Commerce in Firearms and Ammunition
Plain English Summary
Regulates firearms dealers, requires background checks for gun sales, and defines who is prohibited from owning firearms.
Full Text
Any person engaged in the business of dealing in firearms must obtain a federal firearms license (FFL). Licensed dealers must conduct background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) before transferring firearms to non-licensees. Certain persons, including convicted felons, fugitives, drug users, and those adjudicated as mentally defective, are prohibited from possessing firearms.
Dealers must maintain records of acquisition and disposition of firearms for at least 20 years. Sales to out-of-state residents must be transferred through a licensee in the purchaser's state. Straw purchases and false statements on ATF Form 4473 are federal crimes.