Biden's New Rule Orders Nationwide Gun Sales Background Checks

Gun showPhoto byPublic Use

President Biden has announced a new rules that will require Federal backround checks on all gun purchases across the nation, not just at gun stores. In order to eliminate the "gun-show loophole", anyone that sells guns primarily for a profit will be required to do a backround check on potential buyers.

The rule expands the definition of what it means to be "engaged in the business" of selling firearms. The clarification means that background checks are required for the sale of guns not just at gun stores, but also for guns sold at flea markets, on social media and at gun shows.

The object is to keep guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers and violent criminals, and children. According to the Justice Department who cited a 2017 study showing that about 22% of Americans said they acquired their most recent gun without a background check.

The law is expected to survive any legal challenges.

This rule is expected to affect about 23,000 unlicensed gun dealers, but will not affect private gun owners who are liquidating their personal collection.