an out of state resident, the gun was supposed to be transferred to a licensed dealer so a background check can be performed according to Federal Law. However, a common loophole between the buyer and seller would be to simply not ask where the other party was from. Because the buyer and seller did not knowingly know where the other party was from before completing the transaction, it was considered legal.
The best way to avoid complications when completing a firearm transaction is to have the firearm submitted to a licensed dealer for a background check.
